Group Discussion Questions
Faith And The City Forum: Interfaith Dialogue on Public Issues

Topic/Title: "Race, Ethnicity and Religious Faith"
First Aired: May 13, at 7:30 AM

Faith And The City Forum is one of several initiatives by Faith And The City, a nonprofit organization that works to encourage a sense of community throughout the 20-county metro Atlanta region by amplifying the voices of the many religious traditions represented in the region.

Panelists for above discussion:

Rabbi Dr. Analia Bortz
Ahavath Achim Synogogue

Dr. Moiz Mumtaz
Board Member of the Islamic Center of North Fulton

Swami Yogeshananda
Vedanta Center of Atlanta

Mr. Nasif Habeeb-ullah
Member of the Auxiliary Board
Baha'i Faith

The following questions are offered to encourage discussion of this important public issue.

1. How do you define the term "race?" How relevant or valid is the term in today's diverse society?

2. What does your faith tradition teach you about relating to people of different racial and ethnic groups? Does your tradition consider all humanity to be one?

3. Does your faith tradition offer instruction on how to treat strangers and neighbors? If so, how does this apply to people of racial or ethnic groups different from our own? If you are acquainted with one or more of the Abrahamic traditions -- Judaism, Christianity, or Islam -- you may want to discuss the similarities in their respective holy scriptures in this regard.

4. One panelist suggested that our ignorance of our respective religious traditions is a cause of racial and ethnic prejudice, that is, many people do not know that their traditions command equality of all human beings. Do you agree or disagree -- and why?

5. What role should faith communities in general play in addressing racial and ethnic tensions? What role should or does your faith tradition play? What role does your congregation play? Are we doing enough as people of faith to improve understanding and tolerance of other racial and ethnic groups?

6. The metro Atlanta region is a very diverse community. Do you work, worship, or socialize with people of other religions, races, or ethnic groups? If not, why do you think this is the case? Would you like to have contact with more people of other races and ethnic groups?

7. Regardless of your race or ethnic background, have you ever been a victim of discrimination? How did the experience make you feel? If you have not experienced discrimination, perhaps you are close to someone who has and can describe that person's experience and reaction.

8. Has this program or your discussion of it led you to any new ideas, insights, or resolve regarding this public issue. If so, might you do differently?

There is a quick and easy way to express your view on any public issue to our elected and appointed leaders: You can find email addresses for hundreds of leaders from the local to the national level by visiting the "contacts" section of our website at http://www.faithandthecity.org. Why not email your views to your representatives in city, county, state, or federal government? You can do it now by clicking here.