The conference is designed to bring us to meet one another  —  and together explore three crises in our “desacralized” world, which offers no clear guidance. Panel presentations and conversation among all of us explore the wisdom of our faiths on each of these issues.

(1) Environmental Crisis:
Our environmental crisis stems from failing to respect the world of nature. The destruction of rain forests, toxic wastes from cars and other pollution, and diminishing diversity of species, are signs of the environmental exploitation that has become acceptable in the name of progress and economic growth. What can Primal and other faiths teach us about the ecology of the spirit?

(2) Personal Identity Crisis:
The inner struggles we face arise from forgetting our true identities. Thus we become addicted to substances or compulsive behavior—drugs, alcoholism, consumerism, gambling, and “power trips.”  We develop unhealthy co-dependent relationships and blame others for our failures. Various forms of prejudice, such as racism and sexism,  and the loss of a sense of vocation as a way of expressing who we are flatten the spirit. What do the Asian religions teach about what it means to be a person?

(3) Social Cohesion Crisis:
Our addiction to violence — in movies and games as well as in real life, means that destroying the opponent has become the paradigm for relating with others. Economic exploitation, resulting in the disparity between rich and poor, sabotage efforts to build a cohesive society that promotes compassion over greed. What do the monotheistic faiths have to say about how we should live with one another.
 

THREE WISDOM TREASURES

    • Primal — Nature is to be respected more than controlled; it is a process which includes us, not a product external to us to be used or disposed of. Our proper attitude toward nature is awe, not utility.
    • Asian — Who we appear to be is a matter of convention; nonetheless, our acts should proceed spontaneously from duty and compassion, and we need not be attached to their results.
    • Monotheistic — The flow of history toward justice is possible when persons in community govern themselves less by profit and more by the covenant of service.

The perspectives of participants in the Kansas City Interfaith Council are an ever valuable resource as the conference preparations continue and excitement builds. This month’s Many Paths reference supplement offers the first set of individual responses to the following questions and requests:
     1. What are your hopes for The Gifts of Pluralism conference?
     2. Why do your consider the conference important for your own faith group?
     3. Share some examples of local prejudices that you have experienced.
     4. Now give some examples of local interfaith success stories.

     1. a) a good turnout of all faiths —  b) that the Conference will promote an understanding of peace and good will for all faiths and pathways and lessen the fears we have over differences we see in each other’s expression of faith or non-expression of it. — c) that it will be a good experience for all participants: thought provoking, interactive, and sensual: color, sound, movement and good things to eat.
     2. As a faith group, and even for a Church within a faith group, we tend to insulate ourselves from others. As we are involved in our own faith’s community, it is human nature to feel the “world” around us is the same as we are, or should be so. As we interact with another faith community, we are exposed to differences, but more importantly, we are amazed at our similarities that unify us as the Human Family of God.
     3. As a Caucasian woman with Native ancestry, I have experienced very little overt prejudice toward myself. I believe it is for the gentle walk I take as one representative, one teacher. There are some Natives and non-Natives that claim only Native peoples have a right to practice Native American Spirituality.
     Truly, though, one’s spirituality is between Creator and the individual. There is no priest or intermediary to go between the individual and God. There is a Traditional Code of Ethics as well as appropriate behaviors. Nevertheless, human nature as it is, can be jealous, possessive, and aggressive when it comes to having opinions about another’s expression of faith.
     4. a) Kansas City’s Interfaith Council. I know of no other community that has an interfaith council as more representative of the different faiths than Kansas City. There are many Christian faiths that are coming together in dialog. But here in Kansas City, we are truly a pluralistic interfaith council: American Indian Spirituality, Baha’i, Unitarian Universalist, Buddhist, Wiccan, Hindu, Sufi, Sikh, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Zoroastrian. — b) Dr. Steve Jeffers, Outreach Chaplain at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, recently brought together faith representatives from Jewish, American Indian, Christianity, Hindu and Muslim to speak to health care professionals at Johnson County Community College regarding faith issues in health care. It was so successful and so well received that it will be given to Shawnee Mission’s hospital staff this Fall. —  c) The Kansas City Pipe Circle, a community of folks practicing Native American Spirituality for the last ten years or so, welcomes all people of all faiths to sit in Circle with them. No matter the race, culture, color or creed, the Circle is the Circle and representative of the Human Family: that we are all children of Creator, that our Mother Earth and Father Sky are mother and father to us all.

