Churches are not famous for getting along well. Different doctrine, beliefs and styles tend to keep them from becoming best friends. On a small island, where there are churches for Baptists, Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans and non-denominational types, it’s natural these
Churches are not famous for getting along well. Different doctrine, beliefs and styles tend to keep them from becoming best friends. On a small island, where there are churches for Baptists, Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans and non-denominational types, it’s natural these faiths would keep to each other rather than hanging out together. A few recent events on Kauai, however, brought them together.
An annual dinner united pastors and spouses, along with ministry leaders, for a night of stories and songs, along with smiles and laughs. Church leaders got a chance to chat, share thoughts and find out a little bit more about others in the faith community. Some had already met. Others had not.
It was a night that ended with pastors praying together.
And Saturday the 10th annual “Worship and Prayer Watch” at Kauai War Memorial Convention again brought together people of different beliefs with a common goal: Prayer for God’s guidance and blessing.
For three hours, they sat and stood, side by side. No debate about right and wrong. This wasn’t a time to argue over the Bible, theology and who had the right path to heaven. It’s good when church leaders can come together. No one is trying to warn the other they are headed the wrong way. All agreed prayer is positive, and so that’s what they did. Be kind and fair to all? Absolutely. Drive out Satan? Darn right. Develop strong leaders in the faith? Of course. Pray for an end to drug abuse and addiction? Certainly.
Let’s not kid ourselves. There are some areas that different faiths can’t agree on, some subjects that will keep people on opposite sides. Can’t be helped, really. For one’s faith to mean something, you have to believe firmly in your convictions. You can’t just sit on the fence. Seems you must, at some point, decide what you believe and why. The key, though, is to share your beliefs in a way that is not threatening, that does not come across as attacking, that does not sit in judgment. Love the sinner, hate the sin, goes the saying.
That’s why these gatherings of pastors and members of their churches are a step in the right direction and we’re glad more such events are coming up. It’s a chance to share in love and compassion. They show we don’t need to fear others who don’t believe as we do. They are not religious zealots. We might not agree with them, but we can get to know them. These upcoming events give us a chance to learn about the various faiths on Kauai. They are all a chance to meet people of other beliefs.
On Jan. 17, a youth rally is planned at Lydgate Park pavilion.
On Jan. 31, Christian author John Bevere will speak at 6 p.m. at Kauai War Memorial Conventional Hall.
On March 15, the 10th annual Mayor’s Prayer luncheon is scheduled.
And the National Day of Prayer is May 1 at the Civic Center Rotunda.
At the end of the day, faith can divide. It can also unite. We’re pleased Kauai’s faith leaders are not staying within their church walls and preaching to the choir, and are doing their best to come together in areas of common ground.
