In a bold response to the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a large West Michigan group has launched the “2012 Year of Interfaith Understanding,” designed to cultivate peace through community interest and understanding of all faith traditions. The project was announced at a press conference today where Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, Grand Rapids Press Editor Paul Keep and Douglas Kindschi, director of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley State University, provided an overview of the variety of events and community partners.
The endeavor was developed through a unique partnership led by the
Kaufman Interfaith Institute, the Grand Rapids Press, WGVU public
radio and television stations, the mayor’s office and three organizing
councils. Hundreds of events will be sponsored by participating
congregations, campuses and community organizations including, sacred
space tours, study groups, speakers and interfaith service projects in
Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon throughout 2012.
“The goal is for participants not only to learn about each
other’s faith and culture, but how to live in community with respect
for their differences,” said Kindschi. “Unlike interfaith dialogues
that stress similarities, this effort will frankly confront
differences and encourage personal experience of other faith
traditions.”
Heartwell was an early supporter of the idea and made an
official declaration of 2012 as the “Grand Rapids Year of Interfaith
Understanding.” The planners and media partners believe that this will
be a unique community response to the 10th anniversary of 9/11,
remembering those who died and honoring others as we look forward in a
spirit of understanding and respect.
"There are those who don't want to learn anything beyond their
own faith traditions," said Keep. "We hope to change that."
As part of the Campus Council, 25 Grand Valley faculty members
from 10 departments are incorporating interfaith topics in their class
curriculum. The Dean of Students Office is sponsoring small interfaith
discussions throughout campus and with the Office of Student Life, the
Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Interfaith Dialogue Association
and the Kaufman Interfaith Institute. A series of events, screenings
and speakers on campus throughout the year is also planned as part of
the Migrations of Islam programming, and the Grand Valley Women’s
Center will sponsor a campus-wide presentation with special guest Ana
Louise Keating in March. Grand Valley and Calvin College are also
participating in the White House’s Interfaith & Community Service Challenge.
“The 2012 Year of Interfaith Understanding” will culminate in
the Triennial Interfaith Dialogue on October 30, 2012, featuring
prominent scholars from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions –
Rabbi Donniel Hartman, Marilyn McCord-Adams and Omid Safi.
For more information, including a list of participants, visit www.2012gr.org, or call (616) 331-5702.
