From the Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) leaders have
given their backing to World Interfaith Harmony Week, an effort
established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote greater
interfaith understanding and cooperation throughout the world.
The U.N. set the interfaith harmony observance for the first week in February.
In a letter issued today to all PC(USA)
congregations and members, General Assembly Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons
and General Assembly Mission Council Executive Director Linda Valentine
remind the church that as far back as 1997 the PC(USA) Assembly stated: “In
a world of many bitter divisions to which, sadly, religious differences
often contribute, there is an urgent call to all people of faith to
seek understanding and cooperation. In response to this vocation,
Christians should be eager to seek fellowship with people of other
religions, work together with them, and celebrate our common concerns
and values, all the while being alert to the great sensitivity this
practice requires.”
Parsons and Valentine acknowledged that not all
congregations can participate on such short notice and urged churches to
set aside a week sometime in the near future to mark the observance.
“Sharing this information [about the observance] can be educational,
while affirming and encouraging those who are aware of the week and have
planned for it,” said the Rev. Mark Koenig, director of the
Presbyterian Witness at the U.N. office in New York. “And it can also
help lay groundwork for engagement in interfaith efforts later this
spring or next year.”
World Interfaith Harmony Week was established by the U.N. in response
to a call from King Abdullah II of Jordan, arguably the Middle East
country with the best record of interfaith understanding, tolerance and
cooperation.
The complete text of the letter from Parsons and Valentine, dated Jan. 25:
Grace and peace in the name of Jesus Christ.
We invite you to
observe World Interfaith Harmony Week during the first week in February.
In response to a call by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan, the United
Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing this week as a
time when people of different faiths can engage in fellowship, work
together, share common concerns, and celebrate common values. The week
also seeks to promote the common basis of “Love of God and Love of the
Neighbor, or Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbor” among religions
as a means to safeguard world peace.
The Book of Order
affirms that “the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will seek new
opportunities for conversation and understanding with non-Christian
religious bodies in order that interests and concerns may be shared and
common action undertaken where compatible means and aims exist”
(G-15.0104). General Assemblies provide practical and theological
guidance for such efforts. The 209th General Assembly (1997) states that
“In a world of many bitter divisions to which, sadly, religious
differences often contribute, there is an urgent call to all people of
faith to seek understanding and cooperation. In response to this
vocation, Christians should be eager to seek fellowship with people of
other religions, work together with them, and celebrate our common
concerns and values, all the while being alert to the great sensitivity
this practice requires.”
The 211th General
Assembly (1999) affirms that, “In the spirit of Jesus Christ, we are
called to maintain a respectful presence with people of other faiths.”
The 209th General Assembly (1997) defines respectful presence as “a way
to follow Jesus of Nazareth, who met with people of many cultures and
religions even as he fulfilled the nature and purpose of his God-given
mission.” World Interfaith Harmony Week provides an opportunity to
practice such respectful presence.
Different
communities may observe the week in ways that are appropriate to their
situation and relationships. This could include interfaith dialogues,
shared meals, joint service projects or praying for peace in the Middle
East and around the world.
A number of
resources are available to help plan for this week. The statement,
“Respectful Presence: an Understanding of Interfaith Prayer and
Celebration from a Reformed Christian Perspective” is available online. The Interfaith Toolkit provides additional ideas and resources from the Interfaith Relations website.
Find prayers for people of other faiths in the Book of Common Worship
(pages 798 and 815). “Guidelines for Interfaith Celebration of
Thanksgiving” in the Book of Occasional Services may also prove helpful.
Background about World Interfaith Harmony week is available at their website. Share stories of how you observe the week by sending an email to Charles Wiley.
As we join people
around the world in observing World Interfaith Harmony Week, we resist
forces of division that spread misunderstanding and mistrust especially
among peoples of different faiths. We affirm that humanity is bound
together. We work for peace. And we witness to our faith in Jesus Christ
who calls us to love God and love our neighbors.