Triangle Dinner Group Models Interfaith Dialogue

By Lois Ballen

The Triangle Interfaith Dinner Group was established about three years ago by Ghazala Sadiq, Denise Long, and Sharon Ryan with the goal of fostering good will, understanding and friendship between people of Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths living in the Triangle.

The Dinner Group continues with over 50 active participants. There are no attempts at "converting" or "evangelizing" others. Participants are expected to use sensitivity and good judgment in bringing up political or other hotly contested issues. People are encouraged to talk about their lives, family, and what their faith means to them, if they choose. There are as few rules as possible to keep the dinners free flowing, so all can enjoy the company and learn from each other.

Dinners are held on Saturday evenings every six to eight weeks either as potluck dinners hosted in several participants’ homes or as a restaurant get-together. Participants are contacted a few weeks before each dinner and asked to sign-up if they wish to attend the next scheduled event. Since this is an informal group, there is no obligation to participate each time a dinner is scheduled. Being a host is also voluntary, and it rotates among participants.

Potluck dinners are organized as small groups (8-10 adults and children). These change each time, so everyone has the opportunity to meet new friends at each gathering. Approximately every three months, the group dines at a restaurant so everyone can get together at one time.

It is a wonderful opportunity for food and friendship! Feedback from participants has been very positive, and the group continues to grow. "The interfaith dinners have been very encouraging,” writes Judith Harrow of Hillsborough. “They make me think that if we can do this on a personal level, there is hope we can do it on a global level."

For more information contact Bonnie Axelrod at bonbonax@verizon.net, Lois Ballen at loballen@earthlink.net, or Patricia Land at reykie@yahoo.com