ORIENTATION: ReLiGiOuS DiVeRsItY

One of the last presentations of the week of orientation was given by a woman named Hind Makki, who works for the Interfaith Youth Core in Chicago. She said the members of the Interfaith Youth Core believe that when people encounter religious diversity, and hear each others' stories, this does not have to cause a clash of civilizations or war, and that in fact, most of the time, it doesn't. While the media emphasizes wars and religious terrorism, there are countless examples of religiously diverse people listening to each others' stories, and working in diverse ways to move humans toward understanding and love.  She emphasized the Civil Rights movement in the U.S., when Jewish (Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel), Muslim (Malcolm X) , and Christian (MLK, Jr.) leaders worked in different ways to promote equal rights. She mentioned the Hindu influence of Ghandi, who MLK, Jr. saw embodied the love ethic of Jesus. 
The Interfaith Youth Core works to help youth see and appreciate the ways they can and do work together and communicate across religious differences. She inspired us to ask ourselves, "What are the values of my neighbor?" Through storytelling and listening, we can respect our own identities, and others' identities. In this process, we don't put a label on others. Instead, we listen to how others define themselves. Then, we can be inspired by each other. Maybe we can participate in an unfamiliar faith tradition, or talk with someone who has different beliefs. We can act together out of shared belief in the sacredness of humanity and the rights of all to dignified and joyful lives.