WDRC 15th Annual Peace Builder Awards Recipient - Bridge Builders
Channel: Whatcom DRC
Date: 2017-12-04

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS AWARD: BRIDGE BUILDERS

For efforts to foster understanding and spaces of communion and
connection among diverse faiths in Whatcom County. 

In January 2017, a pioneering group of clergy and laypeople from the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities sought a space to come together, learn from one another, and share reflections about their own journeys. In doing so, they have opened the door to curiosity, insight, honesty, and courage. Powerful interfaith connections have developed, serving to deepen cross-cultural understanding. The group has inspired a parallel “sisterhood group”, as well as an powerful unprecedented cross-cultural gathering, the first ever open-invitation Iftar Dinner, a breaking of the fast during Ramadan. Hosted by the Islamic Society of Whatcom County and
held at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, the dinner brought together multiple faiths to share homemade food representative of the diverse American Muslim cultures in Whatcom County: Turkish kebabs, Pakistani fritters, Ethiopian bread, Malaysian cakes, and more. Guest speakers were from all three Abrahamic faiths and interfaith dialogues took place at each table. Modeling friendship and cooperation across different faiths, group members are building peace by exploring commonality and respectfully honoring, and learning from, their differences.