Hosted by Bethany Baptist Church, Syracuse’s first annual interfaith assembly commemorating UN World Interfaith Harmony Week took place Jan. 30, 2011 and was organized by Women Transcending Boundaries and InterFaith Works of Central New York.
Hands of children and elders alike reached across the aisles of Bethany Baptist Church as approximately 300 people celebrated the start of World Interfaith Harmony Week. This celebration was held in accord with a United Nations resolution designating the first week of February as a time to promote understanding among faith traditions and honor differences while creating community.(www.worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com)
Much gratitude is expressed to the following: The Reverend Phil Turner and members of Bethany Baptist Church for hosting this event. The Reverend William Redfield of Trinity Episcopal Church, Fayetteville
The Reverend Dr. Tiffany Steinwert, Dean of Syracuse University Hendricks Chapel
Dances of Universal Peace, Syracuse Circle
Islamic Society of Central New York
Sheila Muters and singers of First Church of Christ Scientist
Holy Trinity/St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church
Dr. Joan Burstyn of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas
Center for New Americans and Bhutanese Dancers
Terra Harmatuk of the Syracuse Pagan Community
Ralph Singh of the Sikh tradition
Trinity Episcopal Church, Fayetteville
The Zen Center of Syracuse
Baha’i Faith Community
Dr. Joan Hillsman
The Reverend Tanya Atwood Adams
Suddenly, it seemed that peace still has a chance
editor’s note: This is a letter to the
Post Standard sent by WTB Advisory Board member Judy Antoine:
To the Editor:
If you did not attend the World Interfaith Harmony Assembly of Central New York this past Sunday at Bethany Baptist Church, you missed out on a wonderful event.
It was sponsored by InterFaith Works of CNY and Women Transcending Boundaries. People of different faiths and cultures gathered in this beautiful building to experience the holiness of many faiths and traditions.
The Bethany Baptist Choir welcomed us with a soulful, joyous gospel song that had us all swaying our hips and moving to its rhythm. Songs were shared from various Christian traditions.
Members of the Bhutanese community blessed the floor they sat on by chanting, playing music and dancing. The Islamic Society of Central New York brought three youths who shared song, prayer and poetry. My eyes filled with tears as I heard the Arabic of ancient times chanted by such a young boy.
Buddhists, Baha’is, Jews, pagans, Sikhs, Christians, Muslims, Quakers — all came together, sharing their faith through their stories. Suddenly, we all did not seem so different. Suddenly, it seemed like peace had a chance.
Aren’t we lucky to live in a city like Syracuse, where we can gather together to bring harmony to our world?
For a report in the Syracuse Post-Standard, click here.