Interfaith group 'unites us in unity'

Apr. 18—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Christ Centered Community Church elder Brandon King sat on a stage inside the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College auditorium Wednesday and recited the beginning of Psalm 133 — "Behold how good and pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity."

At the time, he was joined by Temple Beth Israel scroll reader Catherine Cox, St. Francis University President the Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, Islamic Center of Johnstown treasurer Samaah Izmirli-Sbeitan and Holy Assumption Orthodox Church rector the Rev. Elijah Bremer during an interfaith roundtable.

"We all come on this platform differently, but what unites us is unity," King said. "In that last verse of that Psalm, it says, 'It is there where the Lord commands his blessing.' Unity commands blessing. So, in other words, it doesn't matter what you believe, but as long as you're there for the common goal, that's what matters."

He then emphasized how the event, which was sponsored by the school's Diversity Committee, showed "the gospel of inclusion right here."

The panel gathered to discuss the tenets and similarities of their faiths.

"At least in the denominations and movements represented here on the stage, we are very interactive and collaborative," Cox said.

"We do interfaith things."

Izmirli-Sbeitan pointed out that her own children attended Our Mother of Sorrows School and Bishop McCort Catholic High School.

"My kids are the most educated, religious people on the planet," she said. "It's because we are people of the book that we were OK with that. We actually were very well welcomed there."

Izmirli-Sbeitan added: "We all bleed red. Everyone in this room bleeds red. And if there's anything from my faith that I want to share is that we, as Muslims, are accepting of all beings."

Bremer spoke about recognizing the contributions of other religions.

"When theology of any denomination gets it right, we have to acknowledge that they get it right," Bremer said. "I don't compromise or feel like I give up anything being up here in this stage tonight with this panel. I'm going to walk out of here with all of my beliefs intact, as all of you will. I think that's great.

"I like to challenge the people that are entrusted to me and I like to remind them to see good where there's good, seek good, do good, make bad things less bad by focusing on good. I would think that transcends denomination."

Van Tassell stressed the importance of using faith as a foundation for doing good in the world.

"The church has good moral teachings, but when it comes to putting the faith into action, that comes out in the form of charity," he said.