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Seminar looks to break
barriers between faiths

Peace begins with communication, particularly in a world gripped by terrorism based on religious beliefs, said Saleem Ahmed, president of All Believers Network.

Fast facts Symposium: "Finding Spiritual Sovereignty: Moving from Exclusion to Inclusion in My Faith" When: Sept. 5 (Labor Day), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, 1727 Pali Highway Cost: $20 ($25 at the door); includes Indian vegetarian lunch and snacks Reservation deadline: Aug. 31. Send check to All Believers Network, 781 Eleele Place, Honolulu, HI 96825. Information: www.allbelievers.net or 371-9360

The interfaith organization will help people examine barriers between faiths at a Sept. 5 symposium on "Finding Spiritual Sovereignty: Moving from Exclusion to Inclusion in My Faith." Speakers from a dozen religious traditions will analyze what their particular doctrine offers that can offend or shut out other beliefs.

"The speakers will look at their own religions neutrally, not favorably," in an attempt to get closer to people of other faiths, said Ahmed, an educator, author and representative to the American Muslim Council in Washington, D.C.

The all-day seminar expands the goal of All Believers Network, also known as Belnet, whose members seek to understand each other's faith traditions. The group meets monthly to hear people talk about beliefs and practices in religious systems that range from mainline churches to native religious practices.

Belnet aspires to transform Hawaii into the world's interreligious harmony capital, said Ahmed: "We have learned to tolerate other religions, but we haven't learned how to embrace other religions."

Many religions promote the idea that the only way to get to heaven is through the doors of a particular faith, Ahmed said. A sentence in the Quran, the Muslim scriptures, says that "God sent prophets to all nations of the world, including many who are unnamed," he said. "So Mohammed has no higher status than any other prophet, is my interpretation."

"We must consider ways to remove the cobwebs in our minds, woven through centuries of myopic viewing," said Ahmed.

Ahmed is the author of "Beyond Veil and Holy War: Islamic Teachings and Muslim Practices with Biblical Comparisons." He has used the book's theme in speeches and classes at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Outreach College.

The all-day seminar will include the following speakers:

» Buddhism -- the Rev. Mari Sengoku, Honpa Hongwanji Mililani Betsuin.
» Christianity -- Maryknoll Sister Joan Chatfield, chairwoman of Belnet.
» Hinduism -- University of Hawaii professor D.P.S. Bhawuk.
» Judaism -- Gregg Kinkley, a member of Congregation Sof Ma'arav.
» Islam -- Jan Rumi, a Honolulu accounting company executive.
» Jainism -- Harendra Panalal.
» Baha'i -- Florence Kelley.
» Subud -- Reynold Feldman.
» Sufism -- Valerie Noor Karima.
» Sikhism -- Manjit Reddick.
» Zoroastrianism -- Meheroo Jussawalla.
» Unitarian Universalism -- the Rev. Mike Young, first Unitarian Church of Honolulu.

Other speakers will be Bishop Yoshiaki Fujitani of Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin; Hawaiian spiritual practitioner Kawena Young; the Rev. Sky St. John of Unity Church of Hawaii; and Ahmed.

For information, call Valerie Noor Karima at 262-0991 or 383-2616.