Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- In late January of 2002, the triumph of the human spirit was about faith, not sport. Members of 22 different religious groups welcomed hundreds of worshippers to Utah with song and prayer.
The Olympic Games envelop more than sport. The International Olympic Committee asks every host city to provide a religious connection, chaplains for all of the athletes and their coaches. Ten years ago, the Interfaith Roundtable was created to serve the purpose of addressing a particular challenge of the then-recent 9/11 attacks.
Before the Games began, those of many faiths in Utah led a musical tribute at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, hoping to create an atmosphere of peace and healing. Original members of the Interfaith Roundtable did not know each other but realized they had an important statement to make.
"We all wanted to welcome people of our own faith traditions, but really to highlight how there is diversity in Utah and that the great divide that people talk about in Salt Lake doesn't have to be here," said Jan Saeed, Baha'I, a member of the roundtable.
They became chaplains to the athletes who lived in the Olympic Village at the U. and visited the old Fort Douglas Chapel to give comfort and to pray before and after events. They also used the Interfaith Center for quiet reflection or one-on-one counseling.
May be obtained online or by calling (801) 570-0080 or toll-free 1-866-537-8457 (1-866-LDS-TIKS). Tickets are free. Limit of eight (8) tickets per person. Seating will be general admission.
"As chaplains we were there and we were able to walk up to them and say, hello and to talk to them and to welcome them to the United States, and that was the most incredible feeling," said Ivan Cendese, an Episcopalian and member of the Interfaith Roundtable.
After the Games, the interfaith members stayed together.
"Our last official meeting as an Olympic committee, we looked around the room and decided we couldn't live without each other," said Quaker Elaine Emmi, of the roundtable.
They still go forward together, sponsoring interfaith activities and promoting unity.
"Every year, I learn, every year, so, 10 years but I'm looking forward to 20, 25 years," said Noor ul Hasan of the Interfaith Roundtable, representing Islam.
In February, the Interfaith Roundtable hosts events every day. They offer opportunities to visit different houses of worship so that hopefully, the members say, to make new friends. A musical tribute will take place at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Sunday, Feb. 26.
