The world is in a place today where problems are global in nature and know no boundaries. Too often our political system and discourse encourages us to think of solutions only in a tribal sense. We live in red states or blue states; we are people of color or white; we are friends or enemies; we are straight or LGBTQ+; we are Muslim, Jewish, or Christian.
Only by understanding that we are all God’s children and share more than just DNA with all living things on earth will we have the ability to tackle the most existential threats to our planet and societies. Ignorance and fear are at the heart of misunderstanding. It is only through getting to know people, interacting with them, and sharing experiences can we break those barriers. Fear and ignorance are ingrained in us, and it takes courage and precedence to overcome them.
Although I entered this experience with more than a passing understanding of the three Abrahamic faiths, I was once again impressed by the similarities of values and beliefs that we all share. They are more than the tales we tell or the rituals we follow. They are who we are called to be by the God we worship. Compassion, peace, justice, and hospitality are just some of those values that were evidenced in our work together this year. All our traditions emphasize that these are not just words, they must be actions. We must be known by our deeds.
As I turn to thinking how this training can assist me as a leader at Faith Presbyterian Church (FPC), it is clear that we have work to do. Although sympathy for “the stranger” is evident throughout the congregation, the range of experience and knowledge of these specific issues is varied. For example, at a recent discussion at church, someone did not know the difference between Orthodox and Conservative Judaism. For the congregation, it must then begin with both simple education and exposure. At FPC, we have weekly adult education classes where we could begin with sessions dedicated to learning about different faith traditions and finding the common threads that bind us. We would also like leaders from other traditions to come and speak, or possibly come and be part of our worship service.
For those of us who have now been part of ICJS, we are committed to continuing our relationship with Beth Israel Congregation. We envision that taking place through both formal and informal activities. We have already begun to plan to get together for meals and celebrations as well as opportunities to invite members to attend each other’s congregations for services.
We also see a need to build upon the good work that ICJS has started by looking for ways that our congregations may more formally join one another in projects to heal the brokenness in our community of Baltimore. I am sure that each of our congregations are working on specific projects that may be of interest to one or more of the others (including the other congregations we met during the ICJS training). As such we can become a beacon of hope and an example to others that we have more in common than we have that separates us.
Debra Colmers is a member of Faith Presbyterian Church and was a member of the 2022 ICJS Congregational Leaders Fellowship. Learn more about the ICJS Congregational Leaders programs here.
Opinions expressed in blog posts by the ICJS Congregational Leader Fellows are solely the author’s. ICJS welcomes a diversity of opinions and perspectives.