Madison
Inter-religious Dialogue:
Thirty Years
of Regular Monthly Discussion - July 11, 2018
A Reflection
by Rev. Fr. John-Brian Paprock
Can a few
local people from different faith traditions effect positive change in the
world?
Part of a
global movement of interfaith dialogue, the growing energy for a global meeting
of religions, and growing interconnectedness through internet media, every
local meeting of those of different faith traditions in person seem to add to a
growing sense of hope and peace for the future of this world.
Thirty years
ago, a committee was formed to have a centennial celebration of the Parliament
of World’s Religions that had gathered in Chicago at the world exposition in
1893. Thirty years ago, Joseph Campbell
was interviewed by Bill Moyers about the Power of Myth, exploring the common
themes in religious traditions. Thirty years ago, in the year of the dragon,
the Madison Inter-religious Dialogue started.
As a newly
ordained Eastern Christian priest in my first mission parish, I was eager to
serve the community, not just our small mission, but the community at
large. I met with Charles Pfeiffer at
Madison Urban Ministry and I asked where I might get direction for service. I was grateful he recommended the newly
formed group, MID. He said he didn’t really know that much about the new group,
but did know one of the founding participants, George Hinger.
I had
studied various faith traditions and symbology, informally and formally, and
delighted in the opportunity for conversation. I did not, at that time,
appreciate the power of dialogue.
Feeling
particularly young and secure in my faith, I joined the monthly discussion
group during a time of exploration. We
all took turns leading a religious rite or ceremony with the group. I spoke with my Orthodox Christian elders and
leaders and was allowed to do a traditional Blessing of Water for Epiphany at
the St. Benedict Center. I enjoyed all the presentations during that period of
the dialogue.
I wasn’t
always able to participate in the dialogue. Either the time of day (a
discussion at the dialogue for years, I recall), day of the week, or personal
or professional issues conflicted with the meetings. Nevertheless, the faithful note-takers of the
group kept me informed with meeting minutes and announcements. Knowing it has continued through the years
has been a reassurance of the ideal of our common humanity – that we share this
world and this existence with others who have different beliefs and
perspectives – and still peaceful dialogue continues.
One of my
deep-felt understandings that the Madison Inter-religious Dialogue has affirmed
is simple: we do not have to agree on anything to get along, we need only grow
in respect and honor by listening.
George Hinger’s commitment to this principle has been inspiring. Because of this, I am honored to have
friendships and connections with people of many different faiths not just in
Wisconsin, but throughout the world! Because of this, my own faith and devotion
has deepened.
Thank you
for the Dialogue and for the opportunity to participate. I am forever grateful
for the experience.
God bless
everyone who has been a participant in this Dialogue through the years
(especially the faithful note-takers). God
grant you many many years!
May light
shine in all our dark moments. May peace prevail!
