Different faiths, one community
by Stefani Manowski
May 18, 2015

Father Joe Scott, CSP

Growing up with a father who was Catholic and a mother who was not, Father Joe Scott, CSP, had a natural interest in people inside and outside of the Church family.

“I wanted to share my faith with other Catholics, but to also learn more about other Christians,” he recalled. “Over time, I began to see how important it is to understand people from other religions as well.”

Now Father Scott is helping others do exactly that – helping people of different faith traditions who live in the same neighborhood get to know one another and a little about their respective religions – as the Catholic representative of the “Conversations with Neighborhood Clergy” breakfast and discussion panel.

On one Tuesday morning mostly every month, residents gather for breakfast and to witness a panel discussion given by the clergy from the houses of worship in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The topics have included: What will the next generation believe?; How does your religion deal with racism, xenophobia and prejudice?; and What role do women play in each of our traditions? In addition to Father Scott, panelists include Rabbi Jason Fruithandler of Sinai Temple; Mahomed A. Kahn, interfaith director for the King Fahad Mosque in Culver City; Dr. Steven Rudd, president of the Los Angeles Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Rev. Susan Klein, pastor of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Rev. John Woodall, pastor of Westwood United Methodist Church. Some 30 people are now attending the breakfast and discussion, according to Father Scott, one of the four Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ representatives to the Interreligious Council of Southern California, and the events are already having the desired effect.

“In the beginning, people would segregate themselves – sitting with others from their own congregation – but now people are getting to know one another and those distinctions are becoming less important,” Father Scott said. “They are having some pretty good conversations before we even start.”

Another dynamic of the program is atmosphere. Each house of worship takes its turn hosting the event, which is a new experience for many.

“This is the first time a Catholic may be in a temple and vice-versa,” said Father Scott. “Some people only know Islam from what they see on the news, for example, or just don’t see their neighbors that often. This is about building friendships and the value in that, to know one another and together be able to respond to what is happening in their community.”