Dali Lama Visit to Chicago Inspires Interfaith Art Project

THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE
By Manya A. BrachearILLINOIS - The Dalai Lama's message of compassion long has transcended Tibetan Buddhism and enchanted people of all faiths — and no faith. The anticipation of his arrival inspired a dozen religious communities to undertake an unusual artistic endeavor that [provided] the backdrop to the Dalai Lama's appearance Sunday on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Framing the Dalai Lama on stage [were] a dozen towering religious icons created by artists of other traditions. "It's an amazing show of support and unity that different people of different faiths actually came together," said Nina Norris, a member of St. Matthias Catholic Church in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. [link]



Comments

I'll need to find out the names of the clergy who helped lead this effort. Imagine Roman Catholics decorating a star and crescent of Islam. Native Americans creating the nine-pointed star of the Baha'i faith. And an African-American congregation on the South Side incorporating the design of the 4,000-year-old symbol of Zoroastrianism. That's a tradition I didn't even know existed. This is what Art can do when inspired by faith.