Building Interfaith Relationships in Fallon

by Ginny Dugan -- Building interfaith relationships in order to join forces on behalf of the local community and its needs was the focus of the Fallon Interfaith Group Luncheon held recently at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Approximately 30 individuals representing various religious affiliations attended the event, the first of what is hoped to be a quarterly function. According to Loni Faught, a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints and one of the luncheon’s organizers, it is important to discover common links as well as celebrate diversity. “We may not agree on doctrine,” Faught said, “but, when we learn about each other, we understand each other, and we can work together to make our community a better place to live.” Dawn Blundell, pastor of the Epworth United Methodist Church, and Trudy Erquiaga, leading priest of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, agreed with Faught’s assessment. “We can’t love our neighbors if we don’t know them,” Blundell observed, and the luncheon served as a first step in becoming acquainted and collaborating on service projects to help the community. The guest speaker was Patricia Meidell, President of the Nevada Interfaith Association, a nonprofit, multi-faith network of spiritual and religious leaders - as well as civic, charitable and other interested groups and individuals - who gather together to celebrate spiritual diversity and promote mutual understanding and respect. In her presentation Meidell included examples of projects (such as renovation of the spiritual center at the Renown medical facility in Reno) that her organization has done. “While religions have their own unique beliefs and legacies, there is much they share in common,” pointed out Meidell. People of faith can “come together to make our community a better place and to lead by example the positive ways in which we can work together, using our shared values, respecting differences, and making our community a beacon of hope for the future.” The talk and the event were described by Faught as “inspiring” and by Blundell as “amazing.” Erquiaga was very pleased that her church hosted the March 1^st luncheon in Fallon and with the number of people who participated. However, she also expressed her concern if invitations inadvertently did not reach everyone the organizers intended to contact by email, phone calls, or personal visits. “It was not our intention to miss anyone,” Trudy stated. Representatives from all faiths and non-profit groups are welcome to attend.  The next quarterly meeting is planned for late spring at the Epworth United Methodist Church although the specific date has not yet been determined. The purposes of this second get together will be (1) growing the total number who participate; (2) discussing and determining the goals that the group wishes to accomplish; and (3) choosing a name to appropriately identify itself. Both Blundell and Erquiaga thanked Faught for her efforts in launching this endeavor, which, Faught mentioned, took several years to formulate and finally take place. They also appreciated being involved the development. Faught credited both of them for their help in actually making the luncheon a reality. “This would not have happened without them,” she affirmed, looking forward to the interfaith group’s growth and expansion as time moves forward. For more information on the Fallon Interfaith Group’s meetings and/or activities, contact Loni at [email protected], Dawn at 775-671-5553 or [email protected], or Trudy at 775-750-2186. To read more local news, go to The Fallon Post Home Page.