When I traveled Southeast Asia in the early 70’s onboard a helicopter carrier I started out believing, in part, the propaganda about “them.” While there I found that the people I met had the same life desires as I had. We all wanted to raise our children and grandchildren in relative peace and with whatever comfort we may be able to earn.
When any government is at war the dehumanization of the “other” or “them” is a necessary process. (Most people cannot kill another human being without guilt and remorse; therefore frame the enemy as inhuman). The general populace will also embrace these beliefs which will color their view of other religions and cultures for generations.
The purpose of interfaith work is to bring a diverse group of people together to begin to respect each other as human beings. When I have met you as a person and begin to understand how you believe, the foundation of trust has been laid with the possibility of building friendship.
In my interfaith work I have found that everyone I have met, in person, or on phone calls, desire to be heard and respected. Rarely have I experienced someone trying to convert or coerce another into their belief.
The Spokane Interfaith Council offers opportunities throughout the year to come together with a diverse group of spiritual people in an atmosphere of respect, cooperation, and even the opportunity to “break bread.”
I want to thank the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane for hosting the Thanksgiving Day Interfaith Service. It was a wonderful opportunity for gathering community with the magnificent choir and the many speakers who shared themselves on one of the busiest family holidays of the year. I would also like to extend this thanks to all those that took time from their day to join us.
