The power of religious pluralism to...

Minnesota is home to a growing diversity  of religious, spiritual and philosophical beliefs and practices.  This diversity enriches our state and offers precious opportunities for learning to those of us who are  interested in the sacred.  Here in Minnesota, you will find temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, sanghas and communities of people exploring, learning about, and living out their own religious, philosophical, and spiritual lives all the while engaging pluralism.

According to Harvard professor, Diana Eck, pluralism is an essential part of our existence. Pluralism goes beyond tolerance to a search for understanding of and equity for our neighbors. Pluralism respects difference and aims for relationship and friendship and a shared commitment to the common good. 

Our traditions lift high notions of belonging, inclusion, justice and hospitality. They are based on the premise that we are all interconnected and belong to a single human community. We are ‘better together’, engaged, and learning and sharing with and supporting each other in this pluralistic community. 

And yet, our nation is in disarray. We are divided and polarized.  The opposition to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is antithetical to the Minnesota Multifaith Network’s (MnMN’s) mission and to the core teachings of our religious, spiritual, and philosophical values. It challenges our commitment to build hospitable, just and caring communities. 

For this year’s 6th Annual Conference, “The Time is Now: Strengthening Engagement, Understanding and Equity for ALL,” the Minnesota Multifaith Network is focusing on how the current moment is affecting our daily lives, and  our communities. At the same time, we must together search for the opportunities that the present affords. 

Instead of indifference  or encouragement for the forces  promoting division, exclusion, and isolation, we are resisting and lifting our voices together. We WORK better together. We CARE for each other. We WANT to live peacefully together. We INSIST on a compassionate and civil society because every human life is sacred. Pluralism is our antidote to hate and extremism and, we would suggest, the key to peace and healing for our nation at this present time. 

For this conference, we will bring together Minnesotans to celebrate our diversity and the wonderful work we can and must do in community with one another. Coming together joyfully and celebrating our diversity is an act of resistance. As we come together, we want to claim our power. To name the struggles, laments, and sorrows we are experiencing and to celebrate the good work we do together – in collaboration, in partnership, in building relationships and community, and in healing our people. 

So come and celebrate with us – together!