ROME: EPISCOPAL CHURCH TEACHES TOLERANCE

By Bucky Chapman, Rome News-Tribune Staff Writer — 07/30/04

Imagine walking into an Episcopal Church and seeing kids learning how to pray to Allah.

Kids and adults got the chance to learn about different faiths this week at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Rome during Vacation Bible School with a twist. This year the church taught their members, and members of other congregations, about other faiths and how they relate to Christianity.

The World Peace Village looked at Islam on Thursday night. The week-long event also investigated Buddhism, Native American beliefs, Hinduism, Judaism and briefly touched on Christianity.

"It's a study to promote peace and understanding and tolerance of other beliefs," said Wanda Hodges, coordinator of the event.

Kids were taught that the "Golden Rule" of treating others how you would want to be treated applies to all six religions.

"The Islamic faith has respect for all religions," said Widad Akrayee, a Kurd whose family fled Northern Iraq in 1996.

She was joined by her daughter-in-law, Hileen Akrayee, who showed the kids how to use a prayer rug. She also explained that Muslims stop to pray several times each day.

Widad Akrayee also spoke about how many of the differences between religions are manmade. "We are all created by one god, and only one belief," she said.

For each night, food was made associated with that night's religion. The food served Thursday was Fool Ma' Rizz Rice, pumice and pita bread, and apple blossom punch.

Following dinner, adults attended a discussion led by Rob Nash, dean of the school of religion at Shorter College.

"It's been a meaningful experience for a congregation to open to other religions," said Nash, "simply for what they are, and not evangelizing but understanding."

Nash discussed the ideals of monotheism in Islam and how it relates to other religions.

While the adult discussion was going on, one group of kids made prayer mats made of burlap, another group learned about Ramadan, a Muslim holy celebration that includes fasting, and a third group were learning a mixture of songs from the six religions.

"It was a new experience, ..." said Alexandra Carlton, 9. "It was fun hearing stories, singing songs and doing the crafts."

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