Leaders of a variety of religious traditions gathered Tuesday, July 15 in Manning Chapel at Brown University to reflect upon the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine in recent weeks. Organizer Marty Cooper, of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, called the event an opportunity to “honor the sanctity of life with a moment of reflection.”

Prayers and songs were offered. Swami Yogatmananda, of the Vendanta Society of Rhode Island, declared that escalating violence worldwide is not because of religion as religion does not condone violence. Bishop Nicholas Knisely, of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, prayed that God would soften the hearts of the leaders on all sides of the conflict.

Actual political solutions to the crisis were not discussed, the speakers seemed more interested in spiritual consensus than in declaring sides in the war. The Israeli/Palestine conflict being rooted deeply in religion, the ability of religious leaders, especially leaders so far removed geographically from the conflict, to affect events seems awfully limited, but perhaps similar calls for peace can be made worldwide and can ultimately ease tensions.

That a message of this sort should emanate from Rhode Island, the birthplace of religious liberty, is appropriate. Here, we settled our religious differences by accepting separation of church and state and establishing a neutral, secular state that respects all religious and nonreligious traditions equally. Those pushing for more religion in their government need only look to the Middle East to see the dangers of such mixing.

Below please find the full video of all the speakers.

Reverend Dr. Donald Anderson, Executive Minister, RI State Council of Churches

Sister Mary Reilly, RSM

Rabbi Barry Dolinger, Congregation Beth Shalom, Providence

Imam Farid Ansari, Council for Muslim Advancement

Father John Kiley, Senior Priest, Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence

Swami Yogatmananda, Vendanta Society of Rhode Island

Rabbi Elan Babchuck, Temple Emanu-El

Bishop Nicolas Knisely, The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island

Cantor Judith Seplowin, Temple Beth-El, Providence

Marty Cooper, Community Relations Council, Jewish Alliance of Greater RI

Cantor Judith Seplowin, Temple Beth-El, Providence

Reverend Dr. Donald Anderson, Executive Minister, RI State Council of Churches