Hendricks Chapel to co-sponsor Oct. 18 film, Oct. 21 walk to inform about different faiths

Hendricks Chapel to co-sponsor Oct. 18 film, Oct. 21 walk to inform about different faithsOctober 17, 2007SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

On Thursday, Oct. 18, InterFaith Works of Central New York, in partnership with Women Transcending Boundaries (WTB) and Syracuse University’s Hendricks Chapel, will host a presentation of the film “Three Faiths, One God” at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, 2384 James St. in Syracuse.

“Three Faiths, One God” examines the religious beliefs and practices shared by Jews, Christians and Muslims to illustrate how many individuals in Abrahamic faith communities are dealing with historical conflicts, yet remain dedicated to facilitating understanding and respect. The film captures a broad range of voices and ideas of ordinary people and respected scholars in the interfaith field.

The film will be followed by a question-and-answer session, where questions of clarification can be asked regarding the three faith traditions. The event is free and open to the public; free-will contributions will be accepted.

On Sunday, Oct. 21, WTB and Hendricks Chapel will co-sponsor “Journey to the Tent of Abraham: The First Step,” a 1.7-mile walk meant to bring together people of different faiths and philosophies who might not ordinarily meet. From 1:30-5 p.m., participants are invited to walk a route that will take them to six religious institutions: University United Methodist Church, Grace Episcopal Church, Temple Society of Concord, SU’s Winnick Hillel Center for Jewish Life, SU’s Alibrandi Catholic Center and the Islamic Society of Central New York. The walk will end at SU’s Hendricks Chapel.

The walk formally begins at 1:30 p.m. with brief introduction and orientation at University United Methodist Church. Participants can walk the route at their own pace. Greeters at each site will welcome people and invite them to view a characteristic ritual or program. At 4 p.m., the Rev. Thomas V. Wolfe, dean of Hendricks Chapel, and other leaders of Syracuse’s faith communities will offer brief messages of hope and peace. To enter the chapel, participants will walk through a tent open on all four sides, symbolizing a coming together of people from different faith traditions.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for people to learn more about each other, to enter freely into different places of worship, and to experience others’ traditions and rituals,” says WTB President Ann Eppinger Port. “Our goal is to remind people of Abraham’s opening and welcoming attitude, and to give them a way to integrate this into their own lives.”

For more information on the events, call Hendricks Chapel at 443-2901.