Diverse groups join to celebrate

On Dec. 14, over 350 Muslim, Christians and secular people from Lynnwood area gathered to share an evening of respect and dialogue at Trinity Lutheran Church. We were people of faith respecting our differences and celebrating our commonalities and our common humanity.

Everyone who came to this event was weary of the hate and exclusion narrative of darkness spreading through our country. We all shared a hunger to engage in a life-giving narrative of dignity, respect and care for all. As I watched people walk into this event, I thought these are the “boots on the ground” that can transform our world.

A consortium of 12 Christian and Muslims community groups supports this movement. Special thanks for the work of Jafar Siddiqui, a Muslim who is actively involved in issues of human rights and civil rights, and Pastor Terry Kyllo a Lutheran pastor who is serving The Catacomb Churches and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church for organizing this event.

Please look to join future events. Jafar and Terry are working on similar gatherings throughout the Puget Sound area.

Supporting organizations include: Trinity Lutheran Church/Lynnwood, The Catacomb Churches, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Dar Alarqam, American Muslims of Puget Sound, Zanaib Center, Omaral-Farooq, Community of Middle East Peace Builders, Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA, Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, W D Muhammed and KAIROS Puget Sound Coalition.

Maureen McKenzie

Edmonds