Interfaith Response To Crisis Events

When events such as the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US take place, world religions are challenged to present an interfaith response. Experience in dealing with violence, personal or social, offers guidance. Here is one way to deal with the situation in a positive manner.

    1. Stop
        When violence appears, life as normal stops. It is necessary to stop business
         as usual. Paying attention to uncomfortable reality is necessary. Simply stop.

   2. Take a deep breath.
            Literally, stop to breathe deeply. The momentary silence of breathing helps. 
            Oxygen is needed by the body to both calm self and to gain mental and physical
            strength. As an individual or a group, take time to breathe.

    3. Think
              Allow the mind to do what it does best. Recognize what is going on right now.
           .  Become aware of the options for response. "In the light of who we are and what
             we face, what shall we do to express our highest vision."  Thinking together is a
             demanding effort for interfaith groups because of the cultural and spiritual 
             uniqueness of each participating tradition. Those very differences are the 
             occasion for answers to overwhelming challenges.  

            Many people experience some form of depression during of after crisis times.
            This is a normal response. If it persists make use of medical services, literature,
            or go to a reliable medical information web site. 

Interfaith organizations persons of good well have opportunity, in times of crisis, to bring a unique gift to the human family. Taking interfaith action can counter the efforts of destructive forces to use religions for their unfortunate ends.

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Update on October 3, 2003

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