WOMEN OF FAITH UNITED FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

WFWP New Jersey Chapter in Paterson, in collaboration with The Islamic Center of Passaic and Paterson, hosted the 14th Annual Women's Interfaith Dialogue Symposium on Saturday, April 23, 2016. The theme for this year’s event was “Living by the Logic of Love” with an understanding that as women and mothers, we have the responsibility to educate the world with God in our hearts. Over 50 attendees listened to a panel of women from different faiths, including Christianity, Unificationism, Judaism, and Islam, speaking on the theme. Although everyone had different stories and life lessons to share, the common thread of loving others with God as our center was deeply felt in each. Each speaker received a “Woman of Peace” certificate of recognition.

Two traditional Korean songs were performed beautifully by Korean WFWP ladies wearing their traditional dress. The beating of the Korean drums enhanced the performance and moved the hearts of so many attendees who had never experienced the Korean culture before that evening. Everyone gathered in a circle during the final song and started to dance together.

After the symposium, everyone went downstairs to enjoy a delicious Halal dinner and personal sharings from individuals who were inspired to open their hearts. Before closing the evening, a special “Cup of Peace, Unity, and Blessings” ceremony was held during which all in attendance toasted prayers for peace from different faith representatives, concluded with a prayer by WFWP New Jersey’s own Rev. Denneze Nelson.

Mrs. Zakiyyah Salahudin from the Islamic Center and Rev. Claire Haider of WFWP Paterson Chapter have been organizing this event together for many years. This year, a new element was added to the program, called the “Love-acopia”. Each guest was invited to bring a treasure from home, new or like-new, that they thought another woman in attendance would enjoy, and hopefully treasure as well. By the end of the evening, the Love-acopia was filled to the brim, and everyone picked out a treasure to take home. Even though it was such a simple exercise, everyone was happily picking and discussing the items with each other, and the bond between many who had been just strangers a few hours earlier concluded the night beautifully.

Slideshow of photos: https://goo.gl/photos/JVnerxqC1YzSDnrV9