April 26, 2017
St. John’s University’s Campus Ministry and Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Vincentian Mission Institute’s Cohort IV, cosponsored the Inaugural Interfaith Dialogue and Dinner on March 28 in Taffner Field House. The evening’s theme, “Bridging Gaps to Live Your Faith in the American Culture,” focused on St. Vincent de Paul’s question, “What must be done?”
The event was attended by more than 100 students, faculty, and staff, including Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, Ph.D., President of St. John’s University, and his wife, Clavel Albay Gempesaw, Ph.D. The program began with a welcome by Dennis Gallagher, Director of Liturgy and Faith Formation at St. John’s. “All faiths share the common virtues of love, charity, truth, and justice,” Mr. Gallagher said. “St. John’s is present to always promote and practice these common virtues in living out our mission by engaging partners of all faiths both locally and globally.”
Moderated by Rev. Wil Tyrrell, S.A., a panel representing Catholic, Coptic Orthodox, Lutheran, Islam, Jewish, and Sikh faiths discussed the importance of understanding, respecting, and accepting all religions, and finding the common ground among our beliefs. “There is unity in diversity,” said Iman Bayram Mulic, Ed.D. “This is what God wants.”
Attendees were invited to continue their discussion over dinner, which began with an Interfaith Prayer for Thanksgiving and Fellowship and a performance by the Sinai’s Radiant Liturgical Praise Dance Team. The next interfaith event will be held on October 18 and will continue every semester.