Opening Eyes -- an Interfaith Journey

Learning to live faithfully in a world of multiple faith traditions isn't easy. Most of us shy away from such entanglements. We know we are right and to engage in conversation with those who are different, well, that will only confuse the issue. We may share our faith, that's okay, but to truly listen to another, that's a dubious proposition.

I write this because today was our monthly Interfaith meeting in Lompoc. We're a small and fledgling group. Just a few mainline Protestants, a Mormon, a couple of Bahais and now a Jew. But even this little group helps challenge the idea that the community of Lompoc, California is conservative, evangelical, and Christian. And so the conversation begins, the relations are built, and the fear is overcome! That is the goal -- opening our eyes to the beliefs of our neighbors, in the hope that fear will be erased. When that happens, perhaps we can begin the road to peace. It's not an easy journey, but it is a necessary one.

The picture above is of students involved in the University Religious Center at UCSB Interfaith Student group. I have the privilege of serving on the URC's board -- this year as its president. These students are at the vanguard of the journey.

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