Interfaith sanctuary named for the Bishop

The College of Saint Rose dedicated its new Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary, Feb. 26, named for Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. The spiritual center is a place people of all faiths can go for prayer, worship, celebration, reflection and peace. The new sanctuary is located at 959 Madison Ave. in Albany.

The name given to the sanctuary reflects Bishop Hubbard's distinguished efforts to promote ecumenical and interreligious understanding and dialogue, the College announced. His pioneering leadership in interfaith relations includes leading more than 1,200 Jews and Christians in a service of healing and reconciliation on Palm Sunday 1986, the first event of its kind in the nation.

The dedication ceremony featured a keynote address by Dr. Diana Hayes, associate professor of theology at Georgetown University in Washington and the first African American woman to earn the degree of doctor of sacred theology. She spoke on the topic "A House of Prayer For all People: Affirming and Celebrating Our Differences."

The ceremony featured an interfaith service with prayers and blessings from the Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Protestant and Roman Catholic faiths, music, and remarks from Saint Rose President Dr. R. Mark Sullivan and Bishop Hubbard.

Dr. Sullivan said: "The sanctuary will allow people of all faiths to come together in a space that is sacred to us all. Also, our new sanctuary demonstrates the long-standing commitment of Saint Rose to the interreligious community of the Capital Region."

Bishop Hubbard said: "I am both proud and humbled by the dedication of this sanctuary in my name. The vision I share with The College of Saint Rose is realized through this sanctuary -- that all are welcome to pray, worship and celebrate in one place, regardless of religious belief. Today marks a significant step in the process of fostering understanding and tolerance between religions, a process that will involve more members of the community now that there is a permanent place where we may continue this important mission."

(02-27-97) [[In-content Ad]]