10/21/2009

Break bread, build bridges at annual Dinner Dialogues Nov. 12

FROM RICE NEWS STAFF REPORTS

Each fall, people of varied backgrounds gather in small groups around dinner tables across the country to share their beliefs, values and faith traditions as part of the Amazing Faiths Project. Called the Dinner Dialogues, this annual gathering is the cornerstone event of the project and will be held this year Nov. 12 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

In groups of up to 10 people, participants will gather for dinner dialogues in the private homes of volunteer hosts. Attending the dinners will also be moderators who are chosen and trained by Amazing Faiths staff to facilitate the conversation in a structured way that creates a safe space for all to share and listen.

During the structured conversation, dialogue participants listen to each other as each person answers a different question about his or her faith. People speak only when it's their turn to speak; guests are required to listen to one another without interrupting, questioning or commenting. After dinner there is free time to encourage spontaneous sharing and the opportunity to reflect and respond to what has been said.

People of all faiths and backgrounds are invited to participate in a dinner dialogue but must register by Nov. 1 online at http://www.amazingfaiths.org/dinner_dialogue_form.php or by calling 713-533-4904.

This year the event will also feature a dinner for Rice undergraduates. Students are invited to share their thoughts and personal experiences during a student-moderated discussion over a meal in a private room at one of the colleges. Students can sign up at http://bit.ly/UndergradDialogues or by calling 713-348-4536. The deadline to register is Nov. 1.

The Amazing Faiths Project is a partnership of the Boniuk Center for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance at Rice, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston and the office of Houston Mayor Bill White. For more information, visit: http://www.amazingfaithshouston.org/dinner_dialogues.php. For more information on the student dinner, which is co-sponsored by the Boniuk Center and the Rice Interfaith Dialogue Association, contact Selim Sheikh at sws2@rice.edu.