The World Beginning to Change
The best of humanity came from across Central Indiana to the Gathertorium at Martin University.
They gathered together to celebrate the wonder of life, to honor the work and legacy of one of their own (Imam Michael "Mikal" Saahir), to show the world that it is possible to come together in peace, to sing a new song of unity, to prove that there is reason for joy even in a time often filled with bad news.
Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Pagans, Hindus, Christians, Jains, Wiccans, Buddhists, Atheists, Church of Latter-day Saints, all as a part of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation, gathered together in a magnificent tapestry of faith, friendship, and commitment to a better way; a way of love. This is not the easy way. But this is the way toward a kinder and more compassionate world; the way toward a future of peace and harmony. This is the way of interfaith.
Interfaith work asks that we see the best in one another and seek the best for one another. Interfaith work does not ask practitioners to give up their faith. Rather, interfaith work demands exactly the opposite. Interfaith work should motivate each person to delve deeper into the faith system with which they identify themselves as they discover the beauty of the faiths that are not their own. Interfaith work will inevitably lead to religious and cultural literacy, understanding, and cooperation.
In the faces of those gathered, on a late Sunday afternoon in March, hope was found. And hope is a dangerous thing. For hope sees a way where others only see impediment. Hope stands strong even in the face of opposition. Hope has the power to change the world.
And there in the Gathertorium, one could see the world beginning to change.
They gathered together to celebrate the wonder of life, to honor the work and legacy of one of their own (Imam Michael "Mikal" Saahir), to show the world that it is possible to come together in peace, to sing a new song of unity, to prove that there is reason for joy even in a time often filled with bad news.
Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Pagans, Hindus, Christians, Jains, Wiccans, Buddhists, Atheists, Church of Latter-day Saints, all as a part of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation, gathered together in a magnificent tapestry of faith, friendship, and commitment to a better way; a way of love. This is not the easy way. But this is the way toward a kinder and more compassionate world; the way toward a future of peace and harmony. This is the way of interfaith.
Interfaith work asks that we see the best in one another and seek the best for one another. Interfaith work does not ask practitioners to give up their faith. Rather, interfaith work demands exactly the opposite. Interfaith work should motivate each person to delve deeper into the faith system with which they identify themselves as they discover the beauty of the faiths that are not their own. Interfaith work will inevitably lead to religious and cultural literacy, understanding, and cooperation.
In the faces of those gathered, on a late Sunday afternoon in March, hope was found. And hope is a dangerous thing. For hope sees a way where others only see impediment. Hope stands strong even in the face of opposition. Hope has the power to change the world.
And there in the Gathertorium, one could see the world beginning to change.
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