Taking heart in a changing religious landscape
by Gail Anderson
Photo by Gail Anderson
The practice of Muslim prayer at a Twin Cities charter school has been getting a storm of media attention. The children at that school, along with Muslims everywhere, take a break from school on Friday afternoons to participate in Friday Ju’mah prayer, an obligation of all Muslim men.
Critics fear that this practice favors one religion over another and that public school dollars are being used to promote Islam.
At a recent Taking Heart gathering Christian participants learned that prayer five times a day is one of the five pillars of Islam. A Muslim who does not keep this obligation to prayer is no longer considered a Muslim. There really isn’t a counterpart in Christian practice. A Christian who does not pray does not cease to be a Christian in the same way. In addition, Christians are able to fulfill their practice of congregational prayer on a day that most people do not work or go to school. The conversation took participants to a deeper understanding of the issue facing the charter school.
For many years the Unity and Relationships program of MCC has worked to promote understanding among the many faith communities in Minnesota. It is a task that is increasingly important as the state becomes more and more diverse.
Programs like Taking Heart, which brings Muslims and non-Muslims together for food and conversation, give Minnesotans the tools to build a cooperative and inclusive community. The program, which has brought people together in neighborhoods and communities, is now expanding into the workplace, helping companies create understanding among their multicultural workforce. If you would like information on how to begin a Taking Heart partnership in your area please email Gail Anderson or call her at (612) 230-3210.
