Our Impact

Testimonial from Jara Sturdivant-Wilson

Interfaith had been a loose term for me in the past. I grew up in a Christian household and attended a conservative Christian college. On campus, when we would talk about other faith traditions or religious backgrounds, you typically wouldn’t hear the term “interfaith” shared on campus very often. The word you would hear more often would be “evangelize.”

So my interactions with other beliefs, traditions and cultures were based on the assumption that in relationship and conversation change and conversion had to happen. I saw other beliefs, traditions and cultures as different. And any conversations about these different things would be fear-based conversations and would turn into debates.

As I began to consider a different approach to these conversations, I found the answer to be in relationship, vulnerability and a posture of humility.

I think about interfaith in a different way now. It’s beyond a concept, it’s really an action that has to be rooted in true, genuine relationship. I don’t think that interfaith dialogue can happen without relationship or true caring conversation. Like I mentioned before, it’s also in vulnerability and a posture of humility.

I find that in the Christian world, there is some hesitation when it comes to thinking about interfaith. We load the conversation and relationship with assumptions, fears and stereotypes. I love that Project Interfaith challenges our minds. I believe that Project Interfaith calls Christians closer and closer to the commandment that we see in Matthew 22:37-40 (Loving God with all of our hearts and then to love our neighbors as ourselves).

Since participating in Project Interfaith’s programs I’ve found myself at ease. I’ve been able to reflect and consider what interfaith means for me as an individual and as a Christian. Interfaith isn’t about simply learning tolerance. I think that the word tolerance has a weird, negative connotation to it; it leaves a weird ‘I’ll deal with you’ taste in my mouth. I think that I’m learning that Interfaith is rooted in love, respect and relationships. It’s the common parts that bring us together and reconcile us. I don’t think that reconciliation and justice come from a fragmented society but a reconciled one. Project Interfaith has done an excellent job in the Omaha community is teaching us and reaching far beyond the scope of Nebraska.

Jara Sturdivant-Wilson
November 4, 2008

Click here to read more testimonials about Project Interfaith's work in the community.