Community Circles Featured Interfaith Event

Creating Unexpected Pathways to Peace

On Saturday October 15, 2005, 8:45am to 3pm, people from many denominations gathered to attend this Interfaith Event to learn about the Sikh, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish and Unitarian Universalist traditions. The location was St. Timothy's Church, 1550 Diablo Rd. Danville, CA

About the Sponsor of this Event

We as people from a diversity of religions, spiritual traditions and sectors of society, gather to manifest our unity as we promote the spirit of community, service and cooperation through the work of the Interfaith Council.

Mission Statement Interfaith Council of Contra Costa

Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County is sponsoring this event. The Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County is an autonomous local organization committed to supporting the religions and communities of our county. It's programs include the following:

• Health and Faith in Action connects with county agencies to promote immunization of impoverished children, with the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program to help elders stay in their homes, and with the local chapter of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill.
• Social Justice Alliance advocates partnership to focus on issues of racism, welfare reform, immigration, and other areas of need. We network with other agencies including GRIP, CCISCO, and Faith Works!
• Education offers opportunities to explore issues critical to our work and the world and connect us with groups such as the Interfaith Center at the Presidio, the United Religions Initiative, the FAITHS Initiative and the Northern California Inter-religious Conference.
• Finance will design creative funding for the future of the Council.
• Youth will discover venues in which to bring young people together from a variety of traditions in order to build bridges and strengthen faith and self-esteem.

About the Location for this Event

The community at St. Timothy's welcomes and values all who seek an experience of God's love, whoever or wherever they are on their spiritual journey. St. Timothy's also works to extend God's love and care beyond its parish community by way of its personal and financial commitment to outreach.

Rev. Kathleen M. Trapani

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church was established in 1953. Timothy's is a church that is both rich with ancient tradition and relevant to life in the 21st century. The Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County asks for volunteers from its member churches to sponsor events like this one. St. Timothy's volunteered to hold this event at their location.

At the heart of life and worship at St. Timothy's is the celebration of Holy Communion. St. Timothy's worship services are held on Sunday at 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. A wide variety of programs for all ages are held throughout the week.

What will happen at this event?

Each Church that has been invited to participate will have 45 minutes to speak, answer questions and present information about their religious practices. Questions such as "What does it mean to be a member of this church?", "What do you do?", "How do you spend your time?", "What are your private devotions" and "What is the structure of your church?" will be answered. The following paragraphs give information about the churches who submitted articles about their faiths for this website.

Islam

by Dr. Amer Araim

• What is Islam? The word Islam is derived from the Arabic word aslama, which means to submit to the commands of Allah (God). The commands of Allah are contained in the two major sources of Islam. The first is the Quran, the primary scripture revealed to Prophet Muhammad over twenty-three years by the grand angel Gabriel. The Quran emphasizes the Oneness of Allah, the Creator and the Master of the heavens and the earth. It also contains the basic principles of the faith, rules of worship and conduct for the individuals and the societies, family matters and other aspects of life. The Quran narrates the stories of the other prophets who preceded Prophet Muhammad. As emphasized in the Quran, these prophets were and continue to be revered by Muslims. The Quran says "The Messenger (Muhammad) believeth in that which have revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) the believers. Each one of them believeth in Allah, His angels, and His Scriptures and His messengers- We make no distinctions between any of His messengers…" The other source of Islam is the Sunnah (tradition) or Hadieth, which means the speeches and actions by Prophet Muhammad, and his approval or disapproval of actions by others. The Sunnah or Hadieth elaborates on matters revealed in the Quran, provides guidance for Muslims in their worships and their conduct and relations. The person who practiced the Islamic faith is called an observant Muslim or believer.
• What are a Muslims Religious Beliefs and Practices? Islam and monotheism: As stated earlier Islam came to spread the worshiping of Allah. Prophet Muhammad said that he came to complete and continue the mission of other prophets before him. The Prophet Muhammad is the descendent of Prophet Abraham from his elder son Ishmael. Every day in their prayers, Muslims pray to Allah to shower Prophet Muhammad and the household of Prophet Muhammad with His peace and blessings as He did for Prophet Abraham and the household of Prophet Abraham. In their pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims follow the same rites conducted by Prophet Muhammad, which also confirmed the rites of Prophet Abraham and His son Prophet Ishmael. In the Quran there is a reference to the Messengers with powers. They are Prophets Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. Therefore Islam is continuing the monotheist traditions of the last five millennium.

