"Because it's been so divisive for so long, we absolutely need times and traditions and words and symbols that bring us together for our common humanity, for the healing of the world, for the healing of our communities. We must find ways of coming together, Swanson said. Unfortunately, religion has been used throughout the generations for an opposite thing: to divide us, to keep power, but that's not what it's about. I think the heart of each religion really is love."
"I would encourage people to come and give it a chance, Swanson said. Come and give it a chance to see how well world religions can work together when they try. Come find your own voice in the many voices that will present. Come find meaning in the symbols. Come to find hope in a time that can be a little dark right now."
Rev. Erik Swanson started the Celebration of Light in 2016 in response to political division after President Donald Trump's first term. Swanson chose light as a shared symbol used by many religions to foster unity, common humanity and communal healing. The event will be held Saturday at 6 p.m. in Blaney Plaza with four large symbols representing Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism illuminated while Saratoga school choirs perform holiday songs. Leaders from the four faiths will explain the symbols and Mayor Belal Aftab is expected to speak. Sierra Ward of Saratoga High was elected to a three-year executive board term guiding college admissions.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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