Stories of people of faith supporting people of faith. And praise of Episcopalians.
http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2007/09/15/why-people-are-religious/
I wanted to write a blog about the sad situation with Christians in the middle east (especially Iraq) talking about how they have lived there harmoniously and prosperously for over a thousand years and how the recent events have destabilized their situation like never in a thousand years. In doing the research I saw this article from nearly two years ago about the Archbishop of Canterbury Mr. Dr. Rowan Williams speaking strongly to bring attention to their plight.
Archbishop of Canterbury Mr. Dr. Rowan Williams
It reminded me yet again how many times Anglicans (or Episcopals in USA) are often foremost in speaking up in matters of faith to support those needing support. A few months ago Dr. Rowan Williams spoke in support of allowing Sharia law in UK to help settle domestic issues within the large Muslim minority in UK. Though there was a large outcry from many to oppose this when the dust settled government officials did acknowledge that limited use of Sharia Law (to settle marriage, divorce, family property disputes where all involved are Muslim AND agree to abide by Sharia Law) as a good practical suggestion that would ease things considerably for the Muslim minority and reasons given for opposing it were based on misconceptions about the scope of its application.
When 6 years ago there were scurrilous remarks made about Prophet Muhammad, Bishop Wayne Smith took the initiative to publicly condemn the remarks and called a press conference. At the press conference there were representatives from many religious groups and that was most gratifying. But I remember that it was Bishop Smith who initiated this call for support.
As people of faith we all face challenges. Sure we have things on which we disagree but when facing trouble people of faith should hope to find support from other people of faith. In this respect it seems that Episcopals are often showing us the way.
In this time of Thanksgiving it would be nice to share similar stories of people of faith coming to the aid of other people of faith?
Khalid Shah, 50, is an American Muslim who came to the U.S. 32 years ago. He and his wife have lived in the St. Louis area since 1990, and have been active in a variety of interfaith activities as well as in the local Muslim communities. They have both spoken about Islam at a variety of houses of worship. After working as an engineer for most of his career, he is currently a small business owner. 
As an Episcopalian in St. Louis, and as a member of downtown’s Christ Church Cathedral, I would like to invite everyone to an upcoming event that indeed exemplifies “people of faith coming to the aid of other people of faith”:
On Monday, Dec. 1, a regionwide World AIDS Day Memorial Service is being held at Christ Church Cathedral, located downtown at 1210 Locust St., near 13th and Olive Sts. The event begins at 6 p.m. with an hour-long reading of names of those who have died from AIDS, those who continue to live with HIV/AIDS and those who serve as caregivers.
At 7 p.m. the Episcopal service begins, with The Rev. Michael Kinman preaching and The Rev. Renee Fenner serving as celebrant. Also participating in the service are The Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell and The Rev. Bev Stephenson of Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Saint Louis (MCCGSL). The Gateway Men’s Chorus will perform, and panels from the Names Project will be on display
To submit names to be read (first name only or first and last names; year of death, if applicable, also may be included), email cccathedral.oasis@yahoo.com. Please specify if the person has died, is living with HIV/AIDS, or is a caretaker.
Well, as an Episcopalian I can only say: thank you! I am touched that our denomination has come to your attention in this positive way. Clearly as an individual I can’t take either credit or blame for what other Episcopalians do. Nonetheless, I am proud of the leadership shown by both the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop Smith. Given all the internal stresses under which our church labors these days (and given that such stresses and strains receive so much media attention!) it’s nice to hear someone saying something so nice about us.
Acceptance (even celebration) of diversity and respect for different faiths probably count as hallmark traits of many Episcopalians, but I know they’re not confined to us: any other good stories out there the readers want to share?
Gee, the silence is deafening. I came to this site to see a discussion of the Mumbai attacks by Muslim terrorists (not militants). And there is nothing. How sad. I guess everyone is going to act like Muslims didn’t go into a Jewish Center and kill everyone and go into a hotel and ask for Americans. So much for the Obama love.