9 March 2014 Panel on Christianity, Islam, and Judaism

abrahamicAll too often in today’s news, we are reminded of what appear to be stark differences among the faith traditions of the world. But, what about their commonalities, their similarities, where they intersect or overlap, what they share?

The Groton Interfaith Council is hosting a panel discussion to help us gain a greater understanding of the common ground between three of the world’s great religions–Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Often referred to as the Abrahamic Faiths, these three faith traditions share a common ancestry with the Biblical figure of Abraham held as the founder of all three.

On Sunday, March 9, 2014 from 5:00 pm until 7:30 pm a panel of 3 distinguished scholars will speak to the common heritage of these 3 faith traditions. Speaking on the Christian faith will be Dr. Joseph T. Kelley, Director of Merrimack College’s Center for the Study of Jewish-Christian-Muslim Relations. Speaking on Islam will be Ms. Celine Ayat Lizzio, currently a Faculty Associate at the Merrimack College Center for the Study of Jewish-Christian-Muslim Relations. Rabbi Neal D. Gold from Temple Shir Tikva in Wayland, MA will speak about Judaism.

This event will include a lively discussion among the three panelists as well as a question and answer time for the audience. it will be held at the First Parish Church of Groton located at 1 Powderhouse Road, Groton, MA. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.

The Groton Interfaith Council was established in 2009 and is made up of representatives of religious organizations and individual community members from the Groton area. The Groton Interfaith Council strives to meet its stated mission of fostering understanding, respect, justice and peace among people of differing religious and faith traditions through education, fellowship, service and worship. Some of the other events sponsored by the Groton Interfaith Council have included a Prayer for Peace Service on the September 11 Anniversary; a Breaking of the Fast celebration during Ramadan; Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Town Common; a celebration of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot; Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast honoring his birthday and his legacy of community service.

Please come join us for what we hope is an evening of great conversation and dialogue with the goal of enhancing our understanding of each other.

For more information please contact: Shua Arshad, Vice President, Groton Interfaith Council, or Judy Nauman, Secretary, Groton Interfaith Council, 978-808-4881, judy.g.nauman@gmail.com