Just One Step
Habitat for Humanity project in Columbus, GA
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The enormity of the issues surrounding interfaith relations can be overwhelming. We listen to the news, hear about horrendous violence overseas, and can feel paralyzed by the sheer size of the problems.
A well-known story tells of a woman taking a morning stroll along an ocean beach the morning after a storm. The beach is littered with hundreds of starfish, stranded on the sand by the sea's tumult the night before. Up ahead she notices a lone figure, stooping to grab a starfish and then standing up to toss it back into the sea. When she reaches the man she asks him, "Why are you going to the trouble of throwing those starfish back into the ocean? There are so many - you can never reach all of them. I've been watching as I walked toward you and it doesn't seem like you've made any difference at all." The man looked down at the starfish in his hand and said thoughtfully, "It makes a difference to this one." With that he threw the starfish as far as he could across the water and then stooped deliberately over to the next one. You don't have to commit the rest of your life. Just one step, just one effort, can make a big difference, Below we list some options that are concrete, time-limited, and effective. |
Invite a speaker
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Schools, workplaces and places of worship are ideal settings to learn about Islam. Teachers have a particular need to know about Islam because anti-Muslim bullying is becoming all too common in our schools. This can become part of an already-existing diversity effort. In Minnesota, the Islamic Resource Group is a great source of speakers. For a sample letter to a school administrator, click here.
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Join or organize a service project
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Interfaith service projects are a great way to build relationships while addressing real needs in the community. Habitat for Humanity has many interfaith projects across the country - you can check to see if they have one in your community. Banding together to help others creates a setting where conversation occurs naturally, without a need to delve into religious or cultural differences. We experience our common humanity in reaching out to help others. Click here for a story on Tapestry Interfaith Women in Wayzata, MN, a partnership that began with just one service project.
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Post a statement of solidarity
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Non-Muslims frequently ask Muslims to speak out against Islamic terrorism; we are called on to do the same in the face of anti-Muslim discrimination.
Invite your place of worship to write up a statement of solidarity. Post the statement, or a shortened version, in a public part of the building. This initiative is likely to prompt discussion, which provides a great opportunity for education and a speaker. For more information, and a copy of a sample statement and a simple poster, click here Feel free to use either as is, or alter to suit your needs. |
Invite someone for coffee or a meal
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In your neighborhood or workplace, reach out to say hello and get acquainted. One of the very best ways to break down walls is with simple human relationship.
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Speak up
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If you're in a conversation with people who are expressing misunderstanding or intolerance of those of other faiths, speak up. Silence reinforces intolerance and helps it become the new normal.
You can simply say, "That makes me uncomfortable," or you can provide new and more accurate information. You don't need to engage in a full-on debate; one simple statement can make a difference. |
Attend an interfaith event
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Many cities and towns now have lectures, prayer services and other opportunities to engage with those of other faiths. It can take courage the first time you step into unfamiliar territory, but your world will be enriched.
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