Simeon Kohlman Rabbani
Bahá’í

     1. My hopes for this conference, and any interfaith activities, is to gain a greater knowledge and depth of understanding about other religions and how they are lived out in the lives of their practitioners. It is only by becoming acquainted with those of other faiths, that we learn the true value of those faiths. In this conference, particularly, I am hoping to see, as a result of the panel discussions, how the individual perspectives of the various religions complement one another, and how discussion and consultation between them can lead to a greater resolution of the issues involved, than merely considering a single perspective. Paradoxically, I see the greatest “gift of pluralism” to be a greater recognition of our underlying unity as human beings.
     2. The key underlying principle of the Bahá’í Faith is that of unity. Much of our Holy Writings speak to this concept of the unity of religions. Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of our Faith, has said, “The utterance of God is a lamp, whose light is these words: Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.” This interfaith conference is one way in which we can show fellowship and friendliness with one another, and demonstrate the essential unity of the diverse messages of our respective faiths.
      Another key principle of our Faith that I see as important to this conference is the concept of “consultation” as the best means of resolving differences of opinion and making decisions. Bahá’u’lláh states, “The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined with the two luminaries of consultation and compassion. Take ye counsel together in all matters, inasmuch as consultation is the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding.” Only through consulting together on various issues, can we discover the solutions that will be equitable for all. This conference can be a way to demonstrate this principle in action.
     3. A common prejudice I have witnessed locally is the segregated nature of our communities. Where I work, in Overland Park, there is a common tendency to denigrate other neighborhoods of the metro area in conversation. While not an outright offense or injustice against people, this kind of mindset promotes the attitude that there are “good” and “bad” places in our city, that become subconsciously associated with the people who live there. The “good” is invariably suburban, rich, and white, and the “bad” is urban, poor, and colored. I see such prejudice expressed on an almost daily basis with friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and even within my own family. These attitudes are so common that they nearly always pass without mention, and, by letting such derogatory conversation continue, we further the “conventional wisdom” that underlies racism.
     4. A wonderful interfaith gathering that I was blessed to witness was the Harmony concert, held a few months ago in Kansas City, Missouri. In it, people joined together and sang from the Writings of many various religions, in many different musical styles and rhythms. Such events, where art and music are used to bring people together, are a powerful and emotional way to demonstrate our unity.
     I have also attended a number of talks by various religious groups here in the metro area, with the purpose of learning about the beliefs and practices of other faiths. When conducted in an open spirit of sharing and learning, these have always been beneficial. A common response of those who attend is that they gain a greater understanding of their own faith, through learning about another.

Lama Chuck Stanford
Buddhism

     1. We sincerely hope people would walk away with a greater understanding and deeper appreciation of faith groups other than their own. Also to develop an appreciation for the similarities as well as the differences.
     2. We also feel that this is a unique opportunity to bring the various Buddhist groups for the first time to work on a common goal and that through this process we will develop and appreciation and understanding of the differences and similarities among the various Buddhist groups in Kansas City.
     3. The only prejudice that we have experienced is with public prayer that is very often exclusive and sectarian.

     4. There are many examples of interfaith success stories in the Kansas City area. A few examples are the very existence of the Interfaith Council and this historic conference. Also the Kansas City Star newspaper’s faith section that has representative’s of the major faiths answering the same question from readers. Other examples are the IFC annual Thanksgiving Ritual Feast, the weekly faith column written by Vern Barnet and organizations such as: CRES, Harmony, Spirit of Service and others.

George Noonan
Christianity — Catholic

     1. My hopes would be that this would be an opportunity to comfortably and respectfully learn about one another’s religious traditions, beliefs and practices and to discover those things that can unite rather than divide us. I believe that as the participants meet and share with one another, better understanding will result; an understanding that will allow us to share common interests that will help better our society.
     2. I believe that it is important for the Catholic community to have an appreciation and understanding of the variety of religious expressions that are within our area. I also think that it will give us a chance to demythologize peoples’ assumed perceptions of who Catholics are and what it is that they believe.
     3. I think in general, Catholicism is often misunderstood and misrepresented in the media and in popular culture. This is true of Kansas City as well. It is not unusual to hear slurs against Catholics and the misperception of what they believe. Some Christian groups would even question the Christianity of Catholics.
     4. I think there have been some wonderful examples of cooperation made possible by organizations like the Church Community Organizing Project (CCO). This group has brought together representative of different congregations and faith communities to organize effective political influence over issues of concern in various neighborhoods.
      I also think that recent initiatives taken by several groups and individuals to combat racism is a success story.
      Finally, efforts such as Compassion Sabbath, which has been a partnership of the interfaith and ecumenical communities together with Midwest Bioethics, in addressing end of life issues would be another.

