The group sponsors a number of activities, including potluck dinner dialogues twice a year. We've attended most of them since we moved to Kirkland. The discussion is always fascinating and the people we meet are very interesting.
The events are held at different churches including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (our meetinghouse in Kirkland), a synagogue, and the Unitarian church in Kirkland.
The theme for November's event was “When Faith and Public Life Collide.” About 100 people were there, the largest group so far.
The food is always interesting. We eat and get acquainted with the people at our tables. Then there is a panel discussion during which representatives from different faiths have five minutes to give the faith's perspective on the theme for the evening. People in the audience then ask questions of the panelists. The discussion is then continued at the tables. The three hour event ends with comments anyone wants to make about what's been learned or felt during the evening.
The faiths represented on the panel change from event to event. Panelists this time included - Coptic Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, Quaker, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Muslim, and Interfaith. This is the first time Judaism hasn't been on the panel.
The labels assigned to the panelists sometimes confuse people who aren't familiar with various Christian religions. For example, the Muslims at our table asked the difference between the panelists labeled Evangelical Christian, Catholic, Coptic Orthodox, Mormon, Quaker, and Interfaith.
Perhaps a third of the people were Muslims (revealed by a show of hands requested by the Muslim on the panel). Most of them were from Pacifica Institute, an organization initiated by Muslims from Turkey. We were at a table with two Muslims (husband/wife) and three Unitarians.
Someone put together an excellent slide show about the theme – great examples of faith and public life – sometimes working, sometimes not.
The conversations are very lively and, for the most part, steer clear of emotional political discussions. People sometimes do bring up grievances against certain groups - sometimes back centuries ago. Philosophers are mentioned along with historical figures, some "recent," some very ancient. The American Constitution and freedom of religion usually figure into the discussions.
We always come away enlightened and very thankful to live in this country.
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FYI - "Eastside" refers to the suburbs
on the east side of Lake Washington.
Westside is synonymous with Seattle.
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