Holy City Exhibit Brings Faith Groups Together

May 28, 2010

Author: Rick Hellman

Source: The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

http://www.kcjc.com/201005289288/news/holy-city-exhibit-brings-faith-groups-together.html

Whereas the earthly Jerusalem has so often been the site of conflict and controversy, a model Jerusalem is bringing the three Abrahamic faiths together in the Kansas state capital. A Topeka synagogue, a mosque and an Episcopal church are co-sponsoring the exhibit “A Walk Through Jerusalem” May 30 through June 20 at the church. (See below for details)

While the model Holy City was created by a Jewish organization, the idea to bring it to Kansas was that of a church member. Leaders of the neighboring synagogue and mosque readily agreed to serve as co-hosts, and an interfaith project has grown up around the exhibit.

“The focus here is on the importance of the city of Jerusalem — including as an important city to these three faiths,” said Rabbi Debbie Stiel of Temple Beth Sholom. “It is great when we can come together in celebration and affirm what we share.”

The rabbi said Michael Massey, ministry coordinator of Grace Episcopal Cathedral, has done most of the work to bring the exhibit to Topeka. Massey, in turn, said he has been carrying out the vision of church board member Ron Langston, who “was looking for some kind of exhibit or event that would bring people from the community together and into the cathedral.”