Different Faiths, Same Goal

January 30, 2009

Author: Molly Rossiter

Source: The Gazette

http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090130/NEWS/701309942/1006

Acknowledging our differences and embracing our similarities are important in promoting peace and healing in times of conflict, area religious leaders said last night.

In an interfaith prayer service for peace and healing, held at Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist, nine speakers asked for prayers of peace for those in and affected by war-torn areas and conflict.

"We will not ever think alike, but we must love alike," said the Rev. Tom Capo, pastor at Peoples Church. "Love can transform opposers into friends."

About 30 people attended the brief prayer service, hearing prayers and requests from speakers representing Christians, Jews, Muslims, Native Americans, Hindus, Buddhists and Bahai.

The service was intended as a show of support and unity in the faith community, said Brian Fletcher, a member of First Lutheran Church and president of the Inter-Religious Council of Linn County.

"We did want to make a statement (that) we're grieving for what's happening" in Gaza and around the world, he said after the service "This service kind of evolved from conversations people have had, and I think it's important to have those conversations and show that there is unity among the leaders of faith."

See also: Interfaith