I heard in our staff meeting, the morning of August 17, that a church in Gainesville, Florida, is planning to have a "burn a Qur'an" day on Saturday, September 11.
The temptation is to ask, "What are these people thinking? What is their pastor thinking?" But, of course, one has the sense immediately upon posing the questions that the answer to them is another question: "How can you be so sure they're thinking at all?"
Since I am new to the area, my immediate reaction to the announcement was to telephone the Saint Louis Islamic Community Center and inquire what might be in the works for September 11 in Muslim or interfaith circles. Imam Muhamed Hasic reminded me that Ramadan will end, the day before, and that he is occupied with concerns of his community until then. He did observe that a "positive gesture for September 11th would be much welcomed" by Muslims in the area, he was sure. And he invited me to have lunch with him, the week after, to discuss the work of St. Louis's Interfaith Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls organization, of which he is Vice President of the Board of Directors.
Next, I called Susan Talve, founding and senior rabbi of the Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis (our office administrator's spouse is a member there). Rabbi Susan is also very active with the Interfaith Partnership. But she also is constrained for the present time with her faith community's affairs, considering that the High Holy Days commence on September 9, this year.
As part of a religious movement established by one who has commanded followers to be peacemakers and healers, it seems to me inappropriate to allow the opportunity to pass by Christians in the area here, to make the "positive gesture" which Imam Muhamed suggested and which Rabbi Susan says she would gladly see.
So, I have consulted with the Parish Life Ministry of the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves and with other leaders in the congregation and gotten the green light to move forward with plans for a September 11 event.
"PEACE BE UPON YOU!" is the title we have come up with, for the event. Members, friends, and guests are cordially invited to join in this very special evening. A multimedia presentation will begin at 6:30, and a talk by and with Prof. Gulten Ilhan at 7 (watch an introductory video about Prof. Ilhan). Discussion and reflection in small groups will conclude the program portion of the event. Light refreshments will be served, and child care will be available.
"PEACE BE UPON YOU!" will be conducted in the church's Memorial Hall, at the south end of 10 W. Lockwood Ave. (at Elm). Parking is available in the Elm Street and Gore Avenue lots. Directional signs and church members will be on hand, to point the way to Memorial Hall for visitors.
