Religious
Leadership Council meets
By Lou Baldwin
Special to The CS&T
Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the need for dialogue in our world during
his April visit to America, Cardinal Justin Rigali told a meeting of the
Religious Leadership Council of Greater Philadelphia on April 29. The
meeting was held at the Central Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
After listing the numerous ecumenical and interfaith contacts the Holy
Father made during his visit, Cardinal Rigali said the Pope mentioned
“the United States’ long history of cooperation between different
religions in many spheres of public life. He mentioned interreligious
prayer services on the national feast of Thanksgiving, for example. He
spoke about joint initiatives in charitable activities. Certainly this
might be very relative to things we have discussed in our group already.”
A central point emphasized by Pope Benedict was the important topic of
human rights, the Cardinal told the faith leaders. “We can’t
have our freedom, we can’t have our civilization, unless we have
our human rights.
“Human rights are not given to us. These human rights are based
in our nature, which presupposes the recognition of God,” he said.
The Council, formed in 2006, includes leaders from various religious denominations
in the Philadelphia region. Its stated purpose is “to build relationships
of mutual support and offer a moral and spiritual voice in our region.
The Council will identify issues and concerns for dialogue and action.”
Cardinal Rigali, along with Imam Anwar Muhaimin of International Muslim
Brotherhood, Inc., and Rabbi David Straus, immediate past president of
VAAD: Board of Rabbis, are the co-conveners.
During the meeting, Rabbi Straus gave a reflection on the Pew Foundation’s
recent report on religion in America. After listing some of the Pew findings,
Rabbi Straus said a meaning that may be drawn from it is, “One of
the great benefits of living in America is that you can practice any religion
you want or no religion at all. The result has been a healthy competition,
a country relatively free from the religious strife that plagues so many
societies.”
Imam Muhaimin spoke on an open letter sent by Muslim leaders to the Pope.
The letter quoted the Prophet Mohammed: “None of you has faith until
you love for your neighbor what you love for yourself.”
It also quoted Jesus: “You shall love the Lord your God with all
your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.
This is the first commandment, and the second is, you shall love your
neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”
The Council, which meets twice yearly, is coordinated by the Interfaith
Center of Greater Philadelphia. Sister of Mercy Janet Baker was facilitator
for the meeting. There are also sub-group meetings, for example a liturgy
task force and an emergency response task force.
A fourth co-convener was added during the meeting: Bishop Claire Schenot
Burkat of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Southeastern Pennsylvania
Synod.
A recent liturgical event sponsored by the Council was the Interfaith
Inaugural Service for Mayor Michael Nutter on Jan. 3 at the Cathedral
Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
Lou Baldwin is a member of St. Leo Parish and a freelance writer.