Muslim dedication Tuesday at ECH interfaith chapel

The Episcopal ChurchHome is dedicating the Muslim portion of its small Interfaith Chapel, located in the facility’s Memory Care Center of Excellence, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27. The Jewish portion was dedicated last year by Rabbi Nadia Siritsky. Jewish residents have been worshiping in the Chapel since September of 2006, surrounded by familiar symbols of their faith. Jewish clergy and laity oversee the services.

For the Muslim portion of the Interfaith Chapel of Peace, a former resident's spouse, Sonia Hess, has donated a Muslim prayer fabric from Uzbekistan in memory of her husband, Howard Hess, one of Louisville's early pioneers in interfaith cooperation and understanding. He was a past participant in the University of Louisville's Trialogue: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as past chair of the Kentuckiana Interfaith Community. Leadership from this group will be present to honor his life-long commitment to mutual religious respect. In addition, Mrs. Hess wishes to highlight the excellent care received from nursing staff members, Abucarr Sallah and Mamudou Sallah, who have also donated various items for the chapel. Dr. G.A. Shareef of the Kentuckiana Interfaith Community will preside at the brief service.

The Rev. Dr. Georgine Buckwalter, director of pastoral care for the Episcopal Church Home, said that the idea for the Interfaith Chapel of Peace began when the Diocese of Kentucky sent her for several summers to study "The Abrahamic Initiative" at The Chautauqua Institute in New York state. There she realized the importance of the shared history and values of the three religious faiths that sprung from Abraham and Sarah of old. Dr. Buckwalter said: "The influx of immigrants from all over the globe has and will bring caregivers and potential residents into our midst who hail from the Muslim part of the Abrahamic family in addition to a fair amount of our brothers and sisters from the tribe of David as both caregivers and residents in Long Term Care." The "graying of the baby-boomers" will make long-term care facilities of the future veritable international communities.

The final dedication of this Interfaith Chapel of Peace comes as fundraising efforts continue for a much larger worship space for the diverse Christian community gathered at The Church Home every Sunday and throughout the week. Chief Executive Officer, Anne Veno, announced recently that the Building on Faith Campaign for the new St. Luke's Chapel has raised 2.6 million in gifts and pledges and is just $800,000 from the ultimate goal of $3.4 million.

For information about the Interfaith Chapel of Peace dedication, or the Building on Faith campaign for a new St. Luke's Chapel, contact Anne Veno at the Episcopal Church Home, 736-7800.

[Mike Bowles is the director of mission advancement at the church home.]