Diversity of Faiths Explored, Celebrated in South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - The South Brunswick Human Relations Commission (SBHRC) presented the first event in the series, “Faith, Conversation and Coffee” on Monday, March 27. People of diverse faith traditions gathered at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Monmouth Junction for “Christianity 101” with Rev. Valerie Balling.

This series of events provides community members the opportunity to learn about and explore the diverse faith traditions in the community, with the purpose of building bridges of peace and understanding.

At St. Barnabus, Reverend Balling spoke about the basics of Christianity, including the foundations of the faith and the various denominations of Christianity. Rev. Balling spoke of the importance of loving one another and brought attention to the similarities among various faith practices.

“I firmly believe that humans are more alike than we are different," Rev. Balling said. "When we are willing to engage, and learn from people of different backgrounds, we develop relationships based on respect and mutual support. This makes for a stronger community and a better world.”

The attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions, visit the main sanctuary, converse with one another and enjoy refreshments. In attendance were residents of South Brunswick and neighboring towns, South Brunswick Councilwoman and Township Liaison to the SBHRC, Jo Hochman, members of the Interfaith Clergy Association of Greater South Brunswick, Imam Hamad Chebli of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey and Cantor Bruce Rockman of Congregation B’nai Tikvah.

Future “Faith, Conversation and Coffee” events will be held at the various houses of worship within the Greater South Brunswick area, including a Hindu Temple, a Jewish synagogue, a Buddhist Temple, other churches and a mosque. The next event is scheduled to be held at the Islamic Society of Central Jersey on Tuesday, April 25 at 7:00 pm, at 4145 US-1, Monmouth Jct.

Members of the South Brunswick Human Relations Commission include, Azra Baig, Chairperson, Jodi Marcou, Vice Chairperson, Bharat Patel, Angelo Zecca, Mitch Frumkin, Richard Britton, Anil Patel, Reverend Valerie Balling and Councilwoman Jo Hochman. The South Brunswick Human Relations Commission can be contacted by email at SouthBrunswickHRC@gmail.com.