We're doing a 9/11 service - again. Here's why.
(Water communion/Ingathering will wait another week.)
Over the years the church has worked closely with the local Muslim
congregation including shared facilities, rental space, blood drives,
women's spirituality seminar, joint men's group meetings, breaking fast,
attending each other's services, etc. We've actually formed not just
respectful relationships, but also friendships with the "other".
Last year when Pastor Terry Jones was threatening to burn the Qur'an, I
contacted the IMAN Center and asked if they would like to join us in a joint
service on 9/11. They enthusiastically said "yes!" The service maxed both
our sanctuary and chapel with over 300 in attendance. No one wanted to leave
afterward. They were too busy meeting each other.
A few months ago when the regional Blood Center abandoned our third joint
blood drive because of an issue over taking shoes off or wearing slippers to
enter the IMAN Center, they left the Muslims embarrassed and in tears, and
UU's irate. So we did the ally thing to do. We wrote a letter with many
signatures, asking for a meeting, education of staff, and a letter of
apology to the IMAN Center. Folks said no one would listen, but they did -
including the written apology. (Right relationships on a community level.)
This year, we doing it in the public square. We've rented the city's
performance center. Our church is leading an "Ashes to Hope" community
interfaith service. Clergy and religious leaders from Muslim, Jewish,
Christian, LDS, and more are participating. The 70 choir voices for the day
will be from four congregations. Sixty young people will help with the Roll
Call of Nations. Prayers from all major traditions, including the Islamic
call to prayer 7 minutes into the service. We'll also have video and spoken
word.
Why?
Because this is walking our faith. On Sunday mornings I preach to the
diversity that walks through our doors. Then I see on the news that we're
killing each other over whose side God is on. Can there be anything more
important for a minister/church to do than to lead the effort to show that
even if we don't have the same beliefs or religious language, we all share a
common humanity in which love is the greatest testimony.
Does this have religious meaning? I learned very early in life that, if
there is a God, it is bigger than any one image, language, or religion. What
else can I do but join with my neighbors in a spirit of awe and gratitude?
After the memorial section of this year's 9/11 service, we'll focus on hope.
Get to know the "other". Listen to stories. Share a meal. Work on a project.
Build peace one relationship at a time.
Our work will not end on 9/11. There's so much to do. I'm glad to know
religious leaders walking the same path. I also know that this is a crucial
understanding to my call to ministry. It also envelopes why I'm a UU.
Peace and blessings to all no matter what you do with 9/11.
Marian
[Rev. Marian E. Stewart ]
911peacecircles 