Opening
Part of A Chorus of Faiths
Activity time: 15 minutes
Materials for Activity
- Name tags and markers
- Handout 1, Four Lessons for Unitarian Universalists in Interfaith Work
- Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle
Preparation for Activity
- Copy the handout for all participants.
- Set up a worship table with the chalice and any decorative items you choose.
Description of Activity
Invite participants to wear name tags. Gather the group in a circle.
Say, in your own words:
Today we will reflect on the difficulties of interfaith service work. As interfaith leaders, we need to be honest with ourselves and with one another about our own assumptions and limitations, so we can be effective in our leadership.
Ask volunteers to read the essay aloud, one paragraph per person. Then, light the chalice. Invite the participants to sit in silence for a few moments and reflect on the reading.
Engage a conversation about the essay, beginning with these questions:
- Reverend William Sinkford specifically mentions the problem some Unitarian Universalists have with Christianity. Why do you suppose this is so? What assumptions do you have about the Christian faith? What concerns do you have about working with Christians?
- Reverend William Sinkford mentions that Unitarian Universalism explicitly affirms the wisdom of all the world's great faith traditions. Though we may affirm-in general-aspects of other faiths, are there specific practices or beliefs in other religions that you personally believe are wrong? How will that influence your ability to work with people of those faiths?
Including All Participants
Be aware that the alignment of participants in the circle will vary from workshop to workshop. If you have observed the same youth having repeated turns to read while others do not, ask now who has not yet read and invite them to start this reading. Of course, participants may pass if they do not wish to read.