  Pillars of Islam: Worships in Islam contain five major pillars. The first step for a person to be a Muslim is the confession of the faith by believing and saying that “ I bear witness that there is no other God but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger.” This requires the Muslim to believe that Quran is the Book of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad by the grand angel Gabriel and to believe in the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. The second pillar of Islam is called salah or prayers, which means connection or communication with Allah. Muslims are commanded to pray five times a day (dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and night). Observance of scheduling or timing of prayers is considered very important because Allah commanded Muslims to do so. Prophet Muhammad received the commands for prayers from Allah directly while the Prophet was in the Seventh Heaven in his miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and from there to the Seventh Heaven where he reached the throne of Allah. The grand angel Gabriel taught Prophet Muhammad the prayers in details. Muslims are commanded to pray as prophet Muhammad was praying and on time. In cases of emergency they should compensate by praying later. There are certain rules to determine the timing of prayers. Muslims are also commanded to have oblation before prayers. The third pillar of Islam is alms giving, which commands Muslims to give two and half percent of their annual income to the poor and the needy. This is also called zakah, which means to purify their wealth by sharing it with poor and the needy. In addition there are other forms of alms giving as well as charity. The fourth pillar of Islam is fasting. Allah says in the Quran: "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may ward off evil." Muslims, in accordance with this command, don't eat or drink from dawn to sunset for the whole month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar. Muslims also have special night prayers every night. Emphasis is made on reciting the Quran because Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. The fifth pillar of Islam is pilgrimage to Mecca. Every Muslim, who is financially able and healthy to endure the journey, is commanded to perform piligrimage to Mecca once in his/her lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place in the first half of the last month in the lunar calendar. As a matter of fact it could be conducted in five days, however, Muslims are advised to stay some time because it is a huge Islamic gathering, where approximately three million Muslims will be there.

  These five pillars of Islam enable the Muslim to live an Islamic life. The Muslim is also commanded to enjoin what is good and to prevent what is evil. Allah says in the Quran "O mankind! Lo! We have created you from male and female and have made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Lo! The noblest of you in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct…. Prophet Muhammad said the best among people are the best in benefiting them."

• How do Muslim's spend their time and private devotions? Islam represents a whole concept of life and Muslims are commanded to pay attention to this life and the life thereafter. They are also commanded to pray at the Masjid (it is derived from the place of prostration and also means mosque) whenever that is possible. There is particular emphasis on participation in the congregational prayers on Friday noon. Muslims are also commanded to devout time for voluntary prayers and getting together with their families at home. Treating with care and paying attention including providing recreational enjoyment to the members of the family particularly to the children are part of the commands of Islam. Muslims are also urged to take care of the poor and the needy and in particular the orphans. They should also lead the members of their families to do so.
• Muslims in America. There are approximately seven million Muslims in America. They are enjoying their full religious freedom. They are thankful to Allah for this freedom and for all the bounties Allah is bestowing on the United States of America. Muslims in the Bay Area are looking forward to helping the homeless, poor and the elderly. It is essential part of Muslim faith to extend helping hands to the people in need. In Islam, Muslims believe that the poor and the needy are the special family of Allah and that He commanded us to help them. Muslims believe that Allah is also examining their conduct (i.e. whether they fulfill His commands by being kind and generous with the poor and the needy). This is the message of Islam: worshiping Allah and praising Him, advocating peace and justice, helping the poor and the needy and extending cooperating hands to all.
• Can Anyone Attend a Muslim worship service? The masjid (mosque is the center of activity for the Muslim community. This center, in addition to being a place for congregational prayers, is also for studying and learning about Islam including the recitation of the Quran, social gathering particularly in Ramadan the month of fasting when Muslim may break their fasting together, to celebrate the Islamic feasts and many other social activities. As for non-Muslims they could visit the masjid and learn about Islam as a faith, practices, social and ethical conduct as well as a culture. Masjids in the Bay area are welcoming non-Muslims at any time including during their prayers. It is advisable to call the masjid in advance to inquire about the time of prayers and to inform the attendant about the visit.
• What is the structure of the church? In Islamic prayers there is always a person to lead the prayers and called the imam. Any person who is knowledgeable of the Quran and the requirements of prayers could lead the prayers and be an imam. Imam in the Quran also mean leadership. The first imam referred to in the Quran is Prophet Abraham. In addition to the imam, most of the masjids have boards of trustees and executive committees to deal with religious, social, culture, financial and administrative matters.
• Where can I visit if I want to know more? Islamic organizations: 1. Isalmonline.net 2. Islamic Circle of North America(ICNA) 3. Islamic Society of North America(ISNA)
• Who will represent the Islam at this event? Dr. Amer Araim. Since coming to the Bay area about five years ago Dr. Amer Araim has maintained excellent relations with all faith groups.

