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You undoubtedly remember the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh last spring, where the shooter apparently had used passages from the Gospel of John to justify his hatred of the Jews. I had just started as chaplain and the Director of Student and Campus Life asked if I could pull together a multi-faith response in support of our Jewish students and friends in the community. It was over spring break and the campus was deserted, so I wasn't particularly hopeful of the response. I was pleasantly surprised. We had a strong representation of Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders, and even a faculty member, gathered together to mutually encourage and support each other during this time. We had a time of sharing informally sitting in the living room of the multifaith center. At the end, even though it was a multi-faith gathering, since I am a Christian minister, I asked if I could pray a Christian prayer for them. They were happy to receive it. I prayed for peace, understanding, for protection for all religious communities. They seemed genuinely thankful, with a few even having a few tears. The love of Christ shines at Albright.
Look for more stories in the coming days and weeks.
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