SWANNANOA, N.C. (PNS) Inspired by the peaceful legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., nearly 400 people crowded into the pews of a small Presbyterian church in the mountains of western North Carolina the day before King’s birthday to affirm a call to love—not fear—people of other faiths.
The January 17 event, part of a nationwide effort to bridge the growing racial and religious gap dividing America, was hosted by Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Heath Rada, Moderator of the 221st General Assembly (2014) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and Imam Mohamed Taha of the Asheville (N.C.) Islamic Center, spoke at a press conference followed by an hour-long public forum.
“Recently both of our faith traditions have been unsettled and upset by the demonstrations of prejudice and discrimination we have witnessed around the world, and in our own United States,” Rada said, citing in particular “negative and hostile actions against Muslims.”
“Presbyterians do not believe that such actions reflect the teachings of our leader and our Savior Jesus the Christ.”
Taha, a native of Egypt, who has lived in the United States for the past seven years, cited the common heritage of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. He said both Jesus and the Koran stress love of one’s neighbor.
Attendees braved snow flurries and plunging temperatures to stand outside for a group photo under a banner proclaiming, “We choose welcome.” The photo was to be sent to Pat McCrory, governor of North Carolina, and other governors who have said they will not accept Syrian refugees for resettlement.
“We choose welcome over fear,” said the Reverend Steve Runholt, pastor of Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church. “We choose to stand on the side of justice and peace because these are bedrock values of our faith tradition as Presbyterians and Christians.”
Rada stressed that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) “stands for justice, compassion, peace, and grace.” He added, “These are the values which our Lord embraced and challenged us to follow.”
Rada also noted that the 221st General Assembly (2014) of the PC(USA) approved a statement affirming the denomination’s commitment to interfaith relations.
The Interreligious Stance of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the document referenced by Rada, proclaims: “God calls us to have loving relationships with people of other religions. God calls us to approach others in a spirit of openness and trust as we follow Jesus Christ in respecting and affirming the freedom of others.”
In an interview the day after the forum, Runholt recalled some of the questions asked by participants. Some wanted to know what they could do to show support for people of other faiths. The Imam was asked whether there were any conversations going on between moderate Muslims and extremist groups that advocate violence and murder.
Runholt said Taha replied, “We’re not in conversation with them because they are not Muslims. What they’re doing is not what Islam teaches.”
Rada called attention to an “Appeal to Christians in the United States,” a statement that calls followers of Christ to reject fear-based political appeals and to uphold the dignity of all people. The statement originated with the presidents of PC(USA)-affiliated seminaries and has been endorsed by more than 2,600 pastors and leaders from a variety of denominations. To read and sign the appeal, go to https://action.groundswell-mvmt.org/petitions/an-appeal-to-christians-in-the-united-states.
The January 17 events grew out of a conversation late last year in which staff of President Obama urged Rada and other religious leaders to explore how faith communities could speak out against hatred and promote peace. After receiving an email about this from the Moderator, Runholt reached out to Imam Taha and took the idea of an interfaith forum to the Warren Wilson session.
Rada praised Runholt and his 170-member congregation for pulling together the forum in little more than a month’s time. The day also included what Rada describes as “an enormous covered-dish lunch” and a sermon by the Moderator at the church’s regular Sunday morning worship service.
The majority of those attending the day’s events were Presbyterians, including key leaders from congregations throughout the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. The events also drew Muslims from the Asheville (N.C.) Islamic Center, as well as people with no church affiliation, Rada said.
The forum included music by noted Asheville-area singer songwriter David LaMotte.
It was appropriate that these events took place the day before the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Runholt says. “Building bridges of understanding with our Muslim neighbors is an essential part of realizing Dr. King’s dream.”
Runholt hopes his congregation will continue to nurture the relationships established with Muslims in the community. Hosting the forum, he says, “was an extremely energizing experience for us. It showed what we can accomplish as a small community in supporting the cause of peace and justice.”
by Eva Stimson, correspondent for the Office of the General Assembly
