Letter: Sunday event promotes peace

In acknowledgment of the divisiveness, mistrust, alienation and anger that festers in our society, more than a dozen Iowa City-area organizations have mobilized to coordinate a community building event known as Abraham's Walk. Abraham, regarded as an important figure in the world's three major monotheistic faiths, was known for his hospitality and friendship.

Organizations representing Judaism, Christianity and Islam, organizations representing various ethnic groups and organizations representing various social initiatives and concerns will unite to learn from and share with each other. This event crosses religious, ethnic, racial, philosophical, political and social boundaries and is inclusive of all.

Beginning at the Robert A. Lee Community Rec. Center at noon Sunday where participants will hear about groups such as Veterans for Peace and Physicians for Social Responsibility, walkers will arrive at Iowa Hillel at 1 p.m., the Iowa Memorial Union (hosted by the Muslim Student Association) at 2 p.m., the Latino Native American Cultural Center at 3 p.m., and St. Raphael Orthodox Church at 4:15 p.m. At each stop, walkers will be served refreshments and have the opportunity to hear a presentation from the host organization, addressing some aspect of peace, justice or tolerance.

We are uniting to express our desire to pursue respect for and understanding of all people, celebrating our differences and desiring to learn about each other. This is not a protest, but rather a walk promoting solidarity and peace. All are welcome to join us, walking or driving all or part of the three-mile route.

Fr. Ignatius Valentine, pastor

St. Raphael Orthodox Church

Iowa City