Religious leaders say best hope for peace begins when world's faith traditions unite

They are part of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado.

by Electra Draper
Denver Post

Some say it was fanatical faith that led to the 9/11 attacks on the U.S.

Denver's religious leaders said on the 10th anniversary that the best hope for peace begins with the world's faith traditions coming together.

In service of that ideal, representatives of the three Abrahamic faiths — Judaism, Islam and Christianity — gathered at St. John's Cathedral Sunday to have "Conversations That Matter" and "A Multifaith Service of Remembrance Healing and Hope."

"I don't know that any of this accomplishes anything," said participant Ann Kelly, "but it makes me feel better. More understanding can't be a bad thing."

In forums held all afternoon, people talked about difficult subjects, including what bothers them about their own religions.

They talked about their greatest fears about other religions. They learned some of what each faith's sacred texts says about the other. They discussed ways for different groups to conduct respectful dialogue with each other.

To wrap up the forums, Jonny 5 of the Flobots, a Christian rapper brought up in a tiny Presbyterian congregation, hosted a final special event called "an interactive, interfaith performance/workshop."