Fellowship of the Faiths

May 21, 2007

Author: Lacee A.C. Martinez

Source: Pacific Daily News

http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070521/NEWS01/705210313/1002

Celebrating diversity for one group extends beyond just cultural differences. For the Guam Interfaith Committee, diversity also means understanding and fostering fellowship between different religious communities.

After the tragic events of 9/11, fear and anger toward Muslims had spread through the United States. On Guam, Richard Wyttenbach-Santos, a member of the United Guam Methodist Church, was concerned of the fate of the island's small Muslim community.

He and others decided to form the Guam Interfaith Committee, composed of representatives of six faith traditions, to help promote understanding of the different faiths. Since 2001, the group has continued to hold Thanksgiving services and other events in which people from the different religions have a chance to share and participate.

Last Thursday, the group met again, this time to celebrate National Day of Prayer together.

Even though it was held on a workday and in the mid-afternoon, dozens packed a small room at the Hotel Nikko Guam to celebrate, share and pray together.