Message Is About Tolerance That Leads To Respect At Interfaith Breakfast

Bishop Neff Powell delivers his keynote address on tolerance and respect.
Bishop Neff Powell delivers his keynote address on tolerance and respect.

For the second time invited guests from many faiths gathered at the Elks Club for the Interfaith Breakfast last week, where they heard a message concerning tolerance and respect for others of different religions and cultures.

“How many of us look for the similarities – the thing that binds us together as human beings?” asked Bill Piper before he introduced Bishop Neff Powell, retiring soon as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Virginia.

From Tolerance to Respect,” was the title of Powell’s keynote speech, where he noted that in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon tragedy, “the interfaith community …made a [significant] response,” in helping to heal the psychological wounds that had been inflicted by the bombings. Powell also joked that in his high school days of the mid- 1960’s, diversity meant that others were Catholic. There were two black students in a high school population of 3000. Muslims “might be something you read about in a book.”

Promoting interfaith dialogue noted Powell often involves “eat, eat, talk, talk,” something attendees did at the breakfast. After his address, each table explored what tolerance and respect meant to them in a workshop exercise.  “Keep trying to find common projects to work on together,” he advised, “[and] keep trying.”

Breakfast co-organizer Wendy Mellenthin asked people to carry the message of tolerance and respect “out in to the valley. We can change the world.” There are opportunities to learn about Islam for example, said Mellenthin, in light of the alleged Islamist connection to the Boston Marathon terrorist attack. “[Explain] how Muslims are intertwined with other faiths.”

At the conclusion, prayers were recited in several languages, representing the Jewish, Christian and Islam faiths. “All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds,” was part of the Surat Al-Fatihah (The Opener) prayer, recited in song-like fashion by Saleem Ahmed, the Director of Anatomical Sciences at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute.

Many want to believe that Islam is a peaceful religion, but it is difficult for some in light of numerous terrorist attacks and unrest in the Middle East.  “It hurts me very deeply,” said Ahmed afterwards, “to know that Muslims can commit such acts.” That is not the Islam he knows, the interpretations that foment such violence. Go back to the roots of Islam said Ahmed, and you will see that it “doesn’t tolerate such behavior.”

Christians have also committed terrorist acts over the years – “go back to the [Irish Republican Army],” noted Ahmed. Younger Muslims feel awkward about their religion at times and the way it is viewed by many in the world today. “When one person out of a million [commits a terrorist act],” other non-Muslims paint everyone of that faith with a broad brush. “I think its time to get to know each other as much as we can, wherever and whenever we can. That will make the difference.”

Ahmed is also involved with the Voices of Faith group, which will soon begin a series of presentations on different religions, beginning with a program for local Quakers. He likes the Interfaith Breakfast concept, since it brings people from all walks to life and faiths together. “That is the important thing – bring people together and give them the opportunity to interact, to understand.”

Islam came on the scene soon after Judaism and Christianity, as the third major religion practiced. The Koran mentions Jesus and the virgin birth, as Ahmed pointed out. He’s also a member of the Roanoke County Schools diversity committee. “When we understand each other – respect comes out of that. We must as educated individuals shy away from [stereotypes]. Hopefully these activities will help.” Tolerance and then respect, said Ahmed only comes when you understand another person’s culture, and their religion. The annual Interfaith Breakfast is one small step in that direction.

By Gene Marrano

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