Children of Abraham Coalition Host Annual Interfaith Potluck Dinner for Peace Draws Big Crowd in Arlington Heights
People from different religious and cultural backgrounds attended the Potluck dinner at the St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights last Tuesday, September 4th, 2018 in observance of Sept. 11th. The Dinner and Program were hosted by the Children of Abraham Coalition. This was the Coalition's seventh annual 9/11 interfaith Potluck for Peace.
More than 300 dinner guests from Several faith traditions participated in the dinner. The program started on time at 6:30 pm. Rabbi Steve Hart of Temple Chai from Long Grove, Illinois spoke and request for a moment silent for 9/11 victim. Welcome address was conducted by Saint Viator High School President Brian Liedlich.
The Children of Abraham Coalition's founded in the Year of 2011, in response to the growing religious-based bigotry most likely rise after the tragedies of 9/11. Its stated mission is to teach and educate others about different faiths and religions as well as to be ambassadors for interfaith dialogue.
Maulana Syed Mahboob Mehdi Abidi Al-Najafi of the Islamic Education Center also called IEC Husaini Chicago in Glendale Heights speaks and recites the Holy Quran that encourage interfaith dialogue on common grounds.
In the spirit of an interfaith outreach, Sikh, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim prayers were offered before the serving of the dinner.
The Rev. Corey Brost, co-founder of the Children of Abraham Coalition, said "We are Promoting Interfaith Dialogue and Promoting Peace. Today we are hearing from young people from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faith traditions".
Adam Gottlieb, The Chicago-based musician and poet performed his presentation about Peace.
After the dinner, the third annual Courage of Abraham Award was given to the Jawaad Abdul Rahman, The Producer and Development Director of Unity Productions Foundation. His missions and goal are focuses on fostering greater understanding between people of different faiths using media, philanthropy, and community service.
During the open Dialogue and Conversation attendees heard young, strong voices define peace and discuss how stereotypes are negatively affecting their lives with future in the hands of American youth. Several youths discuss own opinion and by sharing personal stories to audiences. Many audiences and Faith leaders encourage all communities and faith to continue to reach out to people of all faith groups for larger good and enhanced understanding.
Closing Prayer was performed by Rev. Dianne Shields from St. Simon's Episcopal Church.