Friendship Reception Planned For Jan. 15

ANNUAL INTERCULTURAL EVENT BRINGS MEMBERS OF DIFFERENT FAITHS TOGETHER FOR DIALOG

 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/STEVE KEESEE 3/22/11 G. David Gearhart, chancellor University of Arkansas.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/STEVE KEESEE 3/22/11 G. David Gearhart, chancellor University of Arkansas.

The Institute of Interfaith Dialog will host its eighth annual Intercultural Friendship and Dialog Reception in Fayetteville on Jan. 15. The public is invited to attend.

The aim is to build bridges among people of various faiths, said Sami Keskek, a volunteer coordinator. Guests will be seated with members of other religions, giving all the opportunity to learn.

“The purpose is to bring people of different backgrounds - different cultures and religions - around the table and help them understand each other better,” Keskek said.

The topic this year is “Reaching Out to the Victims of International Violence: Syrian Refugees in Turkey,” Keskek said. A guest speaker will share information about the plight of people in refugee camps.

Other speakers will address the topic of international violence - and the need for social solidarity - in a more general way, Keskek said. Speakers include the Rev. Phil Butin, co-pastor of First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville; Rabbi Jacob Adler of Temple Shalom; and Mehmet Ulupinar of the Institute of Interfaith Dialog in Little Rock.

“We’re trying to fi nd solutions to common problems all people of religion have,” Keskek said.

Nancy Mays, a member of the Presbyterian church, said the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary Schoolin Newtown, Conn., has brought heightened awareness of the innocent victims of violence.

“Since this topic was set, look at what’s happened in the United States,” she said. “We certainly have our problems.”

Members of First United Presbyterian and Temple Shalom have joined with the Institute of Interfaith Dialog to host interfaith events throughout the year, Mays said. The collaboration began at an interfaith dialogue dinner three years ago.

“If we can talk together in our little group,” that’s an action for positive change, she said. “We can’t change what goes on in the MiddleEast, but we can help people here understand.”

A light meal of sandwiches and desserts will be served, Keskek said. There is no cost, but reservations must be made by Jan. 12.

Religion, Pages 6 on 01/05/2013

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