Interfaith

INTERFAITH

I am, You Are, We Are: Inter-religious Dialog & the Practice of Relationship  Session 3

This workshop will focus on one method or framework for engaging reflectively in interreligious dialogue on a parish level. For over a year and a half, St. Benedict’s has engaged in an ongoing dialogue with Drepung Loseling Buddhist Monastery. Using the recently available “Statement on Interreligious Relations” from the 76^th General Convention, we are further developing our formation and educational offerings to increase awareness of the importance of interreligious dialogue in the life of the parish and the broader Church.  Above all, our dialogue has been one that offers a space for an authentic expression of one’s particular faith tradition in the context of broadening our understanding of what it means to have a religious practice in the world today. Ours is truly a global society and the physical proximity of so many religious persons demands that we reflect deeply on how interreligious dialogue can contribute to mutual understanding, appreciation, friendship and peace.

The Rev. Stuart Higginbotham, working with Spiritual Formation as Curate at St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church in Smyrna

Introduction to the Peace Village                                                                                                 Session 2         

An introduction to the Peace Village, an interactive experiential way of growing in understanding of six of the world's religions:  Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Native American Spirituality.  Each of the religious paths has an interactive station which introduces major symbols, tenets,
and practices of that religion.  The workshop will include the stations assembled as well as ideas of how intergenerational programs or youth programs may be built around the use of the Peace Village to encourage religious tolerance, dialog, and discussion.   The Peace Village offers a very tangible and gracious way of fostering mutual understanding and hands on grassroots efforts toward world peace.

Ms. Darlene Van Dyke, Director of Stone Harbor Wellness Center and parishioner at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta