The International Day of Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue
http://www.SkippingStones.org.

EUGENE, OREGON, September 10, 2003: Arun Toke, editor of Skipping Stones
magazine writes, "The most important lesson that 9/11 offers us is that we
engage in a continuing dialogue to overcome prejudice with understanding,
hatred with love, injury with forgiveness, suffering with compassion, and
terror with peacefulness. Out of this tragedy have risen opportunities for
understanding the many levels of diversity in our world -- of faiths and
traditions, cultures and customs, tongues and thoughts, expressions and
experiences that enrich our planet. Let's shape our global future by
helping, healing, engaging in dialogue, praying together and understanding
each other. On September 6, the Register-Guard newspaper continued the
community "interfaith dialogue" by publishing 15 different perspectives on
how people belonging to various faith traditions and spiritual paths seek
inner peace. Afterwards, 33 religious leaders of all faiths came to the
Twin Rivers Interfaith Ministry meeting to hear three different
perspectives. And on 9/11, thousands of citizens of Lane County will
participate in an evening of peace songs and presentations in the Federal
Plaza; an interfaith service at the First Christian Church, or have a
dialogue after viewing a thought-provoking video in the University of
Oregon to understand the complexity of the issues. Becoming active
peacemakers means engaging in dialogue with friends and strangers alike.
When we listen to others, and when we know their stories, they no longer
remain strangers to us.

Time is ripe for observing an International Day of Dialogue. We believe the
United Nations, World Parliament of Religions, and many other NGOs might be
willing to sponsor such an International Day of Dialogue. The National
Association for Multicultural Education (NAME) based in Washington, DC, has
already adopted a resolution to this effect. Let's celebrate our diversity
and create a bond of unity with a compassionate dialogue!"

Contact Arun at editor@skippingstones.org.