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Open Houses of Faith - 2007 |
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Overview
The
series is an educational forum for enhancing public awareness about
different faiths and religions. Each participating religious group
independently hosts its own open house for conveying basic information
about its beliefs and practices. It is an opportunity for different
religious groups to introduce themselves to the community on their own
terms. In 2004 (our first, experimental year), eight Open Houses of Faith (OHOF)[1] were held in Prince William County, with attendance at each event varying from 5 to 40 participants. For 2005, 13 different faiths were represented[2], with attendance between 25 and 70 (a median of around 40). Attracting OHOF hosts and attendees during the first year was difficult because it was a complete unknown and had never been done before. In the second year, religious leaders asked to participate. With such great interest in the Prince William community, it seemed that other areas in the region might also enjoy the opportunity to learn about different faiths. In 2006, 28 faith communities in suburban Maryland, the District of Columbia and northern Virginia participated in this event. The OHOF series traditionally took place in February and March, to include Girl Scout Sunday and Sabbath. In 2007 this event will be held in October and November. Girl Scouts are encouraged to attend the various open houses and the entire community is invited to participate. There is some self-interest for the Girl Scout volunteers who help coordinate this event – the desire to provide youth the opportunity to learn about other faiths. However, this opportunity is one that that works better when shared with the community at large, which is why it is organized as a public program. We hope you find time to explore a diverse array of faiths through the events and links listed in these pages. Each host adds value and diversity to this series. If you are interested in finding out more about hosting an Open House of Faith, please review the guidelines in the Hosting an Open House section and contact the appropriate coordinator for your area. Girl Scout volunteers organize the Open Houses of Faith in keeping with the Girl Scout Promise “…to serve God…” Each girl and her family determines what service to God entails. The hope is that the Open Houses of Faith programs provide youth and the community at large the opportunity to learn about other faiths because through knowledge comes the ability and willingness to live together harmoniously in a religiously and culturally diverse community. Youth can earn a patch for coming, and everyone is invited to participate in this program
The Open Houses of Faith is a program for the general public, coordinated by Girl Scout volunteers as a service to the community. [1]
Jewish, Islamic, Baha’i, Presbyterian, Church of Christ, Lutheran,
Catholic, and LDS (Mormon) |