Message of Support

Bono

St. Ethelburga's Interfaith Tent is one in which we all should find shelter.  It's sad to admit that few understand or are even aware that Jews, Christians and Muslims are all tenants in the house of Abraham.  All ethnic and religious tributaries erupt from the wellspring underneath that once undivided house. All bow their knee, tip their hat, or at the very least, call Abraham their biological fore father.

The way things stand now in the world of shout down extremism, it's hard to imagine such commonality could be whispered in reverential    conversation.  The pilgrims have stood back too long and let the noisy throngs have their day in the mad midday sun.  As a result, the bloodied lives and territories of the Middle East have no real chance to rest in peace. The conflict has widened into a world wide conflict of interests and disinterests,  away from  peace and common ground, toward a deliberate  dialogue of cross purposes.

In truth, this is a family feud. Always the worst. The 'tent project' is taking a crucial lead in starting a historic conversation where the three timorous  voices of ancient monotheism, and the other great faiths,   are set in the context of what they have in common.  From this perspective the chasm and impasse of the present conflict in the Middle East and elsewhere look a little less daunting to clear.  Father Abraham might begin a smile to discover his family dare to dream in this direction.