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SALT LAKE CITY -- Children of different faiths and different nations have come together in song. They are part of the Interfaith Musical Tribute that takes place every year in Salt Lake City.
Members of the Interfaith Roundtable have continued the traditions they started as part of their mission during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Last year, KSL News took you to rehearsal for the choir of Jewish and Muslim children; this year, the group includes children whose families are refugees.
Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian and more; the choir, with many refugees from many countries, will perform in an event that focuses on what we all have in common.
"I think it's really great, and it's fun sometimes," says fourth-grader Ashlesh Sharma. "The teacher is really good too."
Fifth-grader Faiza Dalmer says, "We sing together and have fun together and always be nice."
One of the songs the choir sings says, "Many faiths, but one family." An older boy says the song is nice, but he really likes American pop music.
"I like Michael Jackson's songs," eighth-grader Osaman Lar says.
The Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable mission includes the idea of promoting harmony among all peoples throughout the world. Their interfaith leaders say this is not just about different faiths joining together, but bringing people of different cultures to understand each other.
"If we're going to have the planet, obviously faiths need to get along, but also faiths and non-faiths, belief systems that exist around the planet [need to get along]," says Alan Bachman, chairman of the Interfaith Musical Tribute.
Teachers say the children not only sing it, but live the concepts, helping each other over language and cultural barriers every day.
The Interfaith Musical Tribute takes place in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m.; doors open at 5:00. Tickets are gone, but ushers are going to accommodate as many people as possible without tickets.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
