It has been noted that for those of us that are not welcome to speak at the National Prayer Day event, we have the Annual Not In Our Town Interfaith Breakfast that “anyone can come to.” As a planner of that event, and the chair for the last two years, I can confirm that the Interfaith Breakfast planners invite all faiths to participate. Many of the congregations that will most likely be represented at the National Day of Prayer, have not attended the Interfaith Breakfast. It is a shame they don’t join us because we hope to encourage an interfaith dialogue and understanding with all faiths in our community. We believe that it can be a simple lack of knowledge and experience that feeds the fear of other beliefs.
I know it seems the rest of us are being treated unfairly; but my faith encourages me to see the worth and dignity in all people, and by extension, in all faiths. That’s why I’ve decided to channel my energy in positive ways. First, I’ll work harder on interfaith activities that encourage mutual respect. Secondly, I am praying in my own way for those people that have not yet discovered that we are much more alike than otherwise. I will feel compassion for those that have not yet discovered the joy that fills the heart when we love all of our neighbors. I won’t be angry with others because they don’t approve of my beliefs because I know that making a difference in our world will only be achieved when we all find our common humanity.
I hope that our community will eventually come together in one prayerful, meditative, and contemplative moment to benefit the greater good. For now, I can only change how I react to intolerance. I choose the way of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “l’ve decided to stick to love – hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Rev. Lynn Kerr
Minister, Maumee Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Bowling Green
