Some of the Eastern Religious people worked more behind the scenes this year. In this video, Katy Sai clearly walks over to the Sikh display, for instance.

Through the decade of Interfaith Awareness Week years, there has been a variety of Buddhists, Taoists, Sikhs, Hindus, Hmong, Shintos, Satsang/Eckankar and others. Jains and Zoroastrians although present in Wisconsin are even smaller percentage than any of those listed before. Given the small actual numbers, it is difficult to have sustained involvement from these groups without a presenting need (like persecution, bigotry, etc.).

All of those that follow Eastern Religious traditions, when grouped together, still represent a small but growing persentage of the population of Wisconsin - larger in the metropolitan areas. The Hindu Temple near Milwaukee actually has a smaller Jain temple on its grounds.

There is also the problem of Eastern Christian and Muslim traditions (indigenous to Asia) that are often overlooked in interfaith activities.

Invitation, I have found, actually works - if even occasionally.

Rev Fr John-Brian Paprock
www.interfaithsociety.blogspot.com

Truly honored by the quality video of the capitol celebration.

Ten years ago, I don't know what I expected. My faith in a God of love and peace has only deepened with years. Ten years ago was before 9/11. Ten years ago Tommy Thompson was the first Governor ever to sign a proclamation for Interfaith Awareness Week. There may be a few people that may remember an Interfaith Day at the Main Branch of Madison Public Library.

This year, the committee for Interfaith Awareness Week included: Baha'i, Eckankar, Hindu, Muslim, Orthodox Christian, and Sikh members. Hopefully next year more will be involved.

Certainly, one hope that I have held is that there would be events and opportunities throughout the week in communities throughout the state and our area. This is happening. I am also encouraged by similar weeks being held around the country and world.

It is clear be such events and the multifaith groups that work together to make them happen - that there are people who may disagree about theology and cosmology, but share a common interest in peace in this world.

The more opportunities for us, as diverse people, to gather for common purposes (or even uncommon pruposes) - the better chance we have to recoginize our shared humanity.

In service to God and humanity,
Rev Fr John Brian Paprock