March 31, 2023

Specializing in how numerous faiths can work collectively for the widespread good in a society that’s more and more polarized, representatives from numerous faiths all through the native space gathered for the annual Interfaith Dialogue and Dinner, “Who Are We? Religion, Goal, Belonging,” on March 9 within the D’Angelo Middle on St. John’s College’s Queens, NY, campus.

“This interfaith dialogue is a bridge builder that shares what we have now in widespread and appreciates our non secular variations—that are an enormous affect on our every day choices,” mentioned Dennis Gallagher, Director of Liturgy and Religion Formation. “It’s been most enlightening to find out about folks of different faiths and their experiences.”

The occasion was sponsored by St. John’s College’s Interfaith Council and the Division of Scholar Affairs. Comprised of scholars, school, directors, and employees, the Interfaith Council seeks to create a respectful, cooperative campus surroundings the place folks of all non secular backgrounds can talk about and follow their faiths.

Christopher P. Vogt, Ph.D., Affiliate Professor, Theology and Non secular Research, confused that as a baby of God, he noticed his personal sense of function as a response to that fact. “I’m referred to as to study to like God higher, and to study to like others and creation as God loves them—which is a tall process.” He added that he sees his life’s function as connecting and responding to God’s grace.

An necessary idea, he added, not distinctive to Catholicism, is that of solidarity. “It’s not merely about worrying about one another, however working towards the widespread good—which I believe is a vital approach my non secular religion can cope with distinction, overcome limitations, and understand we’re all a part of one neighborhood.” Dr. Vogt famous that Pope Francis has fostered a “tradition of encounter,” which signifies that to turn out to be absolutely ourselves, we should work together with folks of all faiths.

Junior Jacxainett Valdera, a Felony Justice main and a member of St. John’s College’s Sinai Radiant Liturgical Dance Ministry, confused that the Bible teaches to like one’s neighbor as oneself—and that lesson encompasses folks of all faiths. “Being younger and of this technology, we’re always confronted with great challenges,” she mentioned. “For me, identification is having a religion and with the ability to maneuver about this campus, work together with school and college students, and make an influence in my neighborhood.”

Sharon R. Marshall, Affiliate Professor in St. John’s Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Coordinator of the First-12 months Writing program, famous she was initially baptized a Christian, however as an grownup turned a Nichiren Buddhist. She defined that the Buddhist philosophy stresses that gratitude is what makes us worthy of being referred to as human, and added, “I believe when we have now gratitude for others it helps us create a neighborhood of belonging.”

Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan, D.Min., Pastor of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY, and an Adjunct Professor of Theology at St. John’s, famous that the sacrificial love embedded within the Christian religion and concern for others made this gathering potential.

“God is curious about kindness. He’s at all times curious about doing and giving,” provided Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Adjunct Professor of Jewish Theology and Biblical Hebrew. “Judaism is about being devoted to what God instructed us.”

Being Jewish, Rabbi Kraft added, generally entails being considerably separatist. “We now have to be true to who we’re, God’s phrase, and what God instructs us to do.” He added, “The aim of that’s not to stay aside, however to achieve and create an consciousness of character. We are able to exit from that separatism and interact on the planet and produce a better spirit of God to all humanity.”

Imam Muhammad Ajmal, Director of the Islamic Middle of Lengthy Island, defined that for him, there was nice magnificence to be discovered at this occasion the place folks from many alternative faiths shared their beliefs, cultures, and worlds. “I’ve heard some stunning phrases and I’m grateful.” He confused that irrespective of your religion, “We’re all honored by God.”

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