Mormons

from lds.org and mormon.org

• What are Mormons? "Mormon" is an informal nickname given to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Mormons usually refer to themselves as "Members", but when speaking to someone outside the Church about themselves they might call themselves "Mormons", LDS, or "Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints". Members often call each other brother or sister. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a Christian religion, believing in God the Eternal Father, his Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. Members try to follow the teachings of an ancient prophet who taught that when we are baptized, we are willing to bear one another's burdens that they may be light and we are willing to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. Through service, members lift one another's burdens and express their love.
• What are a Mormon's Religious Practices? Members usually attend 3 hours of worship meetings on Sunday. They don't usually refer to it as worship, but that name is certainly an appropriate description. The principal meeting, where all ages are gathered, is called Sacrament Meeting. Families often sit together in the Chapel. Meetings usually begin with a prayer, a song and the passing of the sacrament (communion) and then individual members of the church give talks, there is a musical number, a song and a closing prayer. There are also other meetings where members will gather in various groups by age and gender for study of the scriptures and of gospel principles. In these meetings, there is a teacher, and members can raise their hands and make comments and discuss things as they desire. All of these meetings are open to the public. Mormons also have temples for special ceremonies like marriages and baptisms for the dead. When a temple is built, a public tour is usually held, before it is dedicated, where the public can walk through and see all the rooms inside. But, once a temple is dedicated, only those members who hold a "temple recommend" may enter. Ordinances like Eternal Marriage are performed inside the temple. Also, people who are members will stand in proxy for those who are dead to be baptized, with the understanding that it is up to each individual in the next life, to accept or reject any ordinances performed on their behalf. Mormons believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates and in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law. They believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous and in doing good to all men. Mormons believe that every man, woman and child has free will. Mormons are taught to respect every person's choices, including the choice to believe according to the dictates of their own conscience. More information about the Church can be found at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints website.
• How do Mormon's Spend their time and private devotions? Mormon's believe the family is the basic fundamental unit of society. All the activities, meetings and programs of the church are set up to support the family. Mormons work, go to school, volunteer in the community, are involved in sports, recreation, dancing, arts and other activities. You probably would not be able to tell who is a Mormon just by looking at them, because they wear ordinary clothes at all these events. Mormons often attend their meetings on Sunday, but are not required to do so for membership. Many Mormons contribute time each week to helping the church in various ways and pay 10% of their income as tithing. For example, members take turns cleaning the ward buildings. They teach Sunday school, youth groups, boy scout meetings and organize social events within the church. Mormons don't usually refer to their personal worship as "devotions" although a member would not be offended if you asked a question about their devotions. Members usually pray often in private, in their families and in church meetings. Their prayers are from the heart and extemporaneous. A prayer can begin by addressing God in the formal "Thou" and usually includes expressions of gratitude and special requests. It usually ends "in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen". Some prayers are formal, with specific words that do not vary. These formal prayers are over the passing of the sacrament (communion), and during the baptismal ordinance. They are offered by members of the priesthood. Members worship Jesus Christ and do not pray to religious icons. Members do not worship the prophet or leaders of the church, but do consider and often follow their counsel. Members consider the bible to be the word of God and also have 3 other books, The Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and Covenants which they accept as scripture. Mormons do have dress standards and a word of wisdom. Most Mormons do not drink alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, or smoke cigarettes.
• Can anyone attend a Mormon worship service? Most meetings are open to the public. Temples are not open to the public, except before they are dedicated.
• What is the structure of the church? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints patterns its structure after the organization as described in the New Testament. The Church is led by a president and prophet, currently Gordon B. Hinckley. The President has two counselors, and these three leaders constitute the First Presidency. The First Presidency is assisted by Twelve Apostles, who are special witnesses of Jesus Christ to all the world. Leaders called Seventies assist the Twelve Apostles and serve in various locations throughout the world. Members are organized into local congregations called wards or branches. These congregations are organized geographically, and members attend a ward or branch near their home. The leader of a congregation is a bishop or a branch president. He is not paid for his service, but he donates his time to serve the congregation. Members are called by their leaders to serve in various positions in their congregation. Positions to which one might be called include teachers, youth leaders, clerks, etc.
• Where can I visit, if I want to know more?. Each of over a 100 temples the world have a visitors center that is open most days to the public for drop-in visits. In the San Francisco East Bay, the visitors center is located in Oakland at 4770 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602-2535, United States, phone: 510-531-1475. Sunday and weekday meetings at local wards are also open to the public. You can find a ward near you by doing a search at the LDS.org website.
• Who will represent the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints at this event? Brother Kimball Lloyd, a member of the Lafayette Ward, which is located at 2369 Overlook Drive, Walnut Creek, CA.

