FR. DAVID STODDART
On April 1st, about a dozen COOS parishioners visited the masjid, the house of worship of the Islamic Society of Central Virginia, for Friday prayers. We were warmly welcomed, and all of us found it to be a great experience. I was particularly moved by the sermon, which spoke about the need to respond to evil with good. The speaker addressed the fear that many members of that community feel and encouraged them not to hide but rather to be involved in the wider community. He urged his listeners not to let their fear dominate them but to let people see what Muslims are really like.
This past Sunday, several Muslims from that same community came to address our Adult Forum. They offered some basic information about Islam and tried to dispel some misconceptions (most of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims are not Arabs; those who commit terrorism in the name of Islam are a tiny fraction of a fraction). In addition, one of the presenters spoke movingly about the human toll of being the target of hatred and discrimination, even here in Charlottesville. He said that respect for all people, even when they have differences of belief, conveys the true spirit of religion. It was a powerful testimony.
I am convinced that we need to build bridges during this fractured time. I am very grateful to this parish for participating in that, and very thankful to the Islamic Society for being so receptive and welcoming. I hope that we can somehow continue to build on this as we move forward. Certainly Christ would have us reach out in love: his commandment to love others does not include only those we agree with theologically. As he both teaches and demonstrates, we are all children of the same God and are all called to live in loving community with one another. Please join me in praying and working for just that.
[NOTE: The conversation with members from the Islamic Society of Central Virginia continues this Sunday, April 24, at Adult Forum - 10:15am in the Mission. Please come!]
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