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On the eve of the U.S. presidential election, as campaigns which had been marked by efforts to belittle and demonize those of the opposing party wound down, there was a sign that civility, love, faith and hope could overcome the vitriol.

On Nov. 7, the Greenville Area Interfaith Council sponsored its seventh annual interfaith panel discussion.

Representatives of six religious traditions -- Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Mormon and Muslim -- came together to speak, listen and respond to one another in an effort to understand those who are different.

Panelists and audience alike were eager to hear what each person had to say and take home an insight to enrich their growth in their relationship to God.

For the 40 attendees, this was a break from the election-year chaos. People from a 20-mile radius chatted in a friendly atmosphere. The panelists' topic was, "Can faith overcome fear?"

It inspired hope.

Intellectually, I learned things about some of the faiths that I had not known. Spiritually, I felt closer to my God -- who, in diversity, was the unifying factor. Hope was inspired by the recognition that, if we recognize that each human being is sacred and treat each other with respect, we can conquer our differences.

In order to overcome the fears which tend to divide us and create distrust, we must look into the eyes of the other person, see his or her humanity, be open to their views and be ready to walk with them as we face the threats posed in today's world.

Fear and division can be overcome if we stand with others and are willing to try to understand, pray with and for each other, and thank God for all the good people of various faiths in the world.

In participating in interfaith discussions, one thing I have noticed is that, when all is said and done, we all strive to love one another. We may come at this realization in different ways, but it is obvious that truly, as St. Augustine said, "Our hearts were made for you, O God, and they will not rest until they rest in you."

I am impressed and humbled by the panelists' dedication and devotion to God. I am impressed by the audience's warmth, openness, acceptance and desire to learn more about God from people of other religions. Each year, the audience grows.

I often reflect on the first panel discussion, seven years ago: There were six people in the audience and five panelists. There was no heat on a cold, rainy, windy, late October evening in the poorly-lit building we used.

One woman in the audience was dying of cancer and was shivering. Everyone offered her their coats. When asked why she came, she replied that she wanted to get a greater insight into God.

She was one of the most prayerful people I had ever met. I think she's still with us in a special way at each of the discussions we have had since then, because it is obvious that God's love is present in the panelists and audience.

I never thought this endeavor would last more than a second year. I believe that, even in this secular society, people are looking for God -- not, perhaps in traditional ways, but they are searching.

At the end of the evening, many people indicated that we should do this more often and that they were surprised at the similarities in the various religions. They expressed the wish that more participants had attended.

If the darkness of evil thrives on disunity, hate, distrust, intolerance and ignorance, this little light in a library community room in Greene County proved that goodness is marked by unity, love, trust, tolerance and knowledge.

Faith does overcome fear, gives hope and generates love.

(Deacon Sedlmeir serves at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus parish in Windham.)[[In-content Ad]]

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