City leaders remember Sept. 11 five years later
By Matt Lebovic
The Jewish Advocate
Rabbi Barbara Penzner at Monday's ceremony.Cardinal O'Malley says influential Muslims should denounce violence and terrorism
Religious leaders gathered on Monday to commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and promote interfaith dialogue. Nearly 30 heads of the Protestant, Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Muslim and Catholic communities met at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis in Boston in what has become an annual gathering since the attacks shocked the nation half a decade ago.
The meeting focused on sharing concerns that permeate different religious communities and an affirmation of shared values. An interreligious statement was issued to the press, calling for increased efforts to bring people of different faiths and cultures together.
"It had more depth and breadth than I have seen in quite a long time," said Nancy K. Kaufman, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston. "It gave people a chance to think and reflect. There was a real desire to engage and be in dialogue."
Much of the meeting focused on the threat posed by "jihadist" fundamentalism and ways for religious leaders to effectively communicate positive messages through the media that promote shared values of social justice. Every faith leader in attendance condemned terrorism and committed to promote understanding within their communities.
Archbishop of Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley urged participants to lead by example and remember the core teachings of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
"Faith humanizes us," said Cardinal O'Malley. "We must stand together to see what religion is – love of God, neighbor, justice and peace. Leaders of Islam need to speak out more clearly against violence. We must see terrorism for what it is and absolutely condemn it as religious communities."
Larry Lowenthal, executive director of the American Jewish Committee's Greater Boston Chapter, noted that unlike Catholicism, Islam lacks a single voice of authority which can effectively control what individual Muslims consider religious law. He implored participants to take note and support the Muslim voices in our community that promote peace and tolerance.
The gathering closed with a candle lighting ceremony in which five leaders lit candles in recognition of their shared mission. Rabbi Barbara Penzner, president of the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis, lit a candle on behalf of the Jewish community.
Noting that faith leaders set an example for their communities, Penzner called on participants to seek new ways of disseminating their message.
"There is a sense in this country that people can't talk to each other if they disagree," Rabbi Penzner told participants. "The language of discourse has been one of demonization and polarization. This gathering represents what we need to be doing."
The group pledged to continue to discuss issues of shared concern and develop strategies to build bridges between the region's diverse communities.
