Last month I, along with an estimated 400 other people, attended an interfaith event – United in Faith, Standing in Solidarity with our Neighbors – at the Islamic Center of Western MA (ISWM). The event was planned as a result of the anti-semitic, anti-racial, and Islamophobic rhetoric, graffiti and incidents that had been taking place since the election.
Signs stating We Are 1 Humanity, We Stand in Solidarity with our Neighbors, We Are United in Faith, We Refuse to be Enemies, We Deplore Hate, Harassment, and Bullying, and We Will Promote Respect, Love and Peace were lifted at various moments during the gathering.
Attorney Tahirah Amatul-Wadud spoke passionately about ways people of faith could stand in solidarity with one another. The following are highlights that I came away with:
- Invite Muslims into our circles to share experiences and build relationships
- Speak out against bigotry
- Encourage the reporting of assaults and slurs
- Work with law enforcement officials to build relationships and minimize assaults
- Organize on a small level; work with schools and our congregations around the issues of bullying and racism
- Host workshops and seminars that address difficult work environments and mental health issues
- Write letters to the editor; use social media effectively
- Make love mainstream
- Wear a safety pin to let others know you are someone who is safe to talk with
- Remember: we are people of faith – hold onto it, live it – in our congregations and our communities
- Stay in touch with and support one another
Lutheran clergy woman, Reverend Lauren Holmes, offered these words by Mohammed Ali:
“We all have the same God, we just serve him differently. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Muslim, Christian, or Jew. When you believe in God, you should believe that all people are part of one family. If you love God, you can’t love only some of his children.”
Several prayers, for all people, were offered; representatives from various faith communities, the Boston attorney general’s office, local school officials, the Imam, and the President of the ISWA, provided updates and reiterated how important relationship building is; radical hospitality extended by our Muslim brothers and sisters was enjoyed by all.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King is quoted as saying: “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.” Whenever I attend an interfaith event such as this I always leave hopeful, energized, empassioned, and reminded of the Great Commandment found in the three synoptic gospels (Mark 28:30-31, Matthew 22:37-39. and Luke 10: 27) and the New Commandment (John 13:34). It really is all about love.