Started by the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions the Sharing Sacred Spaces Tour is a unique opportunity to view some of Chicago’s diverse religious structures. The tour program starts this October with the Midwest Buddhist Temple and includes not only a tour of the space but also meeting with members of the clergy and congregation to learn more about the various faith traditions and practices. The goal of the project is to foster understanding of one another and build community. There are eight tours in all and they include a variety of denominations (click here for a PDF guide to the series).
Suzanne Morgan, an architect trained in liturgical design, founded the tour series and was recently interviewed in the Chicago Tribune. The article raised the important point that spaces can teach us more about the religion and start a dialogue. Morgan is hopeful that people will learn more about different faith traditions and come together as a community (the end of the project will include the various faith leaders coming together to sign a pledge to support other faiths should they become the target of hate or violence). This is a very lofty goal but Rev. Roy Miyamura, the spiritual leader of the Midwest Buddhist Temple, had an excellent quote about the importance of education in creating tolerance and understanding. “It is ignorance and fear that creates many of the problems of the world. However, when we can understand our neighbors, we can tolerate differences. And when we get along better, we can accept differences which build peace and harmony”.
I would definitely be interested in seeing some of Chicago’s houses of worship both from an architectural and educational standpoint. Are you interested in learning about different faith traditions? Let us know in the comments
Source: Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, Chicago Tribune
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