When the Memphis Islamic Center (MIC) moved in across the street, Steve Stone — lead pastor of Heartsong Methodist Church — had a choice: Embrace his new Muslim neighbors or hold them at arm’s length. A quick look to the Gospels reinforced his instinct — he strung up a banner and warmly welcomed them to the neighborhood.
The MIC hadn’t finished building in time to host their Ramadan festivities. Steve invited them to worship at Heartsong Church.
Two religions worshiping under one roof. As friends.
Today, MIC and Heartsong host interfaith discussions and tag-team community projects like blood drives and Thanksgiving dinner. And every Spring, MIC throws a block party for families of both sides of the street to eat, play, and talk together.
Steve says: “The biggest surprise to me is that now my life is so very changed. [These are] the biggest friendships I can’t imagine having missed out on.”
Does it get any better than that? Yes! People from different religions around the world are following suit, asking “How can we hate these people? How can we kill these people who love us?”Maybe the trick is simply celebrating what we all have in common. You know, good stuff like generosity, acceptance, and the propensity for a good party.
