A journey of multicultural understanding can begin with a single invitation. The 31-member UU Fellowship of Hidalgo County, San Juan, Texas, through its Community Outreach Committee and an interfaith group, People for Peace and Justice, invited members of the local Muslim community for an evening of conversation at the fellowship.

More than 40 people from various faith traditions gathered on Sept. 25 to share food and watch the film Amreeka about a Palestinian family that immigrates to the U.S.  There was discussion after the film. Participants also created a “friendship banner” by writing words of hope and friendship across it. The imam of the local mosque spoke for about 10 minutes through a translator.

“The purpose of the gathering was to promote solidarity from people of different faiths, with a specific focus on our Muslim brothers and sisters,” said Caren Smith, former president of the fellowship. She added, “We’re proud of our members and friends who spend their time and energy keeping the light and wisdom of Unitarian Universalism shining in our community.”

San Juan is on the border with Mexico, near McAllen, Texas. The fellowship was organized in 1959.

About the Author

Don Skinner

Don Skinner is editor of InterConnections and a member of the Shawnee Mission UU Church in Lenexa, Kansas.

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