Can we live in religious harmony? A panel of Arizona spiritual leaders not only says yes, they maintain one’s faith can help promote diversity, inclusion and unity.
They will discuss those beliefs and answer questions as part of an interfaith civil dialog starting at 8 a.m. Jan. 27, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. in the center’s Stage 2 Theater, 7380 E. Second St.
Scottsdale Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane will provide opening remarks for a panel that includes:
•Reverend Gregory Schlarb, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
•Rabbi Micah Caplan, Spiritual Leader at Congregation Or Tzion
•Bridget Nielsen, Scottsdale Community Outreach Specialist for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
•Tessa Watson, Stake Relief Society President of the Scottsdale Arizona North Stake for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
•M. Juhdi Jasser, M.D., President and Founder, American Islamic Forum on Democracy in Phoenix
•Yaser Ali, Attorney and Imam at the Islamic Center of the Northeast Valley
•Bryan McAnally, Pastor of Evangelism & Discipleship at Scottsdale Bible Church
•Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev, M.D., representing the Sikh faith
They will discuss how their faiths work to foster unity and eliminate discrimination and prejudice. They will also share how faith-based programs provide political, educational and economic opportunities.
The Jan. 27 dialogue is sponsored by Scottsdale’s Human Relations Commission, which advocates for diversity and inclusion in our community.