Anand Bhattacharyya
Hinduism

     1. I hope that the Gifts of Pluralism conference will raise some awareness in the area population about the existence of so many faith communities in the Kansas City area. Also, the people attending the conference will have a chance to share and learn how different faith traditions address different important issues facing our society today.
     2. The conference is important for my faith group because: a) We have an opportunity to explain our position on some issues important to us; b) We have a chance for dialogue with other religious groups. This dialogue is important for mutual understanding and respect.
     3. Personal experience of prejudice: I invited my colleague at work and his wife for a dinner in my home. My wife had lost her mother a few months ago because of breast cancer. During post dinner conversation, my wife, still in a sorrowful mood for the loss of her mother, mentioned how much suffering her mother had to go through and said, ’I hope she is now resting in peace in heaven.’ My colleague’s wife said, ’I am sorry to say this, your mother can not go to heaven, because she was not a Christian.’ What a terribly insensitive and prejudicial comment this was! After a quarter of a century my wife still remembers this painful comment.
     4. Example of interfaith success stories: a) When somebody threw hamburger beef in front of the Hindu Temple n Shawnee and the news got out and was published in The Kansas City Star a few years ago, the temple received many calls from local church leaders condemning such detestable acts; b) Recently, when the local black churches got hate letters, under the leadership of Ed Chasteen, the founder of HateBusters, there was outpouring expression of interfaith support and love for these churches.

Rauf Mir
Islam

     1. Learn, develop and enhance awareness of various faiths and strengthen mutual respect.
     2. It’s a time to serve and contribute to the local community while being proud but humble of who we are.
     3. Several attacks on places of worship and false accusations made regarding members of the faith.
     4. Less bias/ignorant views expressed in the media.

Karta Purkh
Sikh Dharma

     1. My most earnest hope for the conference is that I will meet, talk with, understand and be understood by some people I have never met before. Faith communities even ones as small as ours, need to network out beyond our own comfortable little circles and meet with strangers who become eventually friends. I know that anyone who comes to such a conference will undoubtedly be open in the best sense but I also hope they will be honestly curious and willing to listen and willing to talk.
     2. It is important for the reasons stated above. So that we may learn from others. I truly believe that there are only a few real differences between most religions. They all contain a yearning towards oneness that must be fulfilled. I want to know of other’s yearnings and how they are viewed and fulfilled.
     3. I have had people lean out of cars and drunkenly bellow their ignorance at me, none of which bear repeating hear. I have been viewed with alarm in the corporate environs (KC Star for one) because I wore a turban and had a beard, I have been prayed over (in Aramaic) and I have been questioned deeply by others who honestly wanted to understand so they could more easily sway me from my path. Fortunately, practice of my faith insures its strength and none of these things have ever really had any real effect.
     4. It is a major underpinning of our faith that ALL religions are viewed equally by God. There can be no more sincere worship, I think, than to worship in a different culture from my own (Sikhism) and find it wonderful, uplifting and affirming of my own beliefs. I do not think that I have ever felt uncomfortable at a sincere worship service, whether it was Judeo-Christian, Native American, Muslim, Hindu or whatever. To be in the company of those who deeply believe in their connectedness with the divine cannot be anything other than life and faith affirming.

