Increasingly we are living in a New World that involves the mixing of cultures and religions. This birth of a new age has been brought about by the Internet Technology, instant world wide communication, and the ability to travel anywhere in the world within twenty-four hours. Cultures are encountering each other and that means that America, considers itself a "Christian Nation", must realize that all the world faiths are present among us and many of them live next door.

The Atlanta Metro Area offers a unique opportunity for people of faith to learn about diversity and spirituality from one another. Our community includes the five major religions: Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Muslims and also other faiths. The Interfaith Immersion Weekend participants will attend worship services, listen to presentations, engage in dialogue, and share meals with people of other faith traditions. It is a condensed version of the InterFaith Immersion Week (Read about the Weeklong Immersion for greater details). The Weekend Event is offered to make it easier for working persons to participate.

The interfaith program is a grass roots meeting of persons of different faiths, which provides an opportunity to speak face-to-face. This highly personal interaction along with insightful presentations and visitations to places of worship not only strengthens one's own faith but also helps participants to appreciate the faith of others. This kind of interfaith engagement provides the basis for the birthing of a new religious society in America.

The Atlanta Interfaith Immersion Weekend will involve leaders from all the faiths noted in the schedule. It will be coordinated by Dr. Ben Campbell Johnson, Professor Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary. The Cost of the Weekend InterFaith Immersion is $150. To register fill at the Registration Form and send it with your check to The InterFaith Community Institute, 669 East Side Street SE, Atlanta. GA 30316.

INTERFAITH IMMERSION WEEKEND

Shallowford Presbyterian Church

2375 Shallowford Road NE

 

September 23-25, 2011

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 - Islam

8:45 – 9:00 am	Gather at Shallowford Presbyterian Church
9:00 – 9:30 am	Welcome, orientation, & introductions of the participants
9:30 – 10:30 am	Introduction to Islam
10:30 – 11:00 am	Travel by bus to the Al Islam Masjid
11:00 – 1:00 pm	Lunch and conversation with Muslims
1:00 – 2:30 pm	Worship with Muslims at Al Islam Masjid
2:30 – 3:00 pm	Travel by bus to the Al-Farooq Mosque on 14th Street
3:00 – 5:00 pm	Tour the Al-Farooq Mosque: Q & A Time with Dr. Sadiq
5:00 – 5:30 pm	Travel back to Shallowford Presbyterian Church

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - HINDUISM & JUDAISM

8:30 am	Gather at Shallowford Presbyterian Church and Travel to Vedanta Center
9:00 – 11:00 am	Basics of Vedantism (Hinduism w/o cultural celebrations)
11:00 – 12:00 pm	Travel by bus to the Hindu Temple in Riverdale
12:00 – 2:00 pm	Lunch served by the Temple; engage in conversation with Hindus
2:00 – 3:00 pm	Travel by bus to Synagogue
3:00 – 4:00 pm	Welcome and Tour of the Synagogue
4:00 – 5:00 pm	Presentation on Judaism
5:00 – 6:00 pm	Light supper with conversation
6:00 – 7:00 pm	Travel by bus back to Shallowford

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 - BUDDHISM

8:30 – 9:00 am	Gather at Shallowford Presbyterian Church (coffee & bagels)
9:00 – 10:30 am	An introduction to Buddhism
10:30 – 11:00 am	Break
11:00 – 12:00 pm	Worship at Shallowford Presbyterian Church
12:30 – 3:00 pm	Lunch & Reflections in Heritage Hall