Is it possible to have an open and civil discussion over a potentially divisive issue? Mary Gibson McCoy found it possible at the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council.
By Rev. Mary Gibson McCoy
I have attended two international conferences sponsored by the Parliament of the World’s Religions, and although I had numerous, illuminating interfaith experiences at those conferences, the most deeply significant interfaith experience occurred right here in Kansas City at a meeting of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council.
Each month, the Council meeting begins with a “Faith-Sharing,” an opportunity for a director to explain an aspect of their faith, as part of the Council’s intent “to know and be known.” In 2015, our July meeting occurred just after the landmark case of Obergefell v. Hodges was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, the case that made same-sex marriage legal throughout the country.
While not all the faiths represented on the Council are in favor of same-sex marriage, the decision provided an occasion for each of us to share our unique perspectives and to learn about the perspectives of others.
Consequently, we spent an hour simply sharing our thoughts and the positions of our faiths on this issue. The most compelling take-away was the fact that, even in the face of an issue that could be extremely divisive in other circumstances, our discussion was open and civil.
No one’s mind was changed, but everyone achieved a better understanding of the others. That is the whole point of the interfaith movement — not to change minds but to open hearts.
You can experience some of the opening sharing that the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council promotes at our annual celebration, the Table of Faiths Sept. 23.
Are you ready and willing to open your heart? Join us to rejoice in diversity at the Table of Faiths Hybrid Event on September 23rd. Register or become a sponsor today.
Rev. Mary Gibson McCoy, an At-Large Director of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council, focuses on multicultural and interfaith education and relations, following a career as a real estate attorney with 30 years of experience in title underwriting. She is Founder and President of Cultural Crossroads, Inc., and an ordained minister of the Alliance of Divine Love.