Local Answer for a World in Religious Conflict

By Linda McMillian

ALPHARETTA, MILTON— For thousands of years, members of the world's major religions have experienced violence as a result of their beliefs. Unfortunately, recent events continue to reflect that ongoing trend.

On November 21st at 7 PM in Marietta, Georgia representatives from twenty major world denominations (including Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton representatives from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) will meet to confront each other with comedy, musical performances and cordially shared presentations about their faith at the 15th Atlanta Ecumenical Thanksgiving Celebration. The production promulgates the belief that our similarities and humanity are much more significant than any distinction in our theology.

Speakers representing Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and other faith communities are featured.

Attendees have enjoyed the fun multicultural presentation in Marietta since 2005 when the event was established to promote interfaith understanding and harmony. The occasion is used for much more than just religious civility as charity plays a major role in the event. About a thousand guests are expected and all are encouraged to bring canned food to help feed the poor in our area.

This year the theme is "Am I My Brother's Keeper?" It represents many diverse groups sharing one overriding principle: In the family of man, we are responsible for each other, all of our brothers and sisters, regardless of religion, race, gender, or ethnicity.

The general public is invited to the free event to celebrate the peace and love at the root of every established world belief.

Participants wrote on the Wall of Words last year:

“G-d bless this annual gathering. The perfect way to kick off the holiday season!”

“This gives me hope for our community, our nation. our world.”

“Mesmerized! Peace to all and let’s dare to do loving things for each other!”

“G-d blesses us with love, family, and harmony! Let good, peaceful relationships make the world a better place.”

“I saw different America. And I loved it. G-d bless all.”

Seating for 900 fills up quickly, so please arrive 15 or more minutes before the 7:00 PM start. Parking is limited, carpooling is recommended. In the event of overflow, the event will also be live-streamed in a community setting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3 miles away at 3155 Trickum Rd, Marietta, GA 30066.

You can also view from home at http://bit.ly/TKEstream.

For more information regarding the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Celebration, visit the Facebook page- Bit.ly/ecumenicalthanksgivingFB

Or, contact Hal Schlenger at hal.schlenger@gmail.com or Temple Kol Emeth at 770-973-3533.

Participating religions in this year’s Ecumenical Thanksgiving Celebration:

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Art of Living Foundation

Baha'i Faith Center - Marietta East Cobb Islamic Center

East Cobb Islamic Center (ECIC)

East Cobb United Methodist Church

Emerson Universalist Unitarian

Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta (FAMA)

Interfaith Community Initiatives (ICI)

Islamic Center of Marietta

Masjid Al-Muminum

Pilgrimage United Church of Christ

Roswell Community Masjid

Sandy Springs Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Sikh Educational Welfare Association (SEWA)

Saint Catherine's Episcopal Church

Temple Beth Tikvah

Temple Kol Emeth

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Roswell and Marietta

Transfiguration Catholic Church

Unity North Spiritual Community