A Personal Note of Gratitude and Purpose
This note is to thank all my friends in Washington, D.C., for their support, kindness, and friendship over the years.
I came to Washington, D.C., with a clear purpose: to establish and strengthen the Center for Pluralism and support more couples with their interfaith marriage needs. By the grace of God, much of that mission has been fulfilled; however, much more meaningful work is ahead.
Today, the Center for Pluralism is recognized by many respected institutions, including those on Capitol Hill, the Department of State, the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable, and numerous civic organizations. We originally founded CFP as the Foundation for Pluralism, in Dallas in 1996, and we are now proudly entering our 30th year of service.
When I first arrived in Washington, I had the honor of being interviewed by Dr. Frank Islam. It is a great summary conversation of what I do, and the follow-up is what I have achieved. A whole lot more is achieved 7 years after the 2nd interview. I thank Dr. Frank Islam
Follow-up interview:
You can also read the full story here:
The Inspiring Story of the Center for Pluralism – Promoting Religious Freedom and Human Rights
The Center for Pluralism is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safer and more inclusive societies through interfaith dialogue, civic engagement, and advocacy for human rights. Since its founding in 1996, the Center has united individuals from diverse faiths, backgrounds, and perspectives to combat prejudice, enhance understanding, and promote peaceful coexistence.
The Center addresses issues such as religious bias, political division, and workplace exclusion through public forums, workshops, media outreach, and annual unity events. Your support will help expand educational programs, community initiatives, and bridge-building efforts that foster respect, dignity, and a sense of shared belonging for all people in America and beyond.
We are proud to report that our efforts have positively impacted nearly 75,000 individuals. Many participants have reported that they have begun to see others as fellow human beings rather than strangers or adversaries. Others have shared that the programs have helped reduce their personal biases, increased their understanding, and opened their hearts. We take great pride in these accomplishments. Please visit www.CenterforPluralism.com
Building Bridges Through the Center for Pluralism
Over 75,000 people have participated in our programs, including:
- Unity Day
- Holocaust and Genocide Education Events
- Festivals of Faiths
- Community Dialogues
- Interfaith Understanding Programs
- Workshops on the essence of religions
Visit: www.CenterforPluralism.com
The impact of these gatherings has been deeply encouraging. Many participants shared that they began seeing others as fellow human beings rather than strangers. Others said the programs helped reduce personal bias, increased understanding, and opened their hearts.
That is the power of pluralism.
A National Voice for Interfaith Marriages
Approximately 50.000 individuals have participated in 618 ceremonies, opening their hearts, minds, and souls to fellow humans of diverse faiths.
One of the greatest joys of my life has been officiating 618 interfaith marriages involving people from:
- 13 faith traditions
- 77 cities across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the UK, and Europe
- 98 ethnic backgrounds
Several of these were beautiful destination weddings.
A book is in the making; “Interfaith Marriages and how to raise interfaith children.”
Before each ceremony, I often conduct a brief 7-minute peace of mind reflection for nearly 50,000 attendees over time.
I ask two simple but life-changing questions:
- What do I lose if someone worships, eats, and clothes differently?
- What is the essence behind worship, clothing, food, or cultural practices?
Upon reflecting and answering the two questions above, you will discover Freedom, Liberation, Mukti, Moksha, Nirvana, Nijaat and peace of mind. My life mission is to open the hearts, souls, and minds of my fellow humans.
Learn more at: www.InterfaithMarriages.org
Work as a Muslim and Global Citizen
I say, “If it is not common sense, then it is not Islam” Ultimately, all that God desires is for us to live in harmony and peace with ourselves, with others, and with the universe. My contributions as a member of the Muslim community can be seen att:
I have always believed faith should unite people, not divide them. Whether through Islam, interfaith dialogue, or civic engagement, my goal has remained the same:
To build understanding among people of all backgrounds, the American Muslim Agenda is published and is available at Amazon. The book is about building a cohesive America based on doing 110 TV shows with Sean Hannity on Fox News and additional 40 shows with Stuart Varney, Laura Ingraham, Bill O’Reilly, Jesse Watters, Megyn Kelly, and a few others.
Organizations and Friendships in Washington, D.C.
During my time in Washington, I was privileged to be involved with several organizations, including:
- International Religious Freedom Roundtable (IRF)
- Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV)
- National Council of Asian Indian Americans (NCAIA)
- Committee on Religious Liberty
- Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society
- Jews, Muslims, and Allies Together
- Israel-Palestine confederation
- Many additional community initiatives
- American Muslim Institution
I remain deeply grateful to every individual who supported our shared efforts.
