Interfaith panel promotes respect and understanding

Interfaith events offer the opportunity to engage with each other with open hearts, foster mutual respect and understanding and participate in thoughtful conversation – all very much a part of the Franciscan charism.  

When Br. Matt Ryan, OFM, currently serving at the Franciscan Renewal Center (the “Casa”), in Scottsdale, Arizona, was asked to serve as part of an interfaith panel at a local school, the response was a resounding “yes!’  

On April 11, he joined a group of diverse, faith-filled presenters for an interfaith panel at Brophy College Preparatory, a private Jesuit high school in nearby Phoenix. His fellow panelists were Rabbi Pinchas Allouche (Jewish), Sara Bassal (Muslim), Veena Mahesh (Hindu) and Rana Singh Sodhi (Sikh).  

“We talked about outside misconceptions about our respective faiths, working together across faiths and why faith drives us to work for care for creation, other people or for God,” Br. Matt said.  

“I also talked about moving beyond the stereotype that Catholicism is a religion of guilt,” Br. Matt added. “We are religion of hope.”  

He also reminded the students that “Our God is always there for us. I mentioned that St. Francis found God in creation, and that his cathedral was nature. We accompany those on the margins. I encouraged the students to take breaks from social media; to investigate Catholic media and traditions; to spend time with their families, particularly their grandparents; and make time for prayer and quiet time with God.”  

Messages of faith 

The other panelists also shared enlightening messages, Br. Matt noted. Rabbi Allouche, for example, spoke about how the traditions of Judaism and the education the youth receive strengthens their resolve in their faith. Sarah emphasized that her faith is not oppressive but noted how the media depicts the extreme forms of Islam. She focused on the universality of the love God shows and the ways her children live their lives as Muslim Americans.  

Veena highlighted the importance of respect and working together in tandem for our common world. Rana noted how many people are quick to jump to conclusions about the Sikh religion and shared his fight against religious hate following the killing of his brother in the aftermath of 9/11.  

The experience was significant for Br. Matt, who will be ordained to the priesthood in August, because “It’s important for friars to be visible, to reach out to young people and to engage in interfaith dialogue. I think we were all able to share a message of hope with the students, who take their faith seriously and responded to us with enthusiasm.”