DEARBORN – On Monday, October 4, members of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths gathered to break bread upon a Middle Eastern feast of food and dialogue.

The event was held at Amani’s Restaurant with the topic of, “Getting to Know You: Beliefs of the Children of Abraham.”

In the name of the All Faiths Festival (AFF) organization, guests were welcomed and enlightened with words of unity by the host of the evening, Imam Husham Al-Husainy from Karbala Islamic Center. 

“No matter how far the children of Abraham may separate from each other, they will always be united,” he said. “We all might speak different languages, live in different places and play different roles, but Moses, Jesus, and Mohammad (pbut) have one goal and that is to love and worship the almighty God.”

Including words from the Jewish perspective, Rabbi Dr. Mordehi Waldman of Mt. Clemens spoke and expressed that he was thankful to God for this and other interfaith gatherings.  “These occasions, always remind myself that the Messiah is ready to come and make permanent peace on earth, with God’s help,” he said.

The “Declaration for Life” that was created and signed by interfaith clergy and faithful was revisited. It calls for an end to war, and reconciliation where people love each other and request upon themselves and each other to live up to a higher standard. Presbyterian Dr. Lynne Boyle, producer of Sunday’s 6:30a.m. Public Television show, Interfaith Odyssey, said after the declaration was read, “That’s an excellent statement for our global village.”

A global village could be achieved indeed as AFF Founder Rev. Dr. Lawrence Ventline from Sacred Heart Church reflected. “Building bridges begins with each of us taking time to talk, to enjoy Arabic and other ethnic foods while sharing the messages of Moses, Jesus and Mohammad (pbut),” he said. Ventline also shared the aim of the AFF to bring together clergy and faith members from metro Detroit to further its goals to build bridges, create dialogue, foster recognition and respect among all faith traditions, religions and cultures.

The next AFF interfaith dinner and dialogue will take place on November 1, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.  at the Islamic House of Wisdom (22575 Ann Arbor Trail) in Dearborn Heights. The discussion will be focused on, “The Huge Heart of God: Getting to Know the Children of Abraham- One Global Village.” All are invited to attend, to confirm your attendance ahead of time, email: Info@IslamicHouseofWisdom.com or call 313.359.1221.