Sikh

by Major General Dalip Singh Chimni

• Who are Sikhs? The word SIKH means disciple in the ancient Indian Language. The followers of Guru Nanak are called Sikhs. Guru Nanak (1469-1539) was the founder of the Sikh Religion. His main message was that we are the sons and daughters of the same supreme Being. He had a vision of harmony, tolerance and cooperation for mankind. The Sikh religion has the following of 22 million people worldwide. The Sikhs believe in devotion and remembrance of God. The Sikhs believe in one God. HE is Named Truth, Creator, Without Fear, Without Hate, Timeless , IMMORTAL, Is neither born nor dies, self existent, Is revealed by the grace of the Guru. Truth in the beginning, Truth through ages, Truth now and Truth shall ever be. The Sikh men are identified with their beards and turbans. The turbans can be of many colors to match with their dress. Sikh women are not required to wear a veil.
• What are Sikh beliefs and practices? The five cardinal sins are anger, greed, wordily attachment and pride. Sikh's reject blind rituals, fasting, pilgrims, superstition and idol worship. Family life is encouraged. Celibacy and renunciation of the World is not considered necessary. Sikh's reject all distinctions of caste, creed, or gender. The Gurus stressed the full equality of women and reject the practice of female infanticide. Sikh's stress the sharing of 10 per cent of your wealth.
• How do the Sikhs spend their time and private devotion? The Sikhs can pray at any place at any time. However, in the early morning a Sikh is supposed to rise and meditate on the Attributes of God. There are prayers that are recited in the morning and evening. The Sikhs pray through their Holy Book called Guru Granth Sahib. The Granth Sahib is a compilation of Hymns of Saints from Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Sufi Religions. The Granth Sahib has hymns sung by the so called low caste Saints. They have an honored place in the Sikh Scriptures. The Hymns are set to 48 Ragas-tunes. These are sung with music in the Sikh Gurdwaras, the Gateway to God or the Sikh Temples.
• Can Anyone Attend a Sikh Worship? Yes, the Sikh Temple is called "Gurudwara", meaning the Gateway to God, is open to all. You would be required to cover your head with a hat or a scarf. Scarves are provided to all visitors. You will have to remove your shoes. No tobacco is allowed inside the Temple. Sikhs are forbidden to Smoke or use any kind of intoxicants. Sikh Temples serve vegetarian meals to all visitors, but you have to sit on the floor. This practice emphasizes the equality of all irrespective of rank, status, gender, caste and creed.
• What is the structure of the Sikh church? The holiest Sikh shrine is located at Amritsar in India. This is called the Golden Temple. It is located in a lake and is covered with gold. The Sikh preacher can be from either gender. They can marry. The preacher is only a guide. The Sikh likes to have a direct link to God. The foundation stone of this Temple was laid by a Sufi Saint of the Muslim Religion. The Sikh congregation is considered a notch above the Guru.
• Where can I visit to know more? Please visit Gurdwara Sahib, 3550 Hill Crest Road, El Sobrante, CA 94803, 510-223-9987.
• Who will represent the Sikhs at this event? Major General Dalip Singh Chimni, Indian Army (Retired). He is just an ordinary Sikh, not a preacher. He was raised in a Sikh Family in India. He has Masters in English Literature and a Masters in International Relations. He is also a practising Buddhist. Sikhs can knock at any Holy door to learn

