Global Community Week Brings ‘A Vision of Peace’ to Campus

“A vision of peace” was the focus throughout the Interfaith Council’s Global Community Week, Mar. 24 to 30, with activities, guest speakers and programs highlighting the diversity of people, faith and cultures.

 

 

 

Following an Interfaith chapel service, religious studies majors Jared Winters ’12 read a Hindu prayer as Chris Whitaker ’13 and Rebecca Schutzenhofer ’15 displayed the “Peace Quilt,” crafted from squares decorated by students. Symbolizing the University’s commitment to create a more peaceful future, it now hangs in the new residence halls.

 

 

 

A “Race for Peace” drew over 650 participants as part of the annual “Ramble into Spring” run-walk on Mar. 24 that launched the week’s events. Runners signed a pledge at the start-finish line and received headbands that read, “Take the first step towards peace.”

 

 

Student volunteers led Lebanon Elementary School children in crafts, games, puppetry and giant puzzles designed to teach cooperation and cultural diversity, as the gym became a “Gateway to Peace Museum” for a day.

 

 

The Metro East Interfaith Partnership hosted “A Taste of Faith” on the quad, offering samples of hummus, couscous and rice pudding while explaining their significance to Eid Al-Fitr, the Islamic celebration that marks the end of Ramadan.

 

 

 

The Theatre Department’s production of “The Trial of God,” by Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, included an audience discussion after each performance. Earlier in the week, a Literature and Faith Panel spoke at the Chapel on the importance of being engaged in the pursuit of peace.

 

 

Father Bob Flannery, of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Carbondale, Ill., helped dedicate a new “Peace Pole” inscribed with inspirational messages in many languages. It stands east of Bothwell Chapel to encourage solitude and reflection.