Jennifer Thornquest Featured in NY Times Article: Idaho City of Immigrants Debates Taking In Middle Eastern Refugees

“In an echo of the ferocious debate that is gripping Europe about the fate of the millions of Syrians thrown from their country by civil war, Twin Falls, Idaho is grappling with the question of whether taking in a next generation of refugees from the Middle East is wise and safe....

Jennifer Thornquest is among those who have responded from the other side, arguing that Twin Falls should follow the teachings of Jesus and practice what she calls “radical hospitality.”

Jennifer (McCollum) Thornquest’s commitment to peace and inter-religious harmony stems from her diverse religious experiences. The contrast between growing up with her father a prominent leader in the Pagan movement and currently a leader in her non-denominational Christian faith community, in rural Idaho, inspires her dedication to provide young people with the empowerment and leadership skills necessary to advance peace in the world today and in the future. She co-organizes an annual event called The Gathering, 48-hours of continuous worship fostering dialogue among Christian churches.

To further her journey in social entrepreneurship, Jennifer joined Children of the Earth (COE), an international NGO, as it fosters spirituality in the form of conscious leadership. She is developing as a trainer for COE workshops for youth abroad and is currently the news editor for COE.

Jennifer was featured in the following NY Times article, in October, regarding the conflict of receiving refugees from Syria into her small home-town in rural Idaho.

Idaho City of Immigrants Debates Taking In Middle Eastern Refugees: http://nyti.ms/1KQsdQR

As an example of inspired action and conscious leadership taught as a guiding principle of COE, she incorporated a presentation of her work in the COE team’s presentation at the World Parliament of Religions in Salt Lake City, UT.