Dear Dr. Jen Kilps,
Those of us living in Minnesota are all too familiar with the concept of “Minnesota Nice.” Highlighting the welcoming demeanor of its residents, “Minnesota Nice” often conveys the message that we as Minnesotans are inherently hospitable and welcoming. What this cultural stereotype does not address, however, are the challenges involved in developing Minnesota as a welcoming place for all people to settle, create community, and thrive.
This year’s MnMN Convening, A Place of Welcome? A Multifaith Gathering on Practicing Hospitality in Minnesota, invites us to consider the concept of hospitality and what that means for our faith and secular communities throughout the state of Minnesota.
During this convening, leaders and practitioners of Minnesota’s diverse religious communities, interfaith leaders, and young people will gather to discuss and celebrate how different religious and belief traditions practice hospitality.
It is my honor to begin this event with opening remarks on how pluralism can be a means to creating a just and hospitable society. Subsequent plenaries and breakout sessions will focus on how faith traditions practice hospitality, issues around practical hospitality and the challenges we face in creating hospitable communities. Presenters will include faith leaders, non-profit leaders, young people and artists.
This event will culminate in a Langar meal prepared and served by the Sikh Society of Minnesota. “The Langar is a hallmark of the Sikh faith. It is designed to uphold the principle of equality between all people of the world regardless of religion, caste, color, creed, age, gender, or social status; to eliminate the extreme poverty in the world, and to bring about the birth of "caring communities". In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness, and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts." It is this act of seva, or selfless service, which distinguishes Langar as an unparalleled act of hospitality practiced around the world.
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| The Spirit of Seva at the Langar |
We hope you can join us on Thursday November 9 from 2 PM to 8 PM at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church to celebrate and grow together. For questions, please contact info@mnmultifaith.org.
