One of the staples of Cabrini Day was the speech made by an individual looking to change the way people regard faith. Interfaith leader Eboo Patel, founder of the Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), led a discussion in Grace Hall on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m., discussing the ways in which bridges can be built among various faiths. “Faith should not be a bomb of destruction,” Patel said. “Faith should be a bridge of cooperation.’
Centering on the theme for this year’s Cabrini Day, “Lead for Change,” the speech catalyzed the influences that can be impressed upon young people. These influences can leave everlasting marks between creating a person of religious pluralism in contrast to a religious totalitarian.
The discussion surrounded Patel’s book “Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation.” Patel discussed ways in which forces throughout his life drove him to desire to open up a new kind of dialogue regarding faith and tradition. Patel writes about his struggle to connect his traditions “as mutually enriching rather than mutually exclusive.”
People should keep a sense of their own faith identity but be accepting of people of different faiths. This idea is at the heart of the IFYC’s mission of changing the dialogue around interfaith and creating an outlet for open conversation. The right influences can shape young people to collectively change the world through love rather than violence and hate.
“Different beliefs can nurture similar values that build those bridges of cooperation,” Patel said in his speech. These different beliefs can unify people to change the world by creating new stories. The words that turn to stories can make social change happen through action. “We are collectively writing the next chapter in the grander scheme of the entire story.”
Connecting who we once were and who you are now, according to Patel, starts with telling stories to ourselves about ourselves. “I collect stories like kids collect pebbles on the beach so I can establish a point of contact,” Patel said. “Finding that point of contact can allow us to have a positive conversation.”
Patel’s work within interfaith groups also has a local aspect that can be related to bringing about change and the mission of social justice at Cabrini. “We have a great focus on social justice and the voice being heard of all,” Clare Pressimone, senior social work major and social justice minor, said. “Interfaith allows us to bring about the voices and focus on similarities and differences.”
Patel also has written a book entitled “Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice, and the Promise of America” that deals with the idea that interfaith leaders and pluralism in America can confront prejudices against Muslims. Pluralism is one of the main aspects of this book much like it is in “Acts of Faith.”
The evening ended with riveting discussions from the audience that tied together the mission of interfaith to the mission of Cabrini. “The great thing about being at a college like this is that you can take a great idea and make it a reality,” Patel said. “Take that opportunity and make it a reality.”
