Interfaith Immigration Forum for Faith Communities Held in St. Simon's Episcopal Church.
Sunday, March 5 at 1 PM - 3 PM more than 250 people gather at St. Simon's Episcopal Church in Arlington Heights for Sanctuary Movement's Interfaith Immigration Forum. The program was organized by the Children of Abraham Coalition and allied faith communities.
The purpose of the event is to stand against discrimination that is religious or race-based in every faith community.
In the forum of all Abrahamic faiths discussed the importance of respecting those who have beliefs different from their own. And through speeches given by local religious leaders, they learned the basic tenets of Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Christianity regard the treatment of immigrants
The Program starts with welcome address & prays by St. Simon's Rev. Elizabeth Jameson.
Fr. Corey Brost, C.S.V. (Co-Director, Viator House of Hospitality and Cofounder, Children of Abraham Coalition) was the moderator. On the opening speech he said "This is America. Many change of color many different of faith, many ethnic boosts to many nations. This is we stand for. If we stand together Muslim, Sikh, Christian & Jews nation will be strong and beautiful. This is what we stand for in this country. Today we discuss the Abrahamic religions and think about our faith in relation to immigration issues.
We will not remain silent in the face of intolerance. We will speak up when I hear or see racial or religious bigotry. We will work with others to create a more peaceful and accepting society
Fr. Corey further said all the faith and religions believe refugees and immigrants must be welcomed and protected. Barring entry to refugees and immigrants from certain countries represents an assault on religious freedom.
The speakers of the event were Rev. Dianne Shields from St. Simon's Church, Permindar Singh from Sikh community of Palatine, Rabbi Lisa Bellows from Congregation Beth Am Buffalo Grove and Imam Mufti Nazim Mangera from Muslim Community Center
All of the religious leaders provide detail about own believed and share commons similarities in every faith. They highlighted prophets were immigrants or refugees themselves. But one this is common in every faith is God loves humanity and we are all human. God by paying attention to what God loves. We need to realize we are stronger because of our diversity.
Many students from Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights came forward and shared own ideas of the forum few students said we should know our neighbors. Some said we should talk to at least one stranger per week to understand them.
Program become over after prayer were performed by Ms. Shaheen