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STANDING IN THE BREACH from page 43

INTRIGUE

to visit the places
where Christians are
most Christian and
where Jews are most
Jewish. From the
Vatican to the Sea
of Galilee to the
Western Wall, we
all observed tradi-
tions that spoke to
our colleagues but
were alien to us.
The conversa-
tions that grew
from these observa-
tions about our var-
ious traditions and
theological under-
standings were of
incalculable value.
A particular focus
was on scripture
and the ways in which we understand
and use sacred texts, those that are
shared and those particular to each faith.
As we discovered differences and simi-
larities in our beliefs and practices, we
experienced admiration for the purity
and intensity of one another's faith and
convictions.
At Golgotha [site of the crucifixion]
and at Yad Vashem [Israel's Holocaust
memorial], we witnessed the searing
suffering that is a core component of
our respective religious journeys.
Despite vast differences in our theolo-
gy and historical experience, we can all
understand suffering and learn to
comfort one another. Fortunately,
death is not the only point of contact
between our faiths. Together, we expe-
rienced the beauty and bounty of the
Earth.
In the Galilee, we marveled at the
splendor of Israel from Mt. Carmel to
the Jezreel Valley and Sea of Galilee.
Gratitude is the emotion that most easily
allows us to transcend our differences.
We found ourselves reflecting on the
affirmation of Psalm 133: "How very
good and pleasant it is when kindred
live together in unity!"

Father West Remembered

Shortly before our departure, we were
shocked by the sudden death of our col-
league and dear friend, Father John

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Contact Stella Actis Aldo
(248) 879-2373
www.intrigue-online.com

Mary E. Biedron is associate minister at
North Congregational Church. Daniel
Nevins is rabbi of A.dat Shalom
Synagogue. Deacon Mark L. Springer is
director of youth andfizmily ministry at
St. Alexander Church, all in
Farmington Hills.

Rabbi Nevins with Deacon Mark
Springer of St. Alexander's Church in
Farmington Hills at Yad Vashem

West. John had played a central role in
planning our visit to Rome. In our grief
for this man of God, we drew closer
together, mourning him in Michigan,
Italy and Israel.
When we placed a stone from Our
Lady of Sorrows, his parish in Farming-
ton Hills, in the Sea of Galilee, we
recalled the phrase from Song of Songs,
"For love is strong as death." We hon-
ored John's. memory and resolved to
deepen our commitment to interfaith
friendship.
We are at a nexus in the history of
humankind. We are desperate to be
freed from the limitations of think-
ing that is dualistic (us against
them). The human species and the
eco-system are groaning to give birth
to an age of spiritual awareness of the
unity of God, which underlies all of
our surface distinctions.
Even in our differences we discerned a
deeper commonality. We traveled
together in order to grow as believers, to
appreciate our particular commitments
more deeply while respecting those of
our neighbors. This trip accomplished
those goals.
Returning to our churches and
synagogue last week, we found our-
selves speaking about that underlying
unity. We intend to stand in the
breach, to uphold the values of jus-
tice, compassion and peace that per-
vade our respective traditions. It is
our prayer that other people of faith
will join together with us in this
essential partnership. ❑

