In a world frequently marked by divisions arising from differences in beliefs, backgrounds, and perspectives, Pastor Wil Masih of the Elgin Seventh-day Adventist Church took the initiative to organise an outreach event, aiming to break down walls of hostility and foster meaningful dialogue among individuals of diverse faiths, as well as those with no religious affiliation.
The event, inspired by the biblical message from Ephesians 2:14-16, highlighted the transformative power of reconciliation and the unifying force of peace. "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility."
Drawing from the ministry of Jesus, which, among other aspects, focused on breaking down barriers and promoting peace among people, Pastor Masih sought to extend this mission through the compassionate work of the church. The belief that reconciliation should continue to be the cornerstone of the church's efforts inspired the conception of this community engagement initiative.
Pastor Masih writes “In my experience as a youth, I would often talk to people of other religions so that I could help them find the Truth. More than often that would be the last conversation we would have and I would almost always never see that person again. I tried to examine Jesus’ model for dealing with people of other religions and I found that he approached those of other religions very differently.
Even though Jesus spent the majority of his ministry working in a little area of the world among a predominantly homogenous Jewish population, he nevertheless welcomed opportunities to engage with people from other backgrounds, many of whom were more than likely adherents of a few or all of their traditional religions. In addition to the Samaritans, whose religion was similar to that of the Jews in that they followed the Torah and believed in a coming Messiah, Jesus also spoke with Romans, who were of polytheistic background, Syrians and Canaanites, who were customarily worshippers of idols, including Baal and Ashtoreth.
The New Testament records Jesus' interactions and conversations with the Roman Centurion with his sick servant, the Samaritan woman at the well, the Roman governor Pilate, the Canaanite woman and her sick daughter, the Samaritan leper and numerous sick and demonised individuals from Syria and the Decapolis. We discover that Jesus' approach in each of these exchanges is remarkably different from his approach with the Pharisees or his own disciples.
When dealing with people of other religions, Jesus didn't criticise or condemn, dispute theology, debate, reference Scripture, inquire whether people wanted to know the gospel, or ask them to follow the prejudiced norms of his own Jewish culture.”
The outreach event at Elgin welcomed members of the public, religious leaders from diverse faiths, and individuals with varying beliefs to engage in dialogue. They were encouraged to engage in open and respectful dialogue about their faith, allowing for conversations to unfold at various levels. The event aimed to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding, where differences were acknowledged and respected.
To facilitate a relaxed and welcoming environment, light refreshments were made available, allowing participants to mingle and connect with individuals from different walks of life. The event's primary objective was to foster genuine connections and initiate friendships that transcended the boundaries of religious or non-religious affiliations. It served as an opportunity for members of the Elgin SDA church to introduce themselves to the wider community in Moray and contribute to the region's cultural and spiritual tapestry.
Among the attendees were Christians from various denominations, Jews, Muslims, followers of the Bahá’í faith, Hindus, and others who embraced the chance to participate in a dialogue that transcended the confines of their usual social circles. This diversity of perspectives enriched the conversations, providing a unique opportunity for everyone present to broaden their understanding of different worldviews.
The significance of the event was underscored by the presence and support of the Lord-Lieutenant of Moray, Major General Seymoor Monro, who was the chief guest of honour and King Charles' personal representative. In his speech, he expressed his happiness at being part of such a gathering and encouraged the continuation of events that promote dialogue between different faiths and community cohesion.
Approximately 70 individuals took part in this community engagement, initiating new friendships and building bridges of understanding. The success of the event was evident in the genuine connections forged, as people from various backgrounds found common ground and discovered the shared humanity that unites us all.
This event stands as a testament to the power of dialogue and the potential for unity among diverse communities. It served as a reminder that, regardless of our differences, we can come together to build a more inclusive and harmonious society. It is hoped that the spirit of reconciliation and compassion will continue to flourish, fostering lasting connections and understanding in the local community and beyond.
