Oklahomans of different beliefs gather over a meal to foster interfaith friendships

A college professor's rude remark took a Muslim student by surprise as he sat in a 2003 computer class at a local university.

"Why the hell are you here?" the professor asked.

Waseem Ahmed shared memories of the uncomfortable incident — with a silver lining — during "Amazing Faiths," an Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma program recently held at First United Methodist Church of Edmond. He was among 90 Oklahomans who came together to talk about the differences and similarities of their religions in the aftermath of a contentious presidential election and rising polarization across the country.

Saurabh Singh, Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma president, said the organization is a nonpartisan "family" devoted to diversity. The organization focuses on human rights issues, fostering interfaith friendships, and interfaith cooperation through community service. "Amazing Faiths," he said, is a way to bring people together for conversations about faith in a safe environment. Along the way, attendees share a meal together and learn more about local issues of concern such as hunger, homelessness and domestic violence.

More: Oklahoma City-area women form bonds of friendship through interfaith connections

"We're hoping as the evening ends, that at least one person here walks away with at least one golden nugget," he told the crowd.

The First United Methodist Church of Edmond youth chorus sang songs, including "He's Got the Whole World" and "This Little Light of Mine," to help set the stage for the program, while the Rev. Tiffany Nagel Monroe, the church's senior pastor, talked to the group about the United Methodist Church and answered questions from the crowd.

'I will be respectful, but I will speak' After dinner, conversation flowed at each table, as guests took turns answering questions about their faiths. Singh said the 18 questions were thoughtfully developed by Rice University. The discussions were enhanced by some intentional table assignments, which resulted in guests sitting at tables with several people of other faith traditions.

"How do you understand evil and what do you think is the best way to deal with evil?" was one question. Others included: "Do you believe in the afterlife (heaven, hell, reincarnation, etc.)?" "What do you think happens to us when we die and how does your belief impact your day-to-day life?" and "Do you think religions share common principles or ideals?"

Ahmed shared the story about his college professor with several Oklahoma City metro-area residents at his table, including Kanwal Kaur Obhrai, a member of the Sikh Gurdwara of Oklahoma; Terri Angier, a member of the Baha'i Faith; Mohini Powell, who is Hindu; and Gabrielle Mangrum, with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ahmed, a local restaurateur, shared the memory in answer to a question asking if there was ever a time when he remained neutral during a time of crisis. He said two non-Muslims and another Muslim student urged him to report his professor's antagonism toward Muslims, and they went with him and another Muslim student to talk to university administration about the confrontation and other incidents.

"I will never stay quiet," Ahmed said. "I will be respectful, but I will speak."

Angier shared similar comments.

"One of the tenets of the Baha'i Faith talks about times when you should not be neutral and that is when you are coming in defense of others," she said.

Several people around the table shared details about how their faith has helped them in their everyday lives over the years.

More: Interfaith dinners help guests reflect on faith — theirs and others'

Powell said he didn't adhere to a faith tradition when he was younger, but he has found meaning in the Hindu faith. He said he also visits Buddhist temples and the Sikh Gurdwara of Oklahoma from time to time.

"It brings me so much peace and happiness," Powell said. "There is much more purpose in life."

Meanwhile, Singh said 44 people attended the first Amazing Faiths program in its current format, so he was pleased that almost 100 people showed up for the recent event.

However, he said the educational aspect of the program- people learning about different religious beliefs — is more important than the numbers.

"We are learning about other people, other faiths, religions, in general, and we are understanding that the process of improving ourselves comes from small groups, not a large gathering," he said.

"The objective is to create a stable environment and peace loving environment, where it is truly based not just on emotions, but based upon learning."