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For the second year in a row, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews and Sikhs will gather together to talk in the pursuit of understanding and peace.

Representatives from each religion will meet Jan. 30 at the Hindu Community Center in Loudonville to discuss how the teachings of their faith can lead to peace - and to find common elements with other religions.

The symposium, "In Pursuit of World Peace and Harmony," is an effort by coordinator Tarik Malik to aid the Capital Region through the work of faith communities.

This year's conference will feature Monshin Naamon, the abbot for the Buddhist Jiunzan Tendaiji; Dr. Jyoti Swaminathan, a philosophy teacher at the Hindu Temple; Imam Naseem Mehdi, vice president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community; Rabbi Yaakov Kellman, executive director of Jewish Educational Resources of New York; and Jagmohan Singh Chahal, president of the Sikh Community of the Capital District.

Barbara DiTommaso, director of the Albany Diocese's Commission on Peace and Justice, will be the representative for the Catholic Church.

"When different religious traditions get together and socialize, that's helpful enough," said Ms. DiTommaso. "Then they can get to know each other. But when they begin to talk about their beliefs, it reaches a whole new depth."

The movement toward cooperation and understanding between faiths has always been close to Ms. DiTommaso's heart. For three years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S., she organized interfaith prayer services for peace in the world; through the years, she has been able to meet and work with many people of other faiths.

"The people I've met through this work are just the best that each religion can produce," she told The Evangelist. "They are the kindest, most respectful people I've ever met."

Ms. DiTommaso began her work in interfaith dialogue because she saw a great need to erase the fear that existed between religions due to misunderstandings and the importance of seeing Christ in everyone, even those of different mind.

Her goal in attending the symposium, she said, is to develop a two-way street: "I'm expecting to learn more about these other faiths and I hope to shed some light on Christianity for others. You don't want to step on others' beliefs and you don't want anyone to trample yours."

Through conferences such as this one, she said people of different faiths can come to accept their differences in order to help others.

"The goal is not to make one mish-mashed religion, but to get together and help those who are hurting: the poor, the homeless, and the needy," said Ms. DiTommaso. "This kind of altruistic help is what will reveal to the world what we all believe: that God's love is unconditional."

"In Pursuit of World Peace and Harmony" will be held Jan. 30, 3-6 p.m., at the Hindu Community Center, 450 Albany Shaker Rd., Loudonville. The conference is free but registration is required; call Tarik Malik, 542-5801, or email [email protected]. For further information, call Barbara DiTommaso, 453-6695.

(01/20/11) [[In-content Ad]]

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