NewU Feature: Different Religions Gather to Give Thanks

So much for interfaith - the MSU declined their invitation:

While there are individuals of the Islam faith attending the Thanksgiving service, members from the Muslim Student Union, however, will not be attending the prayer service.

“As Muslims we thank God every day and during every prayer; combining our thanks for God’s many blessings to one day is not enough,” said Mohamed Galal, a fifth-year chemical and computer engineering double-major and president of the Muslim Student Union.

That's a bunch of B.S. and they know it.

Link to article

Features
Different Religions Gather to Give Thanks
By Yolanda Vo
Staff Writer

Thanksgiving is just days away as most of us anticipate spending time with our families and eating delectable dishes that are only served once a year. However, Thanksgiving is more than just a get-together and yummy foods—it is a time to give thanks.

UC Irvine students of all religious backgrounds will be gathering together for the “Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service” on Tuesday, November 21 at 5:00 p.m. in the Interfaith building adjacent to the engineering Interim Classroom Facility. Students will give thanks in their own personal way, native language and in a manner that is reflective of their religion.

“The individuals attending the service include the Baha’i, Christians – including the Catholics, Chi Alpha [campus fellowship], Episcopalians and Latter Day Saints – Jewish and Muslims,” said Director of Interfaith Nancy Jenks, who has been involved in Interfaith for 30 years. “The Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service is an annual tradition and we ask any faith to be present. We’ve had it for about 20 years.”

The prayer service, which was started by Jenks, allows students and staff to reflect on the things that they are grateful for in an environment in which there is no tension among religions.

“The chairs are arranged in a circle with one large, lit candle in the middle for the prayer service. There are little candles on each of the chairs and everyone lights their candle from the center candle,” Jenks explained. “Afterward, we have a buffet of fruit, cheese and punch. We’ve been doing it like that since the very beginning.”

Alex Chazen, a third-year political science major and president of the Jewish Student Union Hillel, also expressed his satisfaction that different religions can gather together for an evening.

“I went last year and will be going this year,” Chazen said. “I think it’s a good example for all religions to work together and have inclusiveness.”

While the format of the Thanksgiving service remains the same year after year, each new Thanksgiving prayer service brings its own unique experience.

“You never know what direction it will take. It’s always really special. And there’s always something that will make you cry,” Jenks said.

The event accommodates each religion and welcomes individuals to read from their religious doctrine and in any preferred language.

“It’s cool hearing everyone read from their religion’s text and in a different language,” said Sarah Killian, president of the University Catholic Community. “It’s the only event I know that different religions can use their own religious texts, whereas usually they can only do so at their own religious services.”

Hooman Eghterafi, who graduated from UCI last year, has attended the Thanksgiving prayer service since his sophomore year as an undergraduate.

“I love the atmosphere,” Eghterafi said. “I’m trying to get as many people from the Baha’i club as I can. We’ll elaborate on God, religion and mankind and recite a prayer of unity.”

While there are individuals of the Islam faith attending the Thanksgiving service, members from the Muslim Student Union, however, will not be attending the prayer service.

“As Muslims we thank God every day and during every prayer; combining our thanks for God’s many blessings to one day is not enough,” said Mohamed Galal, a fifth-year chemical and computer engineering double-major and president of the Muslim Student Union.

The Interfaith facility was established in 1965 and provides a place for students, faculty, and staff from any faith to be involved in faith-based activities, attend religious services, and interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Interfaith runs as an independent, non-profit organization that is supported by donations from community members, businesses and organized religions and is not funded by UCI.