Of one soul

The people of Sonoma County, according to various surveys and census reports, possess above average traits in spiritualism, tolerance and philanthropy but attend church and religious services less frequently than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
Such a profile could contain many hidden meanings. Or, it may once again show how unique Sonoma County is in important and positive ways from more urbanized, monolithic or less-enlightened places.
It’s hard to imagine that Sonoma County would host anything like the recent Republican candidate debates full of name calling, racist epithets, anti-Muslim and other religious-based bigoted statements.
But do we know how we might actually respond to threats of religious intolerance or murmured racial slurs in our midst? 
These are confusing and confounding times. Our national debate has gone from uncivil to vulgar. It’s so bad in places than one man’s religion is called another man’s threat of terrorism.
Sonoma County has a rich diversity of religions, dominated by the Catholic, Protestant, Judaism and Mormon churches. Statistics show there are over 50 faiths and 240 self-identified congregations here. But the studies show that only one-third of us attend a formal religious gathering on a weekly basis, many falling into the “occasional” or “loosely affiliated” columns.
But where church-going may appear below average, Sonoma County residents show up in bigger numbers as volunteers, civic club members, caregivers, donors and nonprofit fundraisers. We actively support several interfaith food pantries, shelters and senior centers.
We can be proud of the high rate of generosity, compassion and open-mindedness that defines our communities. Yet, we must find a new and stronger common voice against a rising chorus of hate speech and politics of prejudice, blaming and discrimination. We do not want this type of blight and bigotry to seep into our community.
One potential source for this common voice is the Interfaith Council of Sonoma County. This Sunday, March 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. they will host a community gathering at the Congregation Ner Shalom in Cotati (85 LaPlaza.) The primary focus of the gathering is to offer friendship and support to the county’s Muslim people and families. Music, food and informal talks will take place under the theme: “Of One Soul.”
Local Muslims, Jews and others have been meeting in similar discussions and events as the Interfaith Council since 2009. Common bonds — religious and otherwise — have been found around the non-denominational values of loving families, childrearing, safe neighborhoods, secure jobs, adequate housing and mutual support.
Muslims account for a very small percentage of the county’s population, numbering only about 2,250 based on most recent U.S. Census data.
But our collective faiths here also include Buddhism, Hindu, Seventh Day Adventist, Baptist, Jehovah’s Witness, Zoroastrian and dozens of small Christian sects.
All see themselves as members of one human family even as some believe in reincarnation, follow Allah and not Jesus, or pray to many gods and not just one God. All believe in the sacredness of a single human life and a common thread that weaves together all humans on earth.
Sonoma County’s Muslims and Jews are part of an ancient history of friendship and mutual respect, but also share modern political troubles between Israel and Palestine. Others of us share a history of local Japanese-Americans (Buddhists) who were victims of determent and displacement during World War II. There are still survivors (Jews) here from the German Holocaust.
When the Republican candidates or others talk about deporting all Muslims or closing our borders we should all be offended.
This Sunday, Cotati’s Congregation Ner Shalom will be too small for all of us to attend in person. But all of us can be there in spirit, sharing our histories and interwoven faiths. We can all be part of a rising voice of charity, decency and reason.
— Rollie Atkinso