Interfaith Relations Activities
Topic: Interfaith Relations Activities
Location: Table L
Convened: At 5:45
Attendees:
Lorie Merrow, Adib Amini, Lou Boden, Shannon McKernin, David Kreider, Laura Amstutz, Matt Parker, Emily North, Work Arefaine
Notes:
Self-introductions & agenda setting Brief background on JMU Interfaith Coalition – conceptual foundation, current activities Intentionally interfaith projects
• Why do an interfaith project together? When working together and cooperating it helps to form stronger bonds of unity. The context of service is conducive to forming relationships, understanding, and trust. Doing projects together give interactions more depth.
• Brainstorm on some project ideas: A Habitat for Humanity house Building a peace park It was attempted to develop and improve the labyrinth at jmu. (perhaps could be a peace park). Could include symbols from the religions along the labyrinth. Would like to see some sort of structure created where specific topics could be discussed. Would like it to be a formal discussion where, for example, one could open their Book and express what their faith believes about specific subjects. It’s good to talk about different cultural issues as well (how cultures interact with each other) Would be nice to talk about different faiths’ wedding traditions. Creating a project that will facilitate discovery of common thread paths
• A regular meeting time or radio shows. Everyone comes from an agrarian background at some point in their heritage, so it would be good to have something where people bring different foods and see the similarities between their backgrounds and cultures. Have something to do with music or poetry would also be good. Interfaith arts space (music, poetry, services)
• Part of understanding others’ faiths is appreciating others’ arts. • Could have an interfaith service and include writings, choirs, etc of different religions
• Could have an interfaith festival (like international festival) Common ground; how can we work together to make peace? [discussed in context of above topics] Philosophical question for fun: Can one person be interfaith? Concluded with an agreement that people may wish to regroup to work on developing interfaith projects and/or artspace and a commitment from Lorie to be in contact.
Action Items:
Concluded with an agreement that people may wish to regroup to work on developing interfaith projects and/or artspace and a commitment from Lorie to be in contact.
Follow-up Contact: Lorie Merrow, merrowee [at] jmu.edu
