Neighbor News
Words That Hurt, Words That Heal
A panel discussion on SBPL recently discussed how our faith informs how we speak to each other.
In an effort to promote peace, understanding and solidarity in the diverse community of South Brunswick, religious leaders from the Interfaith Clergy Council of Greater South Brunswick presented the latest installment in the Continuing Community Conversation series at the South Brunswick Public Library Sunday focusing on “Words that Hurt, Words that Heal.” The interactive conversation looked at ways our sacred texts promote both violent and non-violent communication.
Facilitating Sunday’s program on June 26 was Rabbi Robert Wolfkov of B’nai Tikvah Temple, the Rev. Osy Nuesh of Six Mile Run Reformed Church, the Rev. Sharyl Dixon of Kingston Presbyterian Church, the Rev Beth Scibienski of Grace Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Valerie Balling of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and Imam Chebli of the Islamic Center of Central Jersey.
The Library hosted the program and partnered with the Interfaith Clergy Council as well as the South Brunswick Human Relations Commission and the Community Response Team. Recently, the Library was honored to receive a $1000 multicultural programming award from the New Jersey State Library in recognition of its efforts, allowing the library to plan additional programs in the Continuing Community Conversation series.
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Rev. Valerie Balling explained that with our current political environment, where scripture has been interpreted in a violent way, we need to respond in a healthy way and be honest about what the texts say. “How do our words help or hinder,” she said, asking how we can move forward with support for each other.
“We have a real choice every time we open our mouth,” said Rabbi Wolfkov. “The way we use words is a real demonstration of character.”
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Members of the Interfaith Clergy in attendance were eager to engage in conversation with community members, answering questions and allowing time for small group discussion. All emphasized the need to continue to reach out across the table and dispel the fears of those from different faiths. Additional installments of the series at the library will be announced.
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