FAITH AND FAMILY: FOURTH GATHERING OF THE INTERRELIGIOUS SHARING SERIES IN DENVER, CO

On a cold January afternoon, a warm home, delicious food and welcoming hosts served as the ideal setting for an intimate gathering of representatives of different faiths to share safely and openly about their personal experiences, establish valuable common ground and exchange thoughts and ideas. The fourth meeting of our Interreligious Sharing Series was characterized by a more spontaneous and natural flow of faith-related questions rather than a pre-set theme like previous meetings (see last report here).

Mike and Jennie Preece, interfaith leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of The Latter-day Saints, graciously hosted the event in their beautiful home on January 23rd. The small size of our group did not dampen the wonderful spirit of interreligious dialogue. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of The Latter-day Saints, those of the Family Federation for World Peace and the Women’s Federation for World Peace had animated discussions over good food, beginning with delectable hors d’oeuvres.

As everyone stood around the dinette and living room, munching on toasted pieces of Italian bread topped with fresh, chopped tomatoes, cheese and olives, casual one-on-one conversations brought up thought-provoking topics ranging from the afterlife to marriage and fidelity. The emphasis on family was a good basis for common values and discussions revolved around relationships between spouses as well as intergenerational connections.

Some questions led to unexpected answers and intriguing discoveries. “How did you meet your spouse?” was one such ice breaker. “Oh, said Antonio Alves, “my wife and I were introduced to each other by Father Moon in Korea in 1982. We took some time to discuss with one another, we both agreed, and were married or “blessed” by Father and Mother Moon a few days later. We have been together ever since and have three children.” Fascination and surprise flickered on Mike Preece’s face as he said, “I’ve never heard anything like that before.”

Other questions that made their way around the table revealed similar hopes and challenges among different faith leaders: How did you come to be a leader in your faith? What experiences in your faith journey have been meaningful? How has your faith strengthened your family and community? And what do you hope for regarding your congregation?

Shirley Chimes, regional chairwoman for WFWP, talked about Father and Mother Moon initiating the age of women and that world peace rests in the hands of women. She recounted Mother Moon’s recent world tour which began in Long Island, where she spoke to a crowd of 20,000 people on the subject of “Peace Starts With Me.”

Sharing more about the work of WFWP, she then read the four points to ‘Become a Friend’ and each lady signed up eagerly to receive the bi-monthly newsletter called the Logic of Love News and one free webinar.

As the event came to an end, everyone felt a closeness and friendship and there was mutual respect and love around the table. The participants were all smiles for the final group picture of this memorable occasion.

Reflective comments included an appreciation for the “eloquent perspective on older and younger generations” and what was said on the “power of women.” Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of The Latter-day Saints also commented that "you are so fortunate to have lived at the time of your founders."

To close with inspiring words from Jennie Preece: “There is hope in this world as we look at the good work of people from all faiths bringing God’s light to the world.”