On Saturday evening, September 26, HARC’s annual Interfaith Progressive Dinner was held, featuring four faith traditions:
~ St. John’s Episcopal Church (Christian-Anglican)
~ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Christian-Mormon)
~ Church of the Wild Earth & Soul (Nature-based Spirituality), and
~ The Islamic Society of Western Maryland (Muslim).
About 100 people registered for the event, and the showery evening couldn’t dampen anyone’s spirits as guests were treated to a wide variety of appetizers at St. John’s, a delicious entrée buffet at the Mormon church, and a lavish dessert buffet at the mosque.
At each stop, guests listened as leaders of each faith tradition shared information about their faith and answered questions from guests. Rev. Dr. Rick Swanson spoke at St. John’s and a tour was given of the stunning historic sanctuary; After guests listened to children and youth sing songs of faith, Bishop Jonathan Harris and Heather Goodmansen spoke at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which also provided the setting for Leah Rampy to share the philosophies of the Church of the Wild Earth & Soul; and Imam Nazir Faruki spoke at the mosque about the imperative for Muslims to serve their community and show kindness to people of all faiths.
“It was such a fun night!” said one participant afterwards. “We really enjoyed great food and even better company.”
At the end of the event, another participant observed “Looking around, I see people from all different faiths and backgrounds coming together, respectfully talking and enjoying one another. It’s beautiful. If only we could do this ‘out there,’ we could have peace on earth.”
Thank you to all participating houses of worship for your generosity and wonderful hospitality!
See more photos from the dinner on our Facebook page
