EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
Interfaith dialogue enriches all
By Vaughn F. Beckman
Journeying back through my life, it is interesting to see the changes that have developed regarding my exposure and understanding of various religions and faiths.
I grew up on Deer Isle, located in Penobscot Bay, in Hancock County, on the Maine coast. While American Indians often hunted and fished along the island shores, the first settlers arrived by boat from the Puritan colonies in Massachusetts. This led to a host of Congregational churches throughout the area.
Hancock County today is one of the most Protestant places in the nation, with only a sprinkling of Roman Catholics. The nearest Roman Catholic parish is four towns away, and the closest synagogue sits in a neighboring county. Baptists, Methodists and a host of Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Latter Day Saints) congregations developed over the past two centuries.Ê
It would be years before I worked with people of other faiths. Most of this happened in San Jose, Calif., as director of the Council of Churches of Santa Clara County.
On social justice issues, I joined hands with many leaders: the Rev. Gerry Sakamoto of the Buddhist Temple Betsuin; Roman Catholic Bishops Pierre DuMaine and Patrick McGrath; Rabbi Melanie Aron of Congregation Shir Hadash; Hindu leader Sam Rao; and Yousef Al-Yousef, chairman of the American Muslims for Global Peace and Justice.
As we worked together, I began to appreciate the gifts and wisdom each had to offer. We respected our unique faiths and differences as we united to build a better world.
I've been here for more than a year now, and attend the monthly gathering of the interfaith Open Table, which provides an even greater understanding and respect for diverse traditions. Over the decades, awareness, understanding and appreciation of other faiths has grown, changed and developed; no doubt, all of that will continue to grow.
The Sept. 11 terrorists who attacked and killed innocent people and shattered Americans' sense of security committed their demonic acts in the name of God, religion and Islam.ÊA year ago, many Americans had little understanding of Islam. Sad to say, some leaders in our nation, including religious ones, immediately began to malign Islam and to call Muslims "evil and wicked."
Jerry Falwell and Franklin Graham have apologized for such misguided remarks, but others still promote such ugly comments.
Something powerful is happening, however. More people are educating themselves about Islam. President Bush has been swift in clarifying that those evil deeds did not reflect the peaceful values of the majority of Muslims.
Here in Hawai'i we have seen solid education, workshops, dialogues, and seminars regarding Islam.ÊWe have seen combined worship services where people of all faiths share words of peace and reconciliation.
Hakim Ouansafi of the Muslim Association of Hawai'i and Dr. Saleem Ahmed, who recently wrote "Beyond Veil and Holy War," have provided much outreach and education for a better understanding here.
We have been reminded that throughout history, religion can be used by extremists to cause havoc and hate. That happened Sept. 11. Such actions are not the true values and beliefs of our great world religions.
The true spirit of our American Muslims should be obvious to our nation as we read the statement issued by the Islamic Society of North America on the very day of the tragedies: "ISNA joins with Muslim organizations throughout North America in condemning these terrorists attacks and calls upon Muslim Americans to come forward with their skills and resources to help alleviate the suffering of the affected people and their families. ... No political cause could ever be assisted by such immoral acts."
Our world is growing smaller in so many ways. It is vital that we open our eyes along our journeys and discover a clearer vision, appreciation, and more accurate understanding of the diverse people and traditions in our midst. Only by doing this will we create the peaceful and just world we all need and desire.
The Rev. Vaughn Beckman is senior pastor of First Christian Church.
Expressions of Faith is a column written individually by pastors, lay workers and other leaders of faith. If you want to contribute, e-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8036.
