"Despite Our Diversity..." San Jose Mercury News

[Coastie for Truth]

A month ago, members of Silicon Valley's Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities gathered in downtown San Jose to observe the Catholic feast of Saint Francis, the Protestant and ecumenical celebration of World Communion, the Jewish New Year and the beginning of Ramadan. We listened as the bells of St. Joseph's Basilica tolled, a shofar sounded and the prayers for breaking Ramadan's first day of fasting were recited. Then we ate together, many of us embracing, each of us welcoming the humanity in the other and blessing one another in the name of our common God.

The interfaith circle downtown was a beautiful expression of what makes Silicon Valley a wonderful place to live. We have learned to live together in peace, not just by accepting one another, but increasingly, we are learning to celebrate our differences, understanding that diversity is our greatest strength. It is a virtue worth exporting to the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, communities where a strong majority celebrates religious pluralism are rare. Religious intolerance remains a significant problem in our world. In the United States and in the West, the problem is especially acute in the ways popular culture misunderstands Islam.


Edited to comply with the "Fair Use" provisions of Section 207 of the Copyright Code

I attended -- and it was very moving. I wish all DUers had the opportunity.

[Maat]

1. Just attended an interfaith gathering myself ...

in my community (Temecula/Murrieta area).

I found it very enjoyable, and educational, and was surprised at how open-minded people were (who I had thought of previously as being close-minded).