Martin Luther King & the Meaning of "Interfaith"

Written by: Kate Snyder, Development & Donor Communications Coordinator

It seems to me that you can usually find two basic approaches to being "interfaith." One seeks to focus exclusively on common ground, emphasizing (often to the exclusion of all else) those points of agreement between whatever faith traditions you are bringing together. Which is all well and good, but the danger of oversimplification lurks in those waters. If you only bring to the table that which you share in common, these conversations can frequently be boiled down to "be nice to people because God says so."

A lovely sentiment, but it doesn't do justice, truly, to any community's rich history and tradition.

The other approach is one of true sharing and exchange. When you bring all that you are to the table. You expect there to be differences, but you revel in those differences rather than fearing them or seeking to pretend they do not exist. And in the midst of those differences, you may just find unity of purpose.

In my humble opinion, EECM's 25th Annual MLK celebration service was the latter type of interfaith gathering. I saw yarmulke-clad men clapping their hands along with the gospel choir, and grey-haired Presbyterian ladies tapping their feet to the enthusiastic music of a Jewish quartet. Representatives of Islam, Christianity and Judaism alike shared readings from Dr. King, and the pastor of the Pittsburgh Korean Church read scripture in Korean.

On the eve of the inauguration of our first black president, we raised our diverse but harmonious voices in song, in prayer, and in celebration of the eternal message of Martin Luther King. We recognized that we have come a long way -- and that we have work still to do. United by faith. Dedicated to service.

It was gorgeous.