Wednesday, March 10, 2021

An Interfaith Sister Act


 I've written about the Interfaith Three Amigos, a rabbi, an imam and a minister, who have become friends and promoted dialogue between Christians, Jews, and Muslims in their community. They became celebrities of a sort, with a TED Talk and popular books. It was and is an encouraging story.

Since we're just beyond International Women's Day I'll mention that there is podcast featuring three women of faith which has become popular. Again, the trio includes a Muslim. a Jewish rabbi, and a woman with a Christian background and they describe themselves as Sister.Act.  These co-hosts are Hurunnessa Fariad, Rabbi Susan Shankman, and Sabrina Dent.   According to a Religion News Service article: 

The success of the trio, Fariad said, comes from “three women from three different faith backgrounds actually being friends” without “having this idea that we have to convert each other, or prove each other wrong based on faith scripture.” Over its first year, the podcast has dealt with miscarriage and divorce, politics and race, and COVID-19 and motherhood — at one point each of them was parenting a 12-year-old child at the same time.

Every time I hear about interfaith conversations and friendships I'm encouraged. There is so much shameful and destructive weaponization of religion that it is easy for people to grow cynical or walk away from what can be life-giving. 

It's obvious that these women find joy and strength in their friendship, as do the Three Amigos. Isn't that what we hope for in our lives of faith? 

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