Building Interfaith Relationships One Donut at a Time

Last week, I joined a small interfaith group of religious leaders at the Islamic Center of Lake Norman in Mooresville. We were invited to attend a prayer service as honored guests. After removing my shoes, I settled into a chair at the back of the room next to my friend who is a local rabbi.

What I experienced as a guest was both ordinary and extraordinary. It was ordinary in that we witnessed many of the same things we would see in any church or synagogue—folks slipping in late due to traffic, adorable toddlers roaming around during the sermon, and of course, plenty of donuts on hand for the fellowship time after worship. We heard a thoughtful sermon about how we don’t have to believe the same things to respect one another and remember our common humanity, and then prayers were said as we guests observed. Together, as Christians, Jews, and Muslims, I think we all felt a sense of connection through these everyday human moments. We arrived as strangers and departed as friends.

What was extraordinary was the warmth and kindness of the community in the face of difficult times. For many years, members of the Islamic Center of Lake Norman have been peacefully gathering for prayer and fellowship in two humble rooms. Now they wish to build a new facility that will be better equipped for their needs, on land that is already zoned for religious assembly under the town’s ordinances. However, in recent weeks, as the building plans for their property have been made public, the Islamic Center has become the target of intense vitriol and hurtful rhetoric rooted in discrimination and xenophobia.

I wish those who have been saying such hateful things would make the effort to actually get to know this peaceful, friendly, and hospitable community. I am so glad I did.

As an American, I am deeply frustrated by the animosity my new friends are experiencing. The First Amendment to our Constitution states that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” For me, it is quite simple: if I want the right to practice my faith freely, I must also be willing extend that same right to others.

And as a Christian, I am embarrassed by the hatred toward our neighbors that is so contrary to the teachings and ways of Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates boundary-crossing love, not hate. He makes it very clear that our task is to love others as God loves us. I believe he is deeply grieved by all instances of hate and prejudice.

I often come back to the Apostle Paul’s list of the fruits of the Spirit as a guideline for appropriate Christian behavior. When we are exhibiting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we are on the right track. I hope I can embody these attributes as I stand with my neighbors against Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and all forms of intolerance.

For anyone who may be interested in showing support for the Islamic Center of Lake Norman, there is a town board meeting at 413 N. Main Street in Mooresville on Tuesday, September 8. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as space inside Town Hall is limited. I don’t know if there will be donuts, but I know there will be kindhearted neighbors to meet and interfaith friendships to make.

Yours in Christ,

Carmen