David E. Nelson D.Min., Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council Community Advisor
I have always been interested in world religions. As a little boy I explored books in the library and on my father’s book shelf. In high school, one of my favorite courses was “Great Books” which was a study of world religions. In college, I took a few classes that flirted with other religions, but the reality is that I was still learning about “others” from my group, my tribe. It was not until I moved to Kansas City in 1981 and attended the “Assisi Conference” in Wichita that something very different began to happen for me.
My friendship with Vern Barnet, founder of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council, made it possible for me to begin to know other human beings that were part of other religions. Instead of looking at another way to worship or belief system, I was beginning to build relationships with people who practiced other great world religions.
As part of the first gathering under the guidance of CRES, I could partner with others who have become an essential part of my life. We were not looking for common beliefs but for human interaction and building intimate relationships. We were, together, making Kansas City a more welcoming place. I participated in, and for a while facilitated, a Jewish, Christian, Muslim dialogue group that carefully looked at divisions and hurts with open and loving eyes and hearts.
In 2001, I assisted in “The Gifts of Pluralism” Conference where we used Appreciative Inquiry to interview each other and discovered wonderful meaning in our connections. That model has been used in a wide variety of places to celebrate what works and what is possible rather than focusing on the brokenness and pain in our world. The results of that Conference were rich and varied. A year later Kansas City was one of three cities featured nationally for the way we responded to the tragic events of 9-11. It also pushed us to build an even stronger organization that would outlive each of us in making “Kansas City the most welcoming community for all people.” I had the unique honor to chair the Interfaith Council for a number of the early years.
I have now stepped out of leadership in this wonderful organization, but continue to embrace the vision and live the values. I cannot imagine my life today without my variety of friends from different world faiths as well as my free-thinking friends. Every month I plan and facilitate a “Vital Conversation” where the purpose is “not to win an argument, but to win a friend and advance civilization.” This gathering is supported by CRES, the Interfaith Council and Mid-Continent Public Library. Although we do not always focus on world religion topics, the desire to build respect, trust, and appreciation is never off the table.
The Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council is a precious gift to this community and our nation. My life has been enriched by the relationships that I continue to cherish. It is a model for me of the evolutionary progression I use in teaching about world religion: Acceptance, Respect and Appreciation.