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Muslim, Jewish, Christian Friends Share Insights With Students

November 6, 2011

By Mike Sullivan from Voice of America Three longtime colleagues of different faiths have forged bonds of friendship through decades of dialogue in interfaith forums. The three men, who are leaders in the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities of Los Angeles, recently shared their insights into religion with middle and high school students. The students learned that the men respect their differences and celebrate what they have in common. They have known each other and worked together for decades – Maher Hathout, spokesman for the Islamic Center of Southern California; Leonard Beerman, the founding rabbi of the Leo Baeck Temple, a Jewish synagogue; and the Reverend George Regas, retired rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California. The students, from Flintridge Preparatory School, asked probing questions about violence inspired by religion. Rabbi Beerman told them that, sadly, evil is a part of religion’s legacy, but that faith also plays a positive role in human development. “It has brought comfort to the afflicted, it’s brought courage to the weak, it’s brought a sense of spirituality into personal lives,” said Beerman. Click here to read the full article