Further still, there is even a distrust—even blatant intimidation of minority populations in Spokane. While these incidents may all be disconnected, I can’t help but think that we all need to have a serious talk in Spokane about our town. We can all admit that this isn’t who we are. How do we break this cycle of insulation from the other, and embrace pluralism?

After hearing about the tragedy at the Knox Presbyterian church, the Spokane Interfaith Council has started a GoFundMe to help their congregation get back on its feet. We believe that all houses of worship are sacred, and that the congregation of Knox Presbyterian should continue its work in revitalizing its neighborhood. If one member of our community is attacked, we all are attacked.

While many of us were celebrating our freedoms on the Fourth of July, someone wrote this on the outer of a prayer space in Spokane as many Muslims were praying during Ramadan

In this last six months, Spokane has witnessed religious intolerance, hatred and bigotry. From Temple Beth Shalom being defaced during the high holy days, to community leaders distrusting Muslim neighbors, Spokane would do well to tackle religious illiteracy and intolerance head on. That’s why I am planning on attending the Parliament for the World’s Religions.

I spent the morning hunched over my laptop talking to a friend in Nigeria. He has been working to bring Muslims and Christians together on the streets of Lagos for several years now.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about why in many houses of worship we have national flags displayed near the altar.