On the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, people of diverse faith traditions gathered together to remember and to affirm the need for understanding and cooperation among religious communities to work against the kind of hostility and anger that led to the attack on the Twin Towers.
Here in the South Bay, a number of local groups met together to honor the fallen, pray for peace, and renew their commitment to building peaceful and welcoming communities.
On September 7, more than 200 people gathered to hear Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese and leaders from several religious communities reflect on the meaning of 9/11. The event included a procession of clergy and religious leaders, and representatives from local police, fire, and ambulance crews- the "first responders" whose colleagues were being remembered and honored. Video of the event, which was sponsored by ING, the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose, the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Council on American Islamic Relations, and the Silicon Valley Interreligious Council can be seen here.
An even larger interfaith group gathered at the Muslim Community Center on the evening of September 11, for a dinner and candlelight vigil titled "From Fear to Friendship." The program featured which featured prayers from several religious leaders, a release of white doves in hope of peace, and a keynote speech by the Rev. James Lawson, a colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. Lawson reminded the audience that the value of the nation is not in its wealth, its technology, its skills, or its military power, but "The greatness of this nation is we the people. We should stamp this fact into our DNA, into our hearts and minds and hands, and we must act clearly and resolutely . . ."
The evening ended with a candlelight vigil. You can read more about the gathering and see some pictures.
Also on the evening of September 11, the Campbell United Methodist Church and the Pacifica Institute gathered for a dinner and shared prayers for peace, an annual event for the past several years. This year, the Muslim and Methodist attendees were joined by Buddhists, Catholics, Jews, and other Protestant groups. During dinnner around the tables, people responded to the question, "How has your life changed since 9/11," and then the group shared in prayers from various traditions. You can read more about the evening or see some photographs.
I, for one, am proud to be part of a community in which there is such respect for neighbors, and a willingness to reach out and build bridges of mutual understanding and support.
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