Religious Leaders in Kansas Work for Interfaith Cooperation

November 18, 2000

Source: The Kansas City Star

On November 18, 2000, the Kansas City Star reported that "Interfaith Thanksgiving services have become a tradition throughout the Kansas City area. But Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn, the new spiritual leader at the New Reform Temple, wants more. He'd like for the service in the Brookside area to be just the beginning of broader interfaith cooperation. Traditionally five congregations have joined for the service. This year they will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the New Reform Temple, 7100 Main St...'Thanksgiving is the ultimate American holiday,' Cukierkorn said. 'Every faith that I know of can find something that they can relate to. We all have reasons to be grateful to be in this great country.' After Thanksgiving, Cukierkorn has invited ministers of the congregations in his area to a luncheon meeting to discuss the possibility of creating an ongoing interfaith group...'It could be a support group for clergy and also work for spiritual and civic improvement in our community. I would like for us to come up with some joint projects. I feel that what we have in common is more important than our differences.'...Cukierkorn is excited by the prospects of interfaith cooperation. The Brazilian native has a history of reaching out to other faiths. Before coming to Kansas City in June, he had created a Jewish-Christian dialogue group in Sharon, Pa., and participated in a television talk show with a Catholic priest."

See also: Interfaith