Interfaith Metro East
The Metro-East Interfaith Partnership began in 2002 in response to the mistrust that increased between faith traditions after the tragedy of September 11, 2001.
Several people felt called to begin building bridges of trust within our local community of Belleville, IL and the surrounding area. We continue to gather to learn about our various faith traditions, respect our differences, and celebrate our common faith perspectives.
We work cooperatively with the Interfaith Partnership of St. Louis and the Friends of the Religious Center at SIUE, striving to network with other local interfaith communities.
Current participation in the Metro-east includes Bahá’í, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Religious Science members. We invite other faith traditions to join with us in conversation.
The Metro-East Interfaith Partnership is its own 501(c)(3) that operates in collaboration with Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis. Their web presence can be found here.
Upcoming Interfaith Book Study
The Metro East Interfaith Partnership holds book studies several times a year to bring together persons from all faith groups for focused dialogue. The next four-week book study will begin in July as we read together “Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life” by Karen Armstrong. As before, there will be two different sessions offered to accommodate different schedules: Thursday evenings and Wednesday afternoons. Lana Gilbert’s group will meet on Thursday afternoons at Forbes Insurance at 7:00, beginning July 12. The Wednesday afternoon group will meet at 2:30 beginning July 11 at Crossroads Christian Church. The Vineyard bookstore will once again carry the books if you need a copy.
We welcome new participants! To attend the Wednesday group, please email Douglas Cripe at ddcripe(at)gmail.com. To attend the Thursday group, please email Lana Gilbert at lmgilbert(at)aol.com.
Past Events
This spring you are invited to join the Metro-East Interfaith Partnership in a four-week book study of “Heaven: Our Enduring Fascination with the Afterlife” by Lisa Miller. There are two sessions offered:
- Wednesday afternoon group from 2:30 to 4:00 April 11-May 2, 2012 at Crossroads Christian Church (exit 9 off I-64 on 157 across from Cracker Barrel). Contact Doug Cripe (618-531-4186, ddcripe@gmail.com) to register.
- Thursday evening group from 7:00 to 8:30 April 12-May 3, 2012 at Forbes Insurance (Foley Dr. & 157, Belleville). Contact Lana Gilbert (618-660-7939, LMGilbert@aol.com) to register.
Books are available at The Vineyard (6500 West Main, Belleville). Mention that you are part of the interfaith book study to receive a discount.
- Week 1: Introduction-chapter 2
- Week 2: Chapters 3-4
- Week 3: Chapters 5-7
- Week 4: Chapters 8-Epilogue
Global Awareness Week at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with a focus on the theme of peace
- Saturday, March 24: Peace Run. More information at http://www.mckendree.edu/parents-visitors/visitors/race-day/ramble-into-spring/index.php
- Monday, March 26: Worship, including Peace Pole and Peace Quilt Dedications
- Tuesday, March 27: Discussion about literature and faith
- Wednesday, March 28: Gateway to Peace Museum
- Thursday, March 29: Theater presentation of “The Trial of God” by Elie Wiesel, followed by interfaith discussion
- Friday, March 30: A Taste of Faith, giving you just a taste of food and information about several faith traditions
Click here for a simple document with times, locations, and more details. These events grew from a Presidential challenge to increase interfaith awareness on college campuses, and a new Interfaith Explorations class has helped plan these events. Follow this link for a brochure about the events.
Presentation by Mohatma Gandhi’s grandson
April 21 at 9:00 a.m at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. See complete schedule of events and registration information here.