World Religion Day Is An Example of Peace and Understanding
by Carol Forsloff

“The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.” This is the declaration
of Bahai's who were one of a number of religious groups participating in World
Religion Day in Shreveport on Sunday, January 21. That about summed up the
feeling throughout the entire time. It was a day that found Muslims embracing
Jews, Mormons consorting with Hindus, and Baptists mingling with everyone in a
spirit of goodwill. As born agains clapped and rapped in soulful singing, the
Muslims joined in joyful response. It was the kind of happening that should take
place every day, everywhere. And if it could, it just might change the notions of
our differences and bring us together on the platform of our essential humanity.
At least that's the declaration of those who hosted and attended the event.

Folks from every doctrinal view were on hand at the conference to enjoy each
other's company and at the same time become informed. At the podium the
verbal baton was passed from one speaker to another with good grace and
brotherly support. There was no rancor, no ”can you top this,” no politicizing---
just what appeared to be a healthy, healing love-in, reflecting the theme that God
embraces us all. Mark Stupka, the Eckankar panelist, spoke to the feelings of
everyone, that we learn to love by experiencing it from our Creator.

The tone of the day's program began with the words “I won't harm you with
words from my mouth; I love you, I need you to surive” from the song
performed by the choir of the United Methodist Church of Shreveport. Chloe
Hayward, assistant to the Mayor, welcomed everyone. Dr. Donald A. Webb was
the keynote speaker who quoted from Ghandi that there were many causes one
could die for but none one should kill for, an appropriate remark for the wars that
continue to cause death for dogma differences throughout the world. He
reminded everyone that we should translate our compassionate hearts into
compassionate hands and emphasized that “your way may not be my way” but
we are all on God's mountain.

The first of the day's panels discussed the topic "Religion and Health". The
Christian Science group was represented by Valerie M. Thibaut who noted that
her faith declares the relationship between religion and science that can promote
both physical and spiritual healing. Mark Stupka of Eckankar described the
hallmark of his faith as direct experience of the Light and Sound of God and that
through an individual's works that person can come into a greater realization of
God's love. Kurshid Khan, the Muslim panelist, told the audience that Islam
gave impetus to new discoveries in science, geography and the literary arts. He
mentioned that Muslims believe that no one should stand between God and the
believer. The minister of Unity Church, Rev. Joy Walker, reiterated the notion
that we are all one in spite of our racial, culture and religious differences.

Panelists on the topic “Religion and Culture” included members of Judaism,
Unitarian Universalism, Baha'i and Buddhism. Rev. Dr. Lyn Oglesby of the
Unitarian Church spoke of her faith's recognition of the individual's search for
truth in the cultural context. Rabbi Foster Kawaler spoke of the culture of
Judaism, mentioned some of its tenets, and declared it essential that Jews be
allowed to practice their beliefs and be left alone to do so. He reiterated the fact
that they have often been persecuted and killed for the simple act of practicing
their beliefs. The Baha'is, represented by John Mitchell, stressed belief in the
oneness of mankind and religion and the necessity of cultural appreciation and
acceptance as part of developing and maintaining that oneness. Larry Anderson,
a Buddhism adherent, declared right intention and training of the mind as the
most important tenets of his faith.

The end of the day brought Mormons, Baptists, and Tibetan Buddhists on a panel
discussing “Religion and Humanity.” John Hodge, Baptist, Kalog Choling and
Elder Ross Smith all spoke of their faith's concern for the poor and the needy as
examples of their involvement with human concerns.

World Religion Day, an event celebrated yearly, was praised throughout the day
by participants and visitors. Certainly if the comradeship and levels of
understanding reflected by the attendees is any example of what can occur when
people listen and learn amicably from each other, than indeed the hope of
understanding, love and peace for everyone that was wished and prayed for is
likely to happen.