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Interfaith Clergy works to move mountains
"We celebrate the diversity of Massapequa and Massapequa Park by holding this forum where we cross pollinate ideas and share our concern for Massapequa," said Rev. Thomas Boyd of the Community Church of the Nazarene. While many think that religion is only about faith and prayer, these leaders are actively working to make change, standing up for those who need affordable housing and helping the hungry with their stocked food pantries. "We hope to make a dent in poverty and health care and give hope to the rest of the country," said Rev. Pamela Spence Bakker of the Presbyterian Community Church who stressed that the group tries to see the larger picture such as how low-quality food in pantries can lead to obesity in the needy. "We routinely go in front of the county or one of our representatives to speak up for what we think is important such as how the budget affects health care, housing and child care needs," she said. The well-attended monthly round table meeting is hosted in a different church or temple ten months of the year, allowing the leaders to get to know each other and discuss important issues of the day over have lunch. "I think our group works well because we have mutual respect and have forged great relationships with each other," said Rabbi Michael Kramer of the Temple Judea of Massapequa. In addition to meetings, the group also hosts interfaith services in which people can experience a different religion and celebrate diversity. They host a spring choir festival and an annual Thanksgiving feast. At a recent meeting held at the Community Church of the Nazarene in Massapequa Park, the group decided to sign onto a campaign called MICAH (Mobilized Interfaith Coalition Against Hunger) co- sponsored by Catholic Charities. "People don't believe that hunger exists on Long Island but in 2005 259,000 families visited our food pantries," said Dr. Richard Koubek from Catholic Charities. "Because of the lack of affordable housing available on Long Island we have the working poor- those who can't make ends meet and who rely on pantries," he added. Each council member will bring back the MICAHcampaign to their congregation.
"This group is creating a sense of community and understanding in an age where it's so important...we're glad our group is so active and we can help people," said Rev. Jeff Wells of the Community United Methodist Church.
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