“Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Gospel of Matthew
SUNDAY, JANUARY 27: Even as conflicts rage in many parts of the world, the hopeful sounds of children’s voices rise in today’s 14th annual World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation. From far and wide in southeast Michigan, visitors will pack into the Bharatiya (Hindu) Temple to hear a young Jew blow the shofar; an adolescent Muslim Call to Prayer; and choirs, bands and dance groups alike from Jain, Buddhist, Baha’i, Zoroastrian, Christian, Hindu, Native American, Sikh, Quaker and Unitarian backgrounds. Even those who can’t make it to Metro Detroit today can get behind its concept—and tailor the idea for any community! (Visit www.worldsabbath.org for details.)
More than a decade ago, the Rev. Rod Reinhart (an Episcopal priest now based in the Chicago area) came to the conclusion that peace would not be possible unless the world’s religions bridged their differences. He approached another priest, the Rev. Ed Mullins at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, and the idea was hatched. Beginning in 2000, the last Sunday in January was set aside for this interfaith emphasis on peace. Now, the annual service now opens with a Children of Peace procession, complete with banners, posters and quilts. (Check out a video of the 2011 World Sabbath service here.)
Interested in attending World Sabbath 2013? Head to the Bharatiya Temple of Troy, at 6850 North Adams Road, 48098. Services begin at 4 p.m., and canned food donations will be accepted at the door for the needy of Metro Detroit.
