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Christian-Muslim-Hindu-Jewish Leaders Engage in Serious Dialogue

A distinguished panel of Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Jewish religious leaders had a serious dialogue on "how to connect" at the Catholic Diocesan Conference here.

Moderated by Father Charles T. Durante, Pastor of Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Community of Carson City, clergy who participated in the dialogue included Imam Abdul Rahim Barghouthi of Northern Nevada Muslim Community, prominent Hindu chaplain and Indo-American leader Rajan Zed, Rabbi Myra Soifer of Temple Sinai-Reform, Reverend V. James Jeffrey, Rector Emeritus of Trinity Episcopal Church of Reno.

Issues discussed included religious pluralism, looking beyond your tradition, inclusive understanding of religion, is religion a problem, power of religion, seeking unity that celebrates diversity, learning to live together, shared quest for truth, mutual enrichment through dialog, learning from each other, similarities and differences, growing together, etc.

(photo by Mary Ann Williams) : From left to right Rabbi Myri Soifer, Imam Abdul Rahim Barghouthi, Hindu chaplain Rajan Zed, Reverend V. James Jeffrey, Father Charles T. Durante.

In the end, this group of diverse clergy prayed together "to remove any barriers of prejudice or intolerance so that the world's religions may recognize the similarities and beliefs we share."

"Integrity-Rooted in the Soul" was the theme of this 25th Annual Conference, where besides the interfaith dialog, other topics covered included "Saving Mother Earth", "Reaching Your Teens", "Love and Economics", "Smart Sex", etc. Famous Catholic inspirational musician, John Angotti, and his band provided the evening concert, while Shanti Shanti, the only Sanskrit rock band of the world, opened the Conference with ancient Sanskrit chants. Monique Jacobs coordinated this two-day conference at John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino Resort, which also had a Spanish language section.

Catholic Diocese of Reno, established in 1931, covers 70,852 square miles spread in eleven Nevada counties in addition to Carson City. Before 1840, this area was under the Diocese of Sonora in Mexico, when it came under the jurisdiction of Bishop Moreno of California. Current Bishop is Most Reverend Randolph R. Calvo.

Rajan Zed congratulated the Catholic Diocese efforts in reaching out to other religions for a dialogue. "Religion is a complex component of human life. Dialogue helps us to see interconnections and interdependencies between religions and even similarities in doctrines," Zed added.