Radical Hospitality

Common Ground

This year Lent and Ramadan overlap - starting around Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) That got me thinking about faiths and overlap. Too often people tend to emphasise difficulties and differences. But is good to look for common ground rather than what separates us.

I was reminded of Krister Stendahl’s (a Swedish Lutheran Bishop) three classic rules for interfaith dialogue:

1. When learning about another religion ask its adherents not its enemies.

2. Do not compare your best with their worst

3. Leave room for ‘holy envy’ (things you admire about other faith traditions)

These reflect the Golden rule (Matthew 7:12), to want for others what you want for yourself. Much better than holding a superior “I’m Ok, you’re not OK” attitude.

‘Holy Envy’

So, what are some of the things I admire in other faiths. And suggestions you might try.

• Discipline of Muslims during Ramadan fast. Visit a Mosque this Ramadan (e.g. Shah Jahan Mosque) & see if you get an invitation to attend an open Iftar meal.

• Meditation & self-control of Buddhists. Go and attend a beginners meditation session at Knaphill Temple.

• The Hospitality of Sikhs. Visit the new Gurdwara in Camberley and enjoy the free food in the Sangar. And ask questions

• Hindu community. There are many Hindus in the area. Attend a festival like Diwali and ask them about their local Hindu community.

• Ba’hai. Do you know a follower of Baha Ullah - find out about the roots of their faith.

• Jewish love for conversation – visit a Synagogue - there’s one in Weighbridge and one in Guildford. Get into a vibrant conversation about almost anything

Acts of Kindness

And I always appreciate Acts of Kindness as a sign of true spirituality. Building relationships of trust with people of faith who see the world differently, is a sure and certain way of helping to nurture peaceful coexistence within society.

And how about a bit of radical hospitality yourself and invite someone round for pancakes. It’s a start.