Over the course of five weeks this fall, representatives from several faith traditions will gather Monday evenings for an interfaith dialogue about how we deal with difference, especially with five topics that frequently spark controversy: race, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation and religious difference.
The series, open to all, is titled: "Family Feuds: How We Deal With Difference – Across Faith Traditions, Within Our Own Tradition, and Inside Ourselves."
Following each of the weekly panel discussions, participants will continue the conversation in smaller, facilitated dialogue groups. The sessions are free and donations are welcome.
The series is sponsored by approximately 30 congregations and organizations that support SPIN (St. Paul Interfaith Network).Two of the co-sponsors are the University of St. Thomas Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center and the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning at St. Thomas and St. John's University.
"These conversations will seek to illustrate how religious traditions can either help us to embrace one another beyond apparent differences or serve to perpetuate enmity and divisiveness," a SPIN announcement explained.
"Informed by sacred texts and stories of our traditions," SPIN said, "we will model and practice constructive dialogue, working to build community across religious differences."
The sessions will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on five consecutive Mondays from Oct. 19 to Nov. 16. Locations are: Oct. 19, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church; Oct. 26, Islamic Center of Minnesota; Nov. 2, Klas Center, Hamline University; Nov. 9, Temple of Aaron; Nov. 16, Central Baptist Church. For addresses and directions go to the SPIN Website.
