Interfaith Relationships: Finding Unity Across Faith Traditions
by Rev. Tami Johns
I recently partnered with Meyrem Teke of the Divan Center in Cary, NC, for a friendship gathering between Unity of the Triangle and members of the Muslim community. Members from the Divan Center worshipped and fellowshipped with us, and what I witnessed was truly beautiful.
Our Unity community was welcoming and helped create a sacred space where all could worship the Divine together. Afterward, we shared snacks and a special dessert provided by the Muslim community called Noah’s pudding. Famously known as Aşure in Turkish, it is widely believed to be one of the oldest desserts in the world. According to legend, when Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat in Eastern Turkey, dwindling food supplies led the passengers to combine their remaining grains, beans, and fruits into one pot, creating this iconic and nourishing porridge.
How Interfaith Friendship Reflects Unity’s Spiritual Values
In modern Turkish and Middle Eastern cultures, making Noah’s pudding is an act of community. Families traditionally prepare the dish in large batches and distribute small bowls to neighbors, friends, and those in need. It serves as a powerful symbol of abundance, unity, gratitude, and friendship, key spiritual values we hold dear at Unity of the Triangle. In our fellowship hall, I saw that unity and relationships being formed. Tables were filled with both our visitors and Unity members, sitting together and engaging in meaningful conversation. That experience moved me deeply and prompted me to reflect on why interfaith connection means so much to me.
Many Paths to the Divine
My religious foundation is Christianity, and I was raised in the Baptist church. My family attended service regularly, and my childhood and early young adult years were shaped by Sunday school, Bible study, and youth meetings. I learned a great deal about the Bible, especially through studying with my uncle, who was a Baptist minister. Even so, from an early age, I had questions. As I studied history and geography in
school and learned about other cultures, I began to wonder: could there truly be only one path to God?
In early adulthood, I was introduced to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. While it is still a Christian denomination, I found it to be more welcoming to women in ministry. I was drawn there because of my own calling to ministry. I served there for a few years, but as destiny would have it, that was not ultimately where I was meant to remain. Over the years, I began exploring other religions and faith traditions. I eventually came to believe that there are many paths to the Divine. We may call the Divine by different names, and we may worship in different ways, but I believe we are often reaching toward the same sacred truth. That is why seeing the people of Unity of the Triangle and the Divan Center come
together without judgment was such a meaningful experience. It reminded me that this is exactly the kind of connection our world needs more of: inclusive spirituality.
Coming Together Through Inclusive Spirituality
We recently celebrated America’s 250th anniversary, and in today’s climate, where immigration remains a key issue and cultural differences are too often misunderstood or undervalued, it is important to recognize and appreciate what we all bring to this country. Diverse people built this nation, and diverse people continue to enrich it.
Let us continue having interfaith dialogue that builds relationships with people who are different from us, because we are all part of the same Divine. As Community Engagement Director, I will continue seeking ways to bring us together in a spiritual community around friendship, understanding, and love. -Rev Tami.
