No More Walls

This article originally appeared on Interfaith America

“In 2020 [Tameeka Washington] launched the Interfaith Coalition of Bowie.”

“Today the coalition provides a platform for a diverse group of faith leaders and community members to come together in the name of social justice as agents for change. Even amid a pandemic, they have been a regular presence in the public square these last two years.

“The faith oriented online panel discussions continue and cover a range of timely issues: faith and critical race theory; fostering inclusive community for LGBTQ youth in religious spaces; autism and religion; and science-based information about the COVID-19 vaccine to name but a few.

The Rev. Emily Holladay, a pastor at Village Baptist Church, is among the clergy who are part of the interfaith coalition. ‘How many people do you know who say, I’m not a clergy person, I just go to church,’ she said. ‘But I want the clergy to come together because I think they can have an impact on the community.’”

“This summer the coalition organized a three-day summer camp for 8 to 12-year olds and called it ‘Vacation Interfaith School.’”

Ashoka insight

No more walls is a metaphor for all structures and beliefs that limit our connection with each other. When we think outside the box or step beyond the boundaries of existing structures, we are able to imagine new options, include different perspectives and connect deeply with one another. Removing these "walls” is the first step to allow for more fluid, open, and integrated collaborations.

What “walls” do you build to protect yourself from others who think differently?

How can spiritual belonging evolve if we center our communities around the concept of “bringing down walls”?