All Faiths United Working for Peace by Brenda Nettles Riojas

by Brenda Nettles Riojas, AFU member

After any tragedy, we find comfort in coming together in solidarity with others who are in shock and in mourning. Following each horrific mass shooting in our nation, we ask ourselves yet again, “Why?” “How can these atrocities continue in our world?”

These tragedies that try to destroy peace presses the need that now more than ever we must continue to work together, making peace building a priority. For more than four years our interfaith group, All Faiths United, has been working in building peace in our own community by building understanding. Christians, Jews, Muslims and Hindus in the Rio Grande Valley join others in solidarity standing against such violence which goes against God and humanity. We commit ourselves further to the work ahead.

Sister Fatima Santiago, a Missionary sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who has led the planning efforts for the group, reminds us, “We cannot solve misunderstandings worldwide, but we can do our part here at home with our neighbors to build peace and understanding.”

During one of our gatherings, Imam Noor Ahmad of the Masjid Umar Al-Farooq Mosque in McAllen reflected on the Golden Age when people used to get together in what was called the House of Wisdom, regardless of faith and culture, and worked to make a better world. He reminds us, “When people get together, the impossible can be possible.”

We believe this is possible. Faith leaders in our community from the Catholic Church, and the Jewish and Islam Faith are leading by example and have engaged in dialogues to create opportunities to listen and understand each other’s faiths and cultures.

The art of listening and listening with respect needs to be cultivated, says the Most Rev. Daniel E. Flores, Bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville. “We in the United States have a special responsibility,” he added to “give a model of what it is to have a legitimate religious pluralism and diversity that is respectful and allows each of the religious faiths to express themselves.”

In their conversations, our faith leaders have addressed the question of how religion and faith continue to be powerful forces for the good in the wider society. We must focus on these forces for good. We cannot afford to allow a culture of growing indifference, which helps evil take root in the world.

Our interfaith group has taught us much. When we break bread together and get to know one another, we see that indeed we can work together from a place of love, respect and understanding. Not only have we broken bread after a Ramadan fast at the Mosque in Edinburg, we have learned about the Sukkot customs of our Jewish brothers and sisters, we have celebrated Mass together, and we have mourned the loss of innocent lives.

What motivates our continued work? We want our children, youths and young adults, to be aware we are all God’s children, and we want to live in harmony and peace. During an Interfaith Field Day hosted by the group, we shared in the joy of children of all faiths playing together.

There are certainly challenges ahead and no easy solutions. As Bishop Flores has said, we live in a “microwave culture” that wants fast solutions for everything. Dialogues help build understanding and they take time. During a dialogue at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the themes which emerged and remain relevant focus on community, the youth and family.

From the start of the interfaith meetings, Imam Osama Saad who was at the Masjid Ar-Ridwaan in Edinburg at the time, said working with youths and young adults is of utmost importance in today’s culture to build understanding and for them to know they are valued in their families and communities. Imam Noor talked about the lack of role models for young people. “We need to stand up and take a step. Each one of us is responsible,” he said.

Bishop Flores also talked about the need for being engaged with the people in our midst. “We are called first to appreciate the humanity of the person in front of us,” he said.  “Being connected to the people around you is crucial. As churches and mosques and synagogues and other religious organizations, we have an immensely important role in helping us rediscover the importance of community.”

While there are no quick solutions, it is clear that in order to build understanding we must learn more and engage in efforts to promote peace. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta provided a basic starting point for each of us to consider when she asked, “What can we do to promote world peace?” Her answer: “Go home and love your family.”

(A previous version was published in July 2016 edition of The Valley Catholic newspaper)