Hurst Texas Stake Participates in Global Faith Forum
Members of the Hurst Texas Stake participated in the Global Faith Forum in Keller, Texas on March 6-7, 2022.
Unlikely 2022
The Global Faith Forum, titled, “Unlikely 2022,” was hosted by the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network. The organization builds mutual trust and respect among faith leaders through multi-religious honest communication to build and strengthen resilient, flourishing communities who are resilient to hate violence and polarization.
The organization focuses primarily on the Abrahamic Religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, but welcomes others as well.
Three religion sponsors, left to right: Ambassador David Saperstein, Pastor Bob Roberts Jr., Imam Mohamed Magid
Various booths were set up, including a booth by the U.S. Government’s Department of Homeland Security to answer questions and offer materials to attendees.
Some parts of the Sunday program included a heart-rending song (in Hebrew) performed by a Jewish Shema and Cantor, a lively rendition of the Apostles Creed by an Evangelical group, and readings from the Quran, sung by a 12-year-old boy and his father.
The evening continued with speeches by Rashad Hussain, U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, and an introduction to the Charter of Makkah, a 30-point declaration a pan-Islamic set of principles supporting anti-extremism, religious and cultural diversity, and legislation against hate and violence.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa
A keynote address was then given by Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Founder of the Muslim World League (MWL). He stressed that inherent values connect us and that these should blossom into core values that guide us to building a better world.
We should work together to defeat those who would divide us.
Not in My Town
During the forum a session titled "Not in My Town," illustrated the importance of security in our places of worship and the critical role interfaith relationships can play in dealing with violent events that may occur. The recent attack at the Congregation of Beth Israel, a Jewish Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas was recounted by civic and religious leaders who provided critical real-time support. Charlie Cytron-Walker, Rabbi of the Jewish Congregation, was honored at the forum and shared his gratitude for the valiant efforts of so many leaders of various faiths and backgrounds
Early in the Colleyville hostage standoff, Pastor Bob Roberts learned of the situation and sprang into action to help his friend, Charlie Cytron-Walker. Pastor Roberts arranged for a Jewish Rabbi to provide support for families of the hostages during and after the crisis. Local Muslim leaders were called in to assist in negotiations with the hostage-taker. Arrangements were made for a nearby Catholic Church to provide logistic facilities and staging areas for families of the hostages and also for media representatives. All of these time-critical services were possible because of existing multi-faith relationships.
Build Trust
In a second session, a panel of representatives of various faiths, along with civic and educational institution leaders, discussed establishing relationships through building trust with leaders and congregants in our proximity, being sincere, and seeing others as God sees them. Attendees were reminded to not let anger get in the way of doing God’s work.
Panel Participants, left to right: Walter Kim, Zeenat Rahman, Imam Mohamed Magid, Dr. Mohammad Al-Issa, Pastor Bob Roberts Jr, Amb. David Saperstein, Ambassador Sam Brownback, Ambassador Rashad Hussain, Christine Caine, David M. Beasley
Protect Religious Freedom
A third session promoted religious freedom and what we must do to protect it. Engaging our political leaders is critical to building bridges for finding ways to coexist. The religious community has made indispensable contributions in the world and working together to strengthen our communities is the goal.
A delightful lunch was provided, including popular options from all three religions. Kosher BBQ, Halal (a spicy middle-eastern dish), and Chick-Fil-A were among the choices available.
Move Out
At the first afternoon session, "Move Out," government and religious leaders spoke on the importance of building interfaith alliances to make good things happen in our communities and in the world. The Internet makes possible connecting on a global scale and also for finding local interfaith groups with whom we can participate.
Reach Out
The concluding session, "Reach Out," stressed that faith won’t work until we couple it with actions. Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, observed that courage to stand up means not just against people outside our own comfort zones, but to stand for truth, even amongst members of our own tribe. Multi-faith collaborations resulted in a recent formal visit by Dr. Al-Issa, along with other prominent Muslim leaders, to the death camp at Auschwitz. There, they solemnly paid their respects to the victims of the tragic crimes of the holocaust, a visit many would have considered improbable.
A key takeaway from the forum highlighted the importance of reaching out now to build relationships with members and leaders of other faiths for our mutual benefit.When crises occur, it’s impossible to draw on relationships that don’t exist.
It takes three things to build these relationships, visit each other’s places of worship, serve together, and break bread together.
Together, we can make our local communities, and the world, a better place.
Article and photos by Bryan Peterson (Hurst Ward) who is the Stake Assistant Communication Director.