Interfaith Assembly: ‘Commonalities in Our Diversity’

As snow fell and frigid winds blew, over 200 people gathered in gorgeous St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral on East Fayette Street to celebrate the rich diversity of faith traditions in Central New York. The theme of the Feb. 8, 2015 assembly was “Commonalities in Our Diversity.” This was Syracuse’s fifth annual World Interfaith Harmony Assembly, organized by Women Transcending Boundaries and InterFaith Works of Central New York. Eleven faith groups participated in the program, most collaborating with a different faith in their presentation.

The program began with Dr. Joan Hillsman playing piano and leading us all in her original “Harmony Song.” Beth Broadway, President/CEO of InterFaith Works, and Betty Lamb, Interim President of Women Transcending Boundaries, each welcomed us warmly.

Dr. Mehtab Singh Bajwa gave of the Sikh faith gave the blessing. Masters of ceremony were President Marc Clay of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, whose church hosted the event last year, and The Reverend Georgina Hegney of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community presented together. David Morgan and a group from St. Paul’s and Safeta Cerimovic (Local President of the Women’s Auxiliary) and women from Ahmadiyya Muslim Community stood at opposite sides of the altar under a symbol representing his/her faith. They spoke of similarities among them:

  • Both mark the day in prayer. Episcopalians say “the office” and Muslims say prayers at similar times each day.
  • Both have a call to worship. We were treated to a magnificent organ prelude which resonated throughout the cathedral; Satefa read an English translation of the beautiful Muslim Adhan.
  • Both begin worship services with prayer, have prayers of praise, and close with a prayer that sends worshipers out into the world to serve others.
  • Both have great traditions of hospitality.

Next, the Islamic Society of Central New York and Temple Concord presented. Magda Bayoumi of the Islamic Society said that both groups pray to the same God and share some similar prayers, the golden rule, fasting, justice, and peace. A member of the Islamic Society read a poem she had written “Poem for a Woman Growing Up,” and a cantor from Temple Concord sang.

Pastor Richard Yost from Immanuel Lutheran Church and Bishop Matt Perry from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Liverpool introduced their portion of the program by talking about the close relationship between their churches. They have joined for dinners and programs like “God’s Work in Our Hands” collecting blankets for Vera House, school kits, and a project knitting scarves and hats. A large group of members of both congregations sang, “Have I Done Anything Good in the World Today?”

The Oy Cappella singers of from Syracuse University’s Hillel Center for Jewish Life brightened up a winter afternoon with two songs: “Comfort” and “One Day” (a day when war is no more). While this is a Jewish group, not all members are Jewish. “Whatever our faith,” a spokesman said, “we come together and sing.”

A representative from the Sikh Foundation of Syracuse spoke about the commonalities Sikhism shares with other faiths. Sikhs believe in one God (our human creator) with Whom they communicate directly, gender equality, freedom of speech, righteousness, and service to others. Sikhs wear a clerical beard in a manner similar to that of Muslims and Jews; the turban is worn as a religious symbol. He performed a song whose words meant “God knows no boundaries. He is among us.”

Next the Sudanese Community at St. Paul’s Cathedral presented, Dr. Hegney standing with the group. They spoke of their worship and journey to be here in America and sang a lovely hymn.

The Zen Center of Syracuse and Unity of Syracuse, neighbors on East Seneca Turnpike, presented together. Rev. Edith Washington of Unity discussed their similarities: Buddha means “the awakening.” Members of Unity have awakened to their true oneness with others and seek to help others along the way with compassion through a “kaleidoscope of individualized expressions of ourselves.” Shinge Roshi Roko Sherry Chayat of the Zen Center introduced a traditional Buddhist tale that was acted out by members of both groups. Next a multi-generational choir from Unity brought the house down with two songs: “Start a Fire in My Soul” and a Michael Jackson medley including “We Are the World,” which had us on our feet and joining in.

Daryl Files of InterFaith Works invited us all to become involved in “The Compassion Games.” This program is designed to “make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world.” The goal is for Syracuse to become a city of compassion.

After a closing blessing by Rev. Penny Hart, Joan Hillsman led us in a final song “Love, Joy and Peace.” A reception followed in the lovely Hansen Dining Room, hosted by women of St. Paul’s. Finger foods were beautifully arranged and served on china, as we all mingled in a warmth that belied the blowing snow outside the windows.

For a report and photos from the Syracuse Post-Standard, click here.
For a report by Susan Wright of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, one of the event organizers, click here.