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Building
Bridges of Faith: U.S.A.
We were delighted to welcome two more Japanese young adults
into our group. They were studying in the USA and affiliated
to the member groups in Japan whom we
had just visited.
This time the group's first experience was visiting a museum
commemorating Jewish Heritage, specifically focusing on the
Holocaust. (Andy
Goldsworthy installation in the Museum's memorial garden,
with the Statue of Liberty in the background; a
Holocaust survivor listens to Jewish team members explaining
a prayer).
The group then spent time in St.
Paul's Chapel, close to the site of the World Trade
Center. This has become a place of meditation for those visiting
the site. In the calm of the church, they prayed for peace
& made more paper cranes. These were placed by a Jewish
& a Buddhist young adult on the fence that surrounds the
site. Again the deep need was recognised to rescue humanity
from violence arising from intolerance.
Paper cranes sent in by people
of many countries
Hisao (Buddhist)
& Elana (Jewish) hanging everyone's cranes
Our cranes
on the fence surrounding the World Trade Centre site
In the evening, the young adults really appreciated the lively
Shabbat (Sabbath) service at West End Synagogue. This was
led by Rabbi Ridberg, from the Reconstructionist
Jewish community, a member group of IARF. She made
it particularly memorable as she used a hand-held drum as
accompaniment to the singing. The participants enjoyed being
part of their Jewish friends' celebration.
At the Islamic
Center of New York, where there is a beautiful
mosque, the group witnessed its rich tradition of prayer,
and spent time with Imam Omar.
The places of worship of all three Abrahamic faiths had been
visited in New York.
The Unitarian
Universalists of America (UUA), which had also
taken a leading role in promoting, organising & funding
the Building Bridges of Faith project, introduced the non-Unitarians
to a worship service at All Souls Church before proceeding
to their headquarters in Boston. The
group met with UUA President Rev. Bill Sinkford, and learned
much of UUA & IARF history. They visited the grave of
the Rev. Dana Greeley in Concord, and could appreciate the
pioneering role played by him & RKK's Founder Niwano,
who had met together & decided on a new vision for the
IARF a generation ago. In today's context of the continuing
need for understanding of, and commitment to, religious freedom
& interfaith harmony, this pilgrimage is one fruit of
their vision.
Entertainment on the last evening of the tour in Boston:
a Japanese
song; a
Jewish dance, taught by Sam [in striped T-Shirt]
Final
group photo, at UUA headquarters
Go
to RFYN's Evaluation of the project, with pilgrims' feedback
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