In his Dec. 4 letter to the editor, John Brandt states concern that “white Americans … are steadily losing our culture, our country and our race because of deliberate efforts in the media, the churches and schools. They all teach the same thing: That white people and white cultures are not worth keeping. That we must change ourselves for the benefit of non-whites.”

The Interfaith Association of Snohomish County represents faith communities (churches, temples, mosques and other congregations) throughout Snohomish County, and we work with schools and the media. We have a different perspective from Mr. Brandt.

When people are ignorant of each other’s values and customs, misunderstanding can breed fear and hatred. Unchecked, these emotions often turn violent. We believe that the hate crimes that have occurred recently in Snohomish County resulted from a lack of understanding and lack of compassion that cause people to devalue each other. The Interfaith Association advocates for victims of violence and hate crimes. We promote respect and responsibility in schools, to prevent bullying. We promote dignity and diversity in our county to help build the foundation for peace.

The fundamental values of our faiths are based in love, charity, justice, compassion and the belief that all people are created in the image of the Divine. These values promote peaceful solutions to conflict within our community, nation and world. Extremists in any religion or culture do not represent all members of that group.

The United States was founded on the blending of people from diverse backgrounds: different countries, religions, ethnic origins, and a variety of reasons for coming to this “promised land.” We celebrate the U.S. culture of democratic ideals, religious freedom, economic opportunity and values of basic human rights for all. But there is no “white culture.” The fallacy of a monolithic “white culture” is clear if you compare a Russian with a Swede or an Irishman with an Albanian. Similarly there is no “immigrant culture” nor “black culture.” Each time a person immigrates to this country, America is enriched with a wider perspective, a broader view of the world and the possibility for greater mutual acceptance. Today approximately 10 percent of the population in Snohomish County is immigrant, often isolated, struggling to adjust to American culture and facing prejudice. Why should these new neighbors not be welcomed and enjoy the same freedoms that our citizens have?

Jesus was an immigrant as a child in Egypt. He was not European, nor was any of his disciples; and their teachings have enriched our world beyond all calculations. Jesus said, “I was hungry and you fed me. I was naked and you clothed me. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” This is a teaching of value to people of all faiths.

All cultures’ histories contain something negative of which we are not proud, but ignoring those past incidents does not help us move forward. It’s too easy to get stuck behind stereotypes that escalate into unthinkable actions. As we acknowledge our past intolerance and negative history, we make room for forgiveness, learning and healing.

Every culture is strengthened and enriched when it celebrates the best in itself and other cultures. When we promote American values in our communities and throughout the world, when we feed the hungry and advocate for basic human rights, we inspire people to support our ideals and actions.

Mr. Brandt asks “if multiculturalism is the best way for people to live.” Our communities, nation and world are multiracial and multicultural, so it is the only way to live. We need more communication and understanding to break down stereotypes and avoid the types of conflicts that Mr. Brandt cites.

As Martin Luther King Jr., stated so simply but eloquently: “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” The Interfaith Association leads efforts to foster greater communication and understanding through interfaith, multicultural activities and dialog among people of diverse ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. More understanding and acceptance within our U.S. culture will lead to more peace – at home and worldwide – and more pride in who we are, as individuals and Americans.

Janet Pope is executive director of The Interfaith Association of Snohomish County. This commentary was co-signed by the following Interfaith Association board members, staff and faith community representatives:

Mary Ellen Wood; Ted Lombard; Rev. Joe Bridger; R. Scott Mitchell; Tim Serban; David Spring; Rev. Mimi Lane; Rev. Jeffery Gaustad; Shirley L. Woolf; Kathy Ostlund; Therese Quinn; Debora Lilly; Rev. Kevin Bates; Rev. Pierre Davis; Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman; Belal Nasralla, Everett Muslim Community; Fr. David Price; Jeff Siddiqui, American Muslims of Puget Sound; Rev. Edith B. Weller; Fr. Lawrence Perry; and Rev. Deborah Adams.