And I will absolutely stay connected with dear friends including:
Zafar, Nuzaira, Andra, Tariq, Masood, Rani, Frank, Victor, Sanjeev, Ishrat Apa, Manci, Suresh, Rabbi Serotta, Sashi, Moazzam Bhai, Eman, Safi, Razi, Sabir, Dilip, Shammi, Rizwan, Sue, Greg, Ani, Amb Rabbi Saperstein, Amb Brownback, Congressman Sessions, Amir Bhai, Amb Ahmed, Dan, Amb Cumber, Andrea, Fatima, Pavan, Anjana, Charles, Imam Faizul, Imam Shariff, Imam Zafrulla, Humaira, Charles, Walter, Gary, Arif, you, and a few more.
Eleven Meaningful Years in Washington
I arrived in Washington, D.C., on May 15, 2015.
I will leave on May 15, 2026.
That marks 11 unforgettable years of service, friendship, growth, and purpose.
However, I cannot leave Washington without expressing heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Humaira, who supported my mission and allowed me to stay in her condo at a much lower rental rate than market prices.
That generosity made it possible for me to continue nonprofit work for the Center for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress.
Thank you, Humaira.
Why I Am Returning to Dallas
A City Filled with Lifelong Friends
Dallas holds a special place in my heart.
I have a wide circle of friends there from many communities:
- Atheists
- Bahá’í
- Buddhists
- Christians
- Dalits
- Daoists
- Hindus
- Jains
- Jews
- Sikhs
- Muslims
- Zoroastrians
- Native Americans
- LGBTQ community members
That diversity reflects the America I love.
Recent Visits That Changed My Perspective
Recently, I visited to Dallas for three meaningful events:
- Dr. Basheer Ahmed’s 90th birthday
- John Hammond’s mother’s 90th birthday
- Recognition of Drs Shakila and Basheer Ahmed as donors to University of Texas at Dallas, including the naming of an auditorium in their honor
During those visits, I met nearly 500 friends, and many warmly urged me to come home to Dallas.
The Compelling Reason: Family
What truly changed my heart was spending two precious days with my grandchildren.
I realized how much I had been missing.
My son and daughter-in-law have guided them beautifully and enrolled them in excellent schools. My 12-year-old grandson now stands 5 feet 9 inches tall.
I loved watching them:
- Play soccer
- Swim
- Play piano
- Chess
- Compete in water polo
- Receive math tutoring
- Grow into remarkable young people
Now, nearing 75 years old, I know this season of life matters deeply.
I do not want to miss a thing.
DC’s best gift: Fatima
Thanks to Fatima, who quietly saw my inner struggle about returning to Dallas.
She went to work, and found a place and suggested we purchase it. Her encouragement and enthusiasm became an important part of this decision.
Sometimes people help us move forward without making it visible.
Past Leadership in Dallas
Dallas is also where I served in many civic roles, including:
- President of Indian Creek Homeowners Association
- Commissioner in the City of Carrollton
- President, North Texas Cricket Association
- Board Member, Dallas Peace Center
- Board Member, Memnosyne Foundation
- Mayor’s Task Force, City of Dallas
I also had created and managed Yahoo Groups including:
- Pluralism@yahoogroups.com
- Cricket@yahoogroups.com
- AmericansTogether@yahoogroups.com
Recent News Items
Thanks to Dr. Indrajit Saluja of the Indian Panorama and Raja Zahid Khanzada of Jago Times for writing about:
- Mr. Pluralist of America
- A Lamp That Connects Hearts — A Radiant Journey of Love, Thought, and Service
- Everything about Mike Mohamed Ghouse
Who Is Dr. Mike Ghouse?
Dr. Ghouse is the President and founder of the Center for Pluralism and director of the World Muslim Congress. He is an Interfaith Wedding Officiant for InterfaithMarriages.org and a Muslim Wedding Officiant. He is a Muslim, Pluralist, activist, speaker, author, and social scientist. More on- Google
Final Reflection
Washington, D.C. gave me purpose, friendships, and impact.
Dallas offers family, roots, and the next chapter.
I leave Washington with gratitude.
I return to Dallas with joy.
And I continue the mission of pluralism wherever I go. Pluralism is ingrained in my being, and it runs through my veins. My lifelong mission is to open the hearts, souls, and minds of my fellow humans. If we can learn to respect others’ uniqueness and accept the inherent differences among us, conflicts will diminish, and solutions will arise.
FAQs
Why did Dr. Mike Ghouse move to Washington, D.C.?
He moved to establish and grow the Center for Pluralism.
Why is Dr. Mike Ghouse returning to Dallas?
To reconnect with family, grandchildren, lifelong friends, and community roots.
What is the Center for Pluralism?
An organization promoting understanding, diversity, and harmony among communities.
How many interfaith marriages has Dr. Mike Ghouse officiated?
He has officiated 618 interfaith marriages.
How long did he live in Washington, D.C.?
For 11 years, from May 15, 2015 to May 15, 2026.
What is Dr. Mike Ghouse known for?
He is known for pluralism advocacy, interfaith marriages, interfaith work, speaking, writing, and community leadership.