Sikh Learning and Interfatih Youth Alliance

Dining with Muslim Algerians weeks ago jump started the beginning of a new kind of journey for me.  Just a few days after my encounter with the group from Algeria I was asked to join a small group of people for lunch to talk about interfaith work.  At that lunch I learned about a group in Kansas City calling themselves the "interfaith youth alliance." On Sunday (now two weeks ago) I joined the youth alliance for a meeting at a local Sikh place of worship. 

 

I felt nervous as I walked into this huge complex on the north end of Westport.  The woman who greeted me at the door wore a white turban.  "Would I have to wear one too?" Thank God I didn't.  I was only asked to remove my shoes. Taking of my shoes was easy enough.  This gesture has become one of "coming home".  A group of us sat in their dining room to eat Indian cuisine.  There was no table but a white table cloth on the floor with dinner wear.  As we ate together, both Sikh and guest, I learned about aspects of Sikh faith, worship, and life.   

A surprise for me was their belief in one God.  I identified with their desire to keep God in one's awareness at all times and of helping one's neighbor.  I wrestled with the way they talked about life after death and reincarnation.  Even while we shared great differences in faith I must say I connected to their contemplative hearts and their desire to live in community.  I'm so glad they opened up their home and worship space to a group representing other faith traditions.

After the meal the group representing the youth alliance talked together about forthcoming plans.  This youth alliance has hopes of getting young adults of different faiths serving together in the community.  Awesome! In fact a group of young people from Iraq are going to be in KC this summer and they will be partnering with students in KC on service projects.    

I'm still trying to figure out what it means for me, a Christian, to be involved in interfaith work. I've been influenced by such global issues as poverty, conflict, colonialism and genocide. Religion and the cultural differences associated sure have been the vehicle for misunderstandings leading to hatred and then violence.   As I host these influences within me, and the stories of humanity I've learned from, I'm convinced that engagement with my neighbors of different faiths in some kind of shared life together is vital to my Christian development.