Reno Christian, Hindu, Muslim leaders work against religious mistrust

Published: 2007-01-19

RENO, Nev. (CNS) -- Religious conflicts arise when members of one faith claim to be "God's exclusive agent" and declare a complete monopoly on the truth, a Hindu leader said Jan. 6 during a dialogue in Reno with Muslim, Catholic and Protestant religious leaders. Organized by the Catholic Diocese of Reno, the dialogue was aimed at reaching a common agenda to heal the wounds of religious mistrust. Rajan Zed, director of interfaith relations at the Hindu Temple of Northern Nevada, said solutions to resolve mounting religious conflicts include considering each religion as an essential aspect of the whole; having a broader, deeper and more inclusive understanding of religion; and believing that the existence of different faiths is positively willed by God as a sign of bountifulness. Other speakers during the dialogue included the Rev. James Jeffery, rector emeritus of Trinity Episcopal Church in Reno; Father Charles T. Durante, chairman of the Reno Diocese's Life, Peace and Justice Commission; and Imam Abdul Barghouthi of the Northern Nevada Muslim Center.

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