No longer are people of different cultures, ethnicities, and faiths segregated by location. Our cities, towns, and villages now encompass communities whose diverse customs, places of worship, and style of dress are obvious. In our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools, we interact daily with people of different traditions, faiths, and beliefs. Fear of “the other” can lead to an unwillingness to l
earn about and appreciate this given diversity and often results in exclusion. It often results in exclusion, which cuts the bonds of humanity that connect us as human beings. Fear and exclusion can generate a wide range of emotional responses, from hatred to indifference, and behavior that may be painful, divisive, and, at times, disastrous. Therefore, the option of trying to remain separate is difficult at best. Interfaith Community Initiatives (ICI) offers an alternative response – recognizing and embracing diversity. ICI’s work in interfaith fosters understanding through deep engagement among different faith groups and promotes peaceful co-existence by increasing sensitivity to others. It is not our intention to amalgamate all religions or to create a new faith. Rather, ICI honors the faiths of all and helps people deepen their own faith while learning about other faiths. The programs provide access to windows of understanding of how others define themselves and challenge each of us to grow in our own faith through the experience of the other. This necessitates a shift in paradigm, asking us to embrace those we have previously excluded, demonized, or simply misunderstood. Interfaith dialogue, appreciation, and cooperation eases fear of the unknown “other” by embracing and honoring both our differences and our commonalities.
