Director of the Archdiocese Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Prof. Lawrence Welch attending the event on behalf of the Archbishop Robert Carlson, delivered the inaugural speech and communal prayer of the night. Next was a panel centered on the event’s theme “Altruism, Compassion and Solidarity during Times of Hardship.” First speech was by Rabbi James Bennett from St. Louis’s largest synagogue, Congregation Shaare Emeth. Rabbi Bennett noted that it’s important to give alms in times of hardships and it’s a virtuous deed to spend what’s bestowed on us for others.
Next, Professor Leo Almazan from Aquinas Institute underlined that altruism is to live without expecting nothing in return and that the word “altruism” is a keyword to be focused on.
Lastly, the mufti and imam of Daar-ul Islam, Asif Umar, referred to the examples from the Prophet Muhammad’s life with regard to the event’s theme. He noted alms giving is cherished in Islam like it is in Judaism. He further said it is important to demonstrate solidarity in times of not only hardship but prosperity as well.
The event came to a conclusion with Niagara Foundation Missouri Director Ali Durhan’s address, in which he highlighted the significance of living in peace with our dissimilarities and forming unity through our common grounds. A lucky draw took place at the end of the night.
Published [in Turkish] on Zaman Amerika, 28 October 2013, Monday
