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Here in Mobile, Alabama we have had a vibrant Christian–Jewish dialogue going on for the past thirty-five years. From talks and lectures and discussions, this has led to deep understanding and many friendships. One result is that several teachers among us are involved in Holocaust education in our schools.
Last year we began a Trialogue-Muslims, Jews and Christians-Together. Small tables of eight were set up, making sure each of the three faith traditions was represented at every table. About seventy were expected and one hundred and seventy turned up. A large majority of these were Christians of various denominations – Greek Orthodox, Episcopalian, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, etc.
It was decided that some non-controversial topics would be offered for discussion at the tables, such as –
• What is a favorite childhood memory regarding your family’s practice of your religion?
• How are you similar to fellow Christians, Muslims, Jews ?
• What do you wish people understood about your religion?
• Explain briefly the most important elements of your tradition to someone who knows nothing about it.
• What do you enjoy about the worship style of your faith tradition?
The goal of starting a discussion, based on similarities that would then lead to friendships that become permanent, seems to have met with success. The planning committee intentionally avoided emotionally charged topics for the present in order that the participants can begin to know each other as friends. The more thorny issues can be taken up later among “friends”.
An essential part of the sharing involved the partaking of foods that were appropriate for members of all three faiths’ dietary restrictions-a lesson in itself, for all participants in such distinctions as kosher food for Jews and halal for Muslims. All participants showed a desire to continue with the same format three or four times a year. There was a genuine bonding for many and an understanding that we all have the same needs, wants and desires.
A few years ago two Turkish research professors at the University of South Alabama, along with some Turkish students, began hosting an annual intercultural dinner for people in the Mobile area-again including Muslims, Jews and Christians. They introduced us to some aspects of life in Turkey, and invited us to take a trip to their homeland. This is a 10 day trip sponsored by the Peace Valley Foundation in Mobile, the Istanbul Center in Atlanta and businessmen in Turkey. I was privileged to be invited to go on this trip to Turkey in May 2009.
It was lovely seeing places I had heard about for years, like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Ephesus, the Eastern Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul. We also visited many other places I had not known about like the Jewish Museum of 500 years, Christian churches from the 4th century built into the hills of Cappadocia and the Palaces of the Sultans. We enjoyed a boat ride on the Bosphorus which separates Europe and Asia. The first seven Ecumenical Councils of the Church were held in this area of Turkey. Many of these places merit an essay of their own.
Our itinerary was designed to demonstrate that Turkey is a modern democracy with a long history of tolerance for all faiths. When Spain expelled the Jews in 1492, Turkey accepted them and the Jewish people have been welcome there ever since. We visited a TV station, a newspaper office, a university and a grade school. During these visits I was impressed by the strides made by a relatively new democracy. The children we met on field trips, in the schools and with their families were happy and delighted in trying out their English on us. Children in Turkey are very much cherished by their families. We were invited to dinner by several Turkish families. Their graciousness and hospitality were everywhere evident, especially in the wonderful food and delightful gifts we received.
As one of my fellow travelers remarked, “This trip brought about a change in my perception of an Islamic nation and the Muslim religion, and gave me a greater understanding and acceptance of their religious culture.” Most of the people responsible for our trip follow the teachings of the noted Turkish educator and scholar, Fetullah Gulen. His philosophy of dialogue, acceptance and peace was evident in all those who had a part in our visit. I hope and pray that these values will spread not only throughout Turkey, but among all the peace-loving people of our world.
Anne Brady rsm
Northern Province
