Religious groups join for world peace service in Naperville
Aadil Farid believes that all people, no matter their religion, were created equal.
He believes that individuals should be allowed to exercise the diversity of their thoughts, opinions and ideas without fearing harm or hatred. He believes in respect and freedom. And he believes that in order to embrace diversity, people must agree to disagree.
"Diversity is essence of our religion," Farid, of the Islamic Center of Naperville, said. "Diversity is essence of our existence."
"Building Community by Embracing Diversity" was the theme for this year's World Peace Day Interfaith Prayer Service, which drew more than 100 people of various faiths Sunday afternoon to Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College in Naperville.
"It's a public display of solidarity between faith communities to demonstrate that there's much more that we hold in common than what separates us," said Tom Cordaro, a staff member at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Naperville. "We hope from these events that we can build a community and overcome awkwardness and confusion about one another, so we can begin to know one another as neighbors and friends."
Since it began 11 years ago, the service has gained a large following of supporters, Cordaro said. More than two dozen religious groups sponsored this year's event.
The Rev. Eric Doolittle, North Central College's campus chaplain, said the event allowed attendees to get a "small taste" of each gathered faith.
"Sometimes it's great for us to branch out from what we're used to," he said.
Musical performances, informational speeches, prayers and chants were demonstrated by religious leaders and individuals of all ages. Members of the International Buddhist Progress Society, for example, chanted the Heart Sutra, a prayer for world peace. Jayashree Sarathy, of Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple of Aurora, gave a presentation on the history and practices of Hinduism.
The event kicked off with the Djembe Unity Ensemble, an interfaith drumming circle with African dance performers.
Other participating faith communities included the Islamic Center of Naperville, the Congregation Beth Shalom, Sikh Coalition, Naperville Baha'i Community and various Christian congregations.
"What the world needs now is love and peace," said Concetta Smart, a social justice activist from Crete who has attended the service for several years. "I like to be around people that really believe that's possible."
To demonstrate their support of diversity in communities, attendees also signed a banner, which was brought forward during the service.
"Let us all refuse to be enemies," said Bernie Newman, of the Congregation Beth Shalom. "Let us build that strong community that embraces diversity together."