Jamal Rahman
Co-Founder and Co-Minister of ICS
Jamal’s Website: www.jamalrahman.com
Imam Jamal Rahman has a passion for interfaith community building, and believes that interfaith is not about conversion, but about completion. He was born a Muslim in Bangladesh, and cultivates an inner spaciousness by studying and having an appreciative understanding of other traditions and embodying some of their practices. In so doing, he believes he is becoming a more complete and developed human being.
Jamal is a popular speaker and author on Islam, Sufi spirituality, and interfaith relations. Along with his Interfaith Amigos, he has been featured in the New York Times, CBS News, BBC, and various NPR programs. He is also adjunct faculty at Seattle University and Pacific Lutheran University. He travels nationally and internationally, presenting at retreats and workshops for people of all faiths.
Jamal’s latest book Fragrance of the Qur’an is coming out soon!
(See more Jamal’s books)
Sally Jo Gilbert de Vargas
Co-Minister of ICS
Sally Jo Gilbert de Vargas was ordained as Co-Minister of ICS in September 2024. She considers herself “a lover of God and a seeker of Truth.” She strives to integrate her spirituality into every aspect of her life, and believes that spirituality can be shared and deepened in community, especially when respect for differences, beliefs, practices, and customs are honored. She connects daily to Divinity through various modalities such as prayer, music, Qi Gong, yoga, swimming, and walking in nature. These practices nourish her heart and give her the energy to be of service to others in a way that may gladden their hearts, ease their minds, and lift their spirits.
Sally Jo spent 40 years teaching middle school, and her passion for education and public service has continued after her retirement. Besides her ministerial work at ICS, Sally Jo serves on the boards of Northwest Interfaith, Project Ethiopia, and the SAMC medical clinic for women and children in Bangladesh.
Reverend Karen Lindquist
Co-Founder and Co-Minister of ICS Remembered
Reverend Karen Lindquist, former Co-Founder and Co-Minister of Interfaith Community Sanctuary, was a central pillar and guiding light for our community since the inception of Interfaith Community Sanctuary in 1998. Reverend Karen passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 4, 2024. ICS was her all-consuming love, passion, and life’s work. Her absence leaves an immense void in our hearts and in the work of our community.
Karen was a unique visionary, and a dedicated servant of service. She worked tirelessly every day to ensure the smooth administration of the Sanctuary programs, aligning them with our vision of Interfaith understanding, cooperation and collaboration locally, nationally, and internationally. She repeatedly emphasized the critical need for each of us to stay connected with our Divine purpose through spiritual practices, careful study, and self-introspection. This work leads us all to be of authentic selfless service in the community and the world.