Unitarian Universalist

by Rev. Dr. David Sammons

• Who are Unitarian Universalists? Unitarian Universalists, or UUs as they often call themselves, are members of the Unitarian Universalist Association which is the result of the merger of two historic American liberal churches with roots in Colonial times. UUs are non-creedal in their beliefs and welcome to their services all who would like to attend.
• What do the words Unitarian and Universalist mean? The word Unitarian represents a belief in the unity of God, along with the belief that Jesus is a child of God, as are we all, though he felt a unique call to preach a radical gospel of justice, care for the world and love. The word Universalist represents a belief in a God who loves all the people of this world and wants the best for all us both in this life and in whatever follows.
• What else do Unitarian Universalists believe? UUs believe that human beings are responsible for what they do with their lives and that revelation is not sealed. UUs draw from whatever sources they can in trying to figure out how to live compassionate, creative, fulfilling moral lives, taking seriously the words of both the Hebrew prophets and Jesus when he said the great  "summary commandment" was to love ourselves, others, and the Divine, what UUs sometimes call the Great Spirit or Life Itself.
• How do Unitarian Universalists worship? A service in a UU church is similar to that of many Protestant congregations. They include hymns and other music, readings, pastoral thoughts, time for the sharing of joys and concerns and a sermon. The atmosphere is relatively informal with a lot of lay participation and one is as likely to find references in a UU service to wisdom to be found outside of the Bible or the wisdom that is in it. As one of the movements founders put it, "since God gave us minds God wants us to use them".
• Who can attend a Unitarian Universalist service? Visitors are always welcome in a UU church, along with their children. Church school is usually held at the same time as is adult worship and most UU congregations also have a variety of adult programs and small groups that meet during the week and are open to anyone who would like to take part in them.
• How are Unitarian Universalist churches organized? Like Baptists and Congregationalists, UUs are congregational in their polity. This means that every congregation is responsible for itself and, in a democratic spirit, is responsible for raising its own funds, calling its own ministers, and for making decisions about how to govern itself. Ministers are free to say whatever they think from the pulpit, with the understanding that their congregants are free to accept or reject it. In a UU church there is both freedom of the pulpit and freedom of the pew.
• Where can I find a Unitarian Universalist church? Among the three dozen UU churches in the Bay Area, the ones closest to where this event will be held are in Walnut Creek, Livermore, Hayward, Fremont, Berkeley and Oakland. A location finder, along with information about the UU movement, its history, values, organizations and traditions, can be found at www.uua.org. Information about the Mt. Diablo UU Church in Walnut Creek, a compendium of its minister s sermons and details about its programs can be found at www.mduuc.org .
• Who will represent Unitarian Universalists at this event? Speaking on behalf of UUs will be Rev. Dr. David Sammons, who has been the minister of the Mt. Diablo UU Church for the past 22 years. Dr. Sammons is currently President of the Interfaith Council, of Clergy for Responsible Choices and Faithworks, a coalition of labor and religious organizations. He is co-chair of the Contra Costa County Housing Trust Fund Steering Committee, is on the board of Pacific School of Religion and is Visiting Professor of UU Heritage and Ministry at Starr King School for the Ministry.