Thanks to the Scioto Education Foundation, I was able to enjoy the Whirling Dervishes of Rumi on September 22, 2006 and the 4th Annual Dialogue Dinner shortly thereafter.  Both were wonderful opportunities for me to enjoy the diversity of life.  The music that preceded the Dervishes was beautiful and it was an unusual experience for me in that everything was new to me.  I could not “hum along.”  I simply enjoyed the music and my theater neighbors, many of whom seemed to know what to expect.  We have liturgical dance in some of our churches but nothing as grand as the prayerful Whirling Dervishes.

The Dialogue Dinner included my introduction to Jalāl Al-Dīn Al-Rūmī’s life and times.  I was fortunate to be seated with two people who are members of the Sufi Circle of Columbus as well as other Muslims from other lands.  Our table conversations were quite pleasant as we learned about each other and the Faiths that we profess.   I was fortunate to meet a young woman, a teacher from Turkey, who is part of an exchange program.  She is teaching at a school near the church where I work and we have plans to get together again. 

Most recently, I enjoyed another opportunity to visit with members of the Scioto Education Foundation at another Interfaith Dialogue, this one a luncheon co-sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.  Our Bishop and many other religious leaders from this community were present.  Again, the experience gave me a chance to learn more about others who honor the same God that I do, others who are also from Abrahamic traditions.

As a Catholic, I am commanded to love God with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength and my neighbor as myself  (Mark 12: 30-1) and the Scioto Education Foundation has introduced me to neighbors that I might not have known, or loved.  Hopefully, love will lead us to unity in our diversity and to a measure of peace on Earth.

Patricia Marzen Hardesty, Graduate Student (Theology) Ohio Dominican University

 

My interface with the Scioto foundation has been with the programs and concerts they have put on. I think it is important that I, as a Christian, learn about Islam, and members of the Scioto Foundation put on excellent programs in that regard. I hope the concert last December will be repeated again. Members of this group have come to my church where there is an ongoing dialogue. They have shared theirs views and listened to our views. They have also shared their food and customs. I am so pleased that they are in Columbus and willing to help us learn.

Rita Butchko Kerr, PhD Capital University

 

My experience with the Scioto Educational Foundation began with an interfaith dinner. There I shared a meal with people of various faiths, who were all respectful and interesting with whom to share conversation and a meal. I was able to question the couple of the Islamic tradition, and I learned a lot that I didn't know. I also heard excellent lectures from various traditions that were informative as well. The periodical readings I have received have been excellent, and I have made them available to others. I believe the foundation is doing valuable work to bring about better understanding and acceptance among people.

Carolyn Thomas, Ph.D. Columbus, Ohio

 

The Scioto Educational Foundation is one of the best things to happen to interfaith dialog in Central Ohio for years. They go far beyond good programming; with their generosity of both spirit of time, they create an irresistible climate of mutual hospitality. The result is real relationships based on a deeper mutual understanding than would otherwise be possible. Their commitment, integrity, and intentions are all of the very highest order.

Rev. Susan Ritchie, PhD

 

In December 2005, the Scioto Educational Foundation arranged for me and four others who are active in interfaith dialogue to travel to Turkey in order to come to a deeper understanding of the culture of Turkey and the religion of Islam. It was one of the most cherished experiences of my life. Although I had been to Europe on three occasions, I had never traveled to the Near East or Asia and I was a little apprehensive. I need not have been. Our hosts went out of their way to make our visit both enjoyable and educational. In addition to tours of well known sites of Istanbul, Izmir, Ephesus, and Cappadocia, we met in the homes, schools, and businesses of our hosts and thus were given an authentic taste of everyday Turkish life. I have been convinced for a long time that diversity is a treasure that enables true unity, but I had never before had such a concrete experience of that truth. Our common humanity is so evident in the face of our differences. It is with deep humility that I thank the members of the Scioto Educational Foundation and all our gracious hosts in Turkey.

Barbara A. Finan, Ph.D. Ohio Dominican University