Rahimah Sweeney
Sufism

1. That it is well attended. That true understanding of the differences and similarities of each faith is gained by participants. That the exposure over three days to the diversity of points of view increases appreciation for the Whole. That respect reigns.
     2. There seems to be a peace that comes with knowing and being known.
      3. The most common one is being taken lightly. The Shining Heart Community is an American Sufi group. There is doubt of the validity of American Sufis by some who claim Sufism is part of their religion. On the other hand it has a middle eastern flavor and Islam is often misunderstood. The result is that people often approach cautiously when they hear about the origins of this wisdom tradition. Then there is the most common comeback, when asked what spiritual path I follow, which is “Did you say Sushi?” This seems to be a common reaction for those who have never heard the word Sufi.
   It seems important to add in this part of the survey that more people than not sincerely ask about the nature of Sufism. I don’t experience the prejudice as pervasive.
      4. Often when people experience the joy in the Dances of Universal Peace they begin to understand that the Presence of God is closer than they ever imagined. It is very gratifying to be in the presence of this process. We are enjoying a heartfelt welcome from the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church community. St. Mary’s has become our new home. Speaking about this wisdom tradition to seminarians, adult Sunday school classes, Shepherd Center classes allows for a thoughtful and often lively exchange with those who may otherwise not know about the Sufi path. The interfaith council speakers bureau has been instrumental in many of these talks.

Ted Otteson
Unitarian Universalism

     1. I hope the Gifts of Pluralism Conference will increase awareness of the many and diverse religious communities in our area, resulting in less fear of, and suspicion about, other religious groups. People fear what they don’t understand; they turn against what they fear.
     2. The Conference is important to the Unitarian Universalists because, as a relatively small association, we are not well known, both locally and nationally. In this area, we are often confused with Unity, which has such a large presence here. Also, we believe there are many “unchurched” people who would feel at home with our liberal religious position, but they don’t know what we stand for, or even that we exist.
     3. I can’t think of a specific instance of prejudice, we have encountered people who think that, because we are a “non-creedal” church we have no principles, which, of course, is not the case.
     4. I have spoken at the Shepherd Center, which has had successful speaker series including representatives from many faith communities. Barb McAtee’s weekly Wednesday forum at KU MED Center is an outstanding attempt to bring together people of many faiths.
      Our Religious Education program at All Souls UU Church often brings speakers from different faiths to speak to the children, and in our worship services we use readings from many faiths.

Mike Nichols
Wicca

     1. In an increasingly fast-paced world which seems bereft of moral and ethical touchstones, it is vitally important to identify the spiritual values held in common by all faith communities.
     2. Although Wicca has been identified as one of the fastest growing religions in the U.S. today, it is still not widely understood and thus needs to be clearly represented in any gathering of our community’s religious traditions.
     3. At my workplace, an inter-office memo was sent to many people lamenting the lack of values in our society, but implying this could only be corrected by belonging to a particular religious faith.
     4. I was honored to be a member of this Interfaith Council when it was first formed, and participated in a number of events that successfully promoted interfaith dialogue.

Linda Prugh (Uma), Council Observer
Vedanta Society of Kansas City

1. Interfaith understanding is very important. People immediately see differences between their own faith tradition and those of others. Many people do not care to know anything about any tradition outside their own. It is important for people of Kansas City to be aware that their city is filled with a diversity of faiths, each with its own proud and rich traditions. It is important to have these different faiths to meet the differing spiritual needs of different individuals. I believe that people of one faith must first see that their religious tradition has something in common with other faith traditions. Then they may be willing to accept other faiths and respect the external differences which are so obvious and which are also very necessary.

2. Examples of religious prejudice: Certain small newspapers will not publish the publicity for events sponsored by the Vedanta Society. I and others believe this is a case of religious discrimination, taking place in a highly dense Judeo-Christian area of the city. In this respect, The Kansas City Star has improved in the last ten years.

3. In 1993, 1995, and 1997 the Vedanta Society of Kansas City hosted interfaith symposiums. (CRES was co-sponsor of each event.) The 1993 Parliament of Religions featured speakers from seven religious traditions; the 1995 and 1997 symposiums each featured four major faith traditions, with Dr. Huston Smith as key note speaker, talking about world traditions. All representatives spoke in such a way that verified the theme of all our symposiums: “Truth is One. Sages call It by various names.”

4. I hope the conference will open the eyes of many Kansas Citians and raise their awareness of what lies around them: a society enriched by various religious traditions. I hope that those who take part in the conference will learn that their own faith tradition has much in common with other traditions, but also that the external differences which exist are important: Different religions are necessary to meet the spiritual needs of different types of people. Vedanta Societies in America tend to be very low profile. Through this conference I am hoping the Vedanta Society of Kansas City will gain some visibility.