As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, interfaith services help promote understanding and respect. Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya
Washington-As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, interfaith relations in the U.S. are taking on new importance. A case in point is the growing momentum of the Faith Shared project, an interfaith initiative designed to promote understanding and respect across all religions through joint services.
Sunday, June 26, saw dozens of events taking place in houses of worship across the country, including the Episcopal Church in the United States of America’s National Cathedral in Washington. Led by several religious leaders, including an imam, a rabbi and a priest, the cathedral service included readings from the Torah and the Q’uran. Similar celebrations took place in more than 70 other churches and 32 other states.
“What we have done together in this great cathedral this morning, along with others in similar services in houses of worship across our nation, can alter the image and substance of our nation, as well as our religion,” said the Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, president of the Washington-based Interfaith Alliance, one of the project’s sponsors. “Today’s beautifully written liturgy, informed by Islam, Judaism and Christianity, declares unambiguously that we are not scripture burners but, rather, scripture readers.”
Founded in 1994, the Interfaith Alliance has more than 185,000 members across the U.S. and represents 75 different faiths. Co-organizing the event was Washington-based Human Rights First, an international advocacy group established in 1978 that works toward secure and humane justice, human dignity and respect for the rule of the law.
Those interested in information on how to organize an interfaith service should telephone 202-238-3300 or email Donna@faithshared.org.