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In a recent interfaith council meeting, we wanted to share with our neighbors what interfaith means to us and the value of working together for our communities. Council members represent our community’s diversity: Baha’i, Baptist, Catholic, Christian Science, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Episcopal, Hindu, Jewish, Lutheran, Methodist, Muslim and Unitarian Universalist.
Through interfaith, I have been exposed to some of the most intensely gifted, influential, intelligent, loving and passionate people of faith. My experience in learning about the faith of others, expands my understanding of their commitments to their beliefs and the beliefs we share. I want to acknowledge that interfaith cooperation does not require doctrinal compromise. Meaning, we shouldn’t adjust our doctrinal practices for the sake of collaboration, and it doesn’t prevent us from partnering with other faiths in charitable projects.
The Rev. Jerry E. Sather, Chaplain Lt Col, USAF (Retired) of St. John Chrysostom Episcopal Church shares, “I served as a U.S. Air Force chaplain for 21 years. One base had a chaplain staff consisting of a Rabbi, a Catholic Priest, a Methodist, a Baptist, and an Episcopalian. We learned from one another and helped through our respective holy days. Military chaplaincy exemplifies interfaith cooperation – the Air Force is better for it and we are better people. Chaplaincy exists for all – the religious and the non-religious.”
Rabbi Heather Miller, Founder of Keeping it Sacred, adds, “Interfaith activities build the bonds of community. People find sometimes surprising similarities and sometimes great differences in approaches to human experiences. In each interaction, a person is bound to learn more about themselves and their neighbors on this planet and that all makes the world a bit smaller and more connected.”
“It is inspiring to see the divine touch people’s lives in impactful, meaningful ways. Interfaith gives me the opportunity to witness this and celebrate with fellow people of faith. It enables me to share an accurate understanding of my own religion and hear directly from others about theirs. So much unites us and diversity enriches us. It has been a great discipline of putting my faith into practice of spiritual love for my neighbor, listening from the heart with mutual respect, and practicing inclusive interfaith language that honors another,” says Anne Cooling, Interfaith Representative, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Laguna Niguel
Barbara Lamprecht, Interfaith Representative of the Laguna Niguel Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, states, “One of the basic tenets of our faith is, We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may. (Eleventh Article of Faith). Our country was founded on these principles of freedom of worship. To force one’s religious beliefs on others goes against the very core of the Constitution and is contrary to God’s purposes for us here on earth— to learn to become more like Him through making choices and learning to love as He does. “God’s love is where, as circles on a Venn diagram, we all overlap. Whichever parts of us seem different, His love is where we find togetherness.” (Elder Karl D. Hirst)
Over the years, I have learned that interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace in the world. It is a duty of religious communities. Imagine a world where if a particular religious group is attacked, members of their communities – interfaith and non-interfaith – stand together, support, mourn and bear one another’s burdens for the sake of “loving one another.” (John 13:34)
Lillian Chesley
President, Interfaith Council of Greater Rancho Santa Margarita
Member of Orange County Interfaith Council