A recent article in our local papers defines coexisting in the best way. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church members joined the Turkish American Society of Ohio to have dinner together, and at the same time debunk myths about the Muslim and Christian religions, stereotypes that have been built over centuries. It was the first of several planned events, including studies of the Koran and Bible on a regular basis, so they can better understand each other's religions.
The Reverend Joe Kovitch said, "Gathering around a meal is sacred. We've lost the sense of having dinners with our own families because of fast food. Jesus ate with his community. It's very central to Muslim and Christian worlds. When you eat with someone, they cease to be different or to be the enemy. It really worked."
One of the things they already learned is that Christians say a prayer before the meal, while Muslims say a prayer afterwards.
The local paper's editorial stated: It is time to take a cue from the Muslims and Christians who are breaking bread together in Mayfield and rise above the bitterness and hostility that has enveloped our society.. . . Only when people cast aside those blinders of prejudice and bias will this society truly prosper...
Jesus indeed ate even with the most reviled sinners of the community to show his compassion and acceptance, as brothers and sisters, something we often forget when we say - what would Jesus do???
2 comments:
YES! Somebody is finally "getting it."
Our church has done a few things with a local Jewish congregation. But now it seems like it's time to do something with some of our Muslim neighbours, too.
And then if we can get all three groups — "The People of the Book" — together, we may have something really worthwhile happening.
Thank you so much, Diane, for sharing this! It really helps; it is inspiring!
Great idea - should be more of it.
Ms Soup
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