By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Just hours after terrorists struck Belgium killing at least 30 this morning, people of different faiths gathered together in Bowling Green. The peace they wanted to promote seemed so fragile in the wake of the attacks.
“Today, of course, we woke up to the terrible news of another terrorist attack in Europe,” said Phil Dickinson, who practices Buddhism. “How can we compete with bombs and bullets?”
The answer – with hospitality that leads to peace. True hospitality that is offered to more than friends and family.
The same can be said for dealing with hate speech that is currently dividing this nation politically.
“Fear and terror seem to be everywhere these days,” Dickinson said.
Dickinson was one of the speakers of many faiths who shared at the second annual Community Interfaith Breakfast in Bowling Green Tuesday morning.
The program included speakers representing Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Protestant Christianity, Islam, and Roman Catholic Christianity.
They broke bread, ate fruit and drank coffee together as a community united by their respect for each other.
“We see the diversity of people in our community as a gift, not as a problem,” said Rev. Gary Saunders, co-chair of the Not In Our Town group which helped organize the breakfast.
Imam Talal Eid of Islamic Center of Greater Toledo
Imam Talal Eid, of the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, said different faiths must build bridges.
“We need to be together to learn how to live together,” he said. “We need to learn a common language. That is the language of peace and hospitality.”
Eid referenced the attacks in Belgium and the “innocent lives lost.” Every religion has its fanatics, and these terrorists “claim they are Muslims,” but the Imam disputed that.
“You need to know, if you look at Islam, you’re not going to find that in it,” he said, noting that the Koran calls the killing of innocent people “a murder against humanity.”
Each speaker told of the power of hospitality over hatred. Barbara Moses spoke of the Jewish holiday of Passover Seder when families come together and repeat the story of the exodus from Egypt.
Families and synagogues open their doors to strangers seeking food and lodging.
“We say in Hebrew, let all who are hungry come and eat,” Moses said. “May we all be open to peace and assisting anyone who is in need.”
Anantkumar B. Dixit, of the Hindu Temple of Toledo, spoke of the value of peace.
“Peace is a divine attribute. It fills the pure heart,” he said. “It runs away from selfish people.”
But peace is difficult to achieve, Dixit said.
“Peace does not come easily,” he said. “Money cannot give us peace. Money can buy many things, but you cannot buy peace. It is the greatest treasure in all the universe.”
Sister Edna Michael, of the Order of St. Francis, spoke of Pope Francis as an example of “God’s radical hospitality,” welcoming all regardless of gender, race, religion and economic status.
“He has stunned the world,” she said of the pope, who has challenged injustice to the poor and to the earth.
Rev. Larry Whatley, of Turning Point United Methodist Church, said true hospitality must reach out to more than friends and family. He spoke of Jesus doing just that.
“He is the one who took hospitality to a whole other level,” Whatley said.
Dickinson, asked how all the faiths’ “fragile hospitable efforts” can stand up to bombs and bullets.
Rev. Thomas Mellott said strength rests in groups like the interfaith gathering.
“We refuse to be afraid. The forces of evil in this world want nothing more than for each of us to be afraid,” he said. “Do the hard work of understanding” and celebrating diversity.
High school student art depicting peace
Greeting the breakfast guests with words of inclusion were Bowling Green Mayor Dick Edwards, BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey, and Bowling Green Superintendent Francis Scruci.
Bowling Green High School students were honored for interpreting peace through art. Contest winners were Shan Patel, first place; Maddy Rothenbuhler, second; Emily Batchelder, third; and Cameron Roehl, honorable mention.
