The discussions are often intense and thorny. Dobin, a former IRC member, recalls the group's impasse when they tried to plan a Thanksgiving service last year. We could not come to a consensus over what it should be. But then when the Jewish people say something about Israel, it's really hard for the Muslims. So instead of having a service, we had a Kosher Thanksgiving dinner in Cannon Chapel, and people from all the groups were invited, and that actually went great.
People have to understand and be respectful of that.
But the more they understand about difference, the more they understand about themselves. They've had to take into account deep difference, which has given them a fuller and deeper appreciation of what it means to be a community. And it's not superficial. Students say those efforts have made Emory a more open and inclusive place. It was the same with a lot of other religious groups, especially with Sikhs and maybe even Hindus.