Students and staff of different religious background gathered and exchanged views on Monday during the Interfaith Dialogue in Trinity’s Fiesta Room.
The 18 participants, representing Islam, Judaism, Catholicism, Protestant Christianity and agnosticism, discussed a wide range of topics from different beliefs to personal religious experiences and current social issues.
Ruth Lavenda, a sophomore and member of the Jewish Student Association, was a part of a stimulating conversation concerning views toward the LGBT community in the Christian church. To her, the very question was brought up because people “did not know what to think because here was a situation where the view of Christianity was being challenged.”
After some heated debate, the table came to the conclusion that there were a variety of opinions regarding this topic on “both sides of the spectrum, one being liberal and one being conservative,” and people could agree to disagree. “As long as you acknowledge and respect the others' opinion and you find your beliefs to be strong, then you are free to have your own opinion about it,” she added.
In another conversation, in regard to the current #blacklivesmatter movement, Annelise DeJong, a senior and member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, shared how her faith made her realize her initial internal bias against African Americans.
Growing up, DeJong said, she had learned through “society’s signals” to be afraid of black people. Now, because of her faith, she holds a different perspective. “He’s [Jesus] been uprooting those lies from my mind,” she said. “He loves people of all colors, nations, and languages, and I’m supposed to love them as well.”
Eventually, people at the meeting agree that people of all faiths ought to be able to freely express their beliefs or non-beliefs and that people should respect and love each other.
“It is not just about mere tolerance but about genuine love for each other,” said Florencia Silva, the Director of Campus Ministries with the Archdiocese of San Antonio. “[Love] is the only place where inter religious dialogue can happen sincerely...and bring real lasting peace.”
The Interfaith Dialogue was organized by three Trinity students: senior Rodney Kennedy, a member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, junior Hamza Adiza, a member of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), and Adam Syed, also a junior and member of MSA. They created this event via Facebook in order to encourage interactions and understanding among people of different faiths.
They hope to continue this dialogue in future interfaith meetings.
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