Why Build Bridges?
Why Build Bridges?
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Relationship building is peacemaking; each of our three religions (Islam, Judaism and Christianity) teaches that love for one’s neighbor and hospitality are holy endeavors, as is the pursuit of peace and understanding.
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Interfaith understanding is important for the world at large; the program sets an example for the secular world.
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The most effective way to dismantle prejudice is to form relationships with the other.
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Trust relationships produce allies for faith communities in times of turmoil and uncertainty.
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Friendships lead to collaboration on many shared dreams.
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Congregants learn important skills and values.
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Members of faith communities not only learn about the others’ faith traditions and beliefs, but come to a deeper appreciation and understanding of their own faith.
The most effective way to dismantle prejudice is to form relationships with the other.
Oktay Erbil, a member of our Board of Directors, speaks about the importance of bridge building among Muslims, Jews and Christians.
We describe some examples of the impact of building bridges with interfaith communities below—we’d love to hear your stories. Send them to info@buildingbridgestogether.net!
“After the 2018 Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue shootings, many Bridge Builders attended gatherings at local synagogues to express solidarity and to mourn and offer comfort. For many weeks Muslims from local mosques participating in interfaith programs with synagogues stood watch outside local synagogues during services to show solidarity and help Jewish congregants feel safe in their houses of worship.”
“Our synagogue sponsored a Rise Against Hunger event on Martin Luther King Day with 300 interfaith participants and turned to the church with whom the many Building Bridges programs had built strong relationships to both provide workers and organizers for the event.”
“Our rector and senior rabbi have close relationships now and call on each other not only extending invitations to speak to each other’s congregations, but to share and participate together in local events in the greater community, enriching each other and the congregations immeasurably.”
“After the Building Bridges program concluded, Christian Bridge Builders began regularly attending the regular Torah Study at the synagogue and Jewish Bridge Builders began attending Bible Study at the church. That Bible Study covered the entire New Testament and lasted several years. Some evenings the Jews outnumbered the Christians!”