Scouting for Tolerance: An Interfaith Walk

Northbrook, Il.— Sadly, news reports of deadly events targeting people at a house of worship or at a school have become all too common place. FBI statistics show hate crimes continue to increase. The good news is organizations like the Boy Scouts of America not only promote tolerance, but they embrace diversity and interfaith discussions. “Duty to God” is embedded in the Boy Scout laws, whatever your beliefs or faith. This lays the groundwork for interfaith dialogue which is key to understanding and acceptance.

Recently, the Northeast Illinois Council of Boy Scouts of America held their first Walk of Faith, an interfaith event promoting deeper understanding of one’s own faith and the faith of others. The interfaith walk began at the Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago, proceeded to the Congregation Beth Shalom then to St. Giles Episcopal Church in Northbrook. At each location the Scouts had the opportunity to view the individual cultural center or house of worship and learn about each faith from religious leaders. They also had the opportunity to have an interfaith discussion among attendees, furthering their understanding of the similarities and unique differences among the faiths.

Father Corey Brost, founder of the Children of Abraham Coalition, was part of the interfaith committee that organized the event. "I was impressed by the Scouts and their parents who seemed so eager to learn about other faiths. Our nation really needs scouts to take leadership in showing all people that religious literacy and interfaith respect is key to citizenship." The feedback from Scouts and parents was also extremely positive. In the words of a Catholic Venturing Scout, “Learning that the Islamic Quran talks about other religions and religious figures like Mary and Jesus in a respectful way was very interesting. I want to learn more about the Islamic faith.”

The Scout Oath requires “Duty to God and my country” while the twelve points of the Scout Law includes “Reverence”. These aren’t just words, they are put into practice routinely at Scout meetings and events. In this tradition, a larger interfaith event is being planned to take place in Evanston this fall. It will be open to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Anyone who would like to learn more about the upcoming event or Boy Scouts (including co-ed Venturing and Explorers) visit the Northeast Illinois Council website www.neic.org.

About the Northeast Illinois Council, Boy Scouts of America

“The Northeast Illinois Council, Boy Scouts of America has been building a strong foundation of leadership, service, and community for thousands of America’s youth since 1929. We celebrate this legacy as we reaffirm our commitment to inspire and prepare future generations. Scouting is as vital and relevant today in Lake and northern Cook counties as it was when the journey began more than 100 years ago.” To learn more visit www.neic.org.

About The Children of Abraham Coalition

“Our mission of The Children of Abraham Coalition is to educate others about the Abrahamic traditions, to be ambassadors for interfaith dialogue, and to continue to learn about and build relations between our religions as we work to fill the world with Salaam, Shalom, Peace.” For more information on the organization or their youth Peace Camp go to coacpeace@gmail.com or find them on Facebook or Twitter @COACPeace.