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EUGENE, OREGON, September 10, 2003: Arun Toke, editor of Skipping Stones magazine writes, “The most important lesson that 9/11 offers us is that we engage in a continuing dialogue to overcome prejudice with understanding, hatred with love, injury with forgiveness, suffering with compassion, and terror with peacefulness. Out of this tragedy have risen opportunities for understanding the many levels of diversity in our world — of faiths and traditions, cultures and customs, tongues and thoughts, expressions and experiences that enrich our planet. Let’s shape our global future by helping, healing, engaging in dialogue, praying together and understanding each other. On September 6, the Register-Guard newspaper continued the community “interfaith dialogue” by publishing 15 different perspectives on how people belonging to various faith traditions and spiritual paths seek inner peace. Afterwards, 33 religious leaders of all faiths came to the Twin Rivers Interfaith Ministry meeting to hear three different perspectives. And on 9/11, thousands of citizens of Lane County will participate in an evening of peace songs and presentations in the Federal Plaza; an interfaith service at the First Christian Church, or have a dialogue after viewing a thought-provoking video in the University of Oregon to understand the complexity of the issues. Becoming active peacemakers means engaging in dialogue with friends and strangers alike. When we listen to others, and when we know their stories, they no longer remain strangers to us. Time is ripe for observing an International Day of Dialogue. We believe the United Nations, World Parliament of Religions, and many other NGOs might be willing to sponsor such an International Day of Dialogue. The National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME) based in Washington, DC, has already adopted a resolution to this effect. Let’s celebrate our diversity and create a bond of unity with a compassionate dialogue!” Contact Arun at editor@skippingstones.org.

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