An Interfaith Dialogue

The faith traditions of the people who live in the Mansfield area are diverse.  With many international students and university professionals, our community blends many major world cultures and religions.

In April of 2024, the Human Rights Commission hosted, "Understanding Each Other:  An Interfaith Dialogue."

A robust gathering of community members joined HRC at the Quaker Meeting House to hear from four panelists, providing the opportunity to listen to representatives of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity talk about what we have in common, while representing different religions and culture.  Community members engaged in the conversation, posing questions and expressing points of view.

Do we all understand the faith traditions of the people who live in Mansfield?  What does each tradition tell us about how to live in community with others who believe differently? 

Thank you to our panelists who contributed so richly to the conversation:

•    Rav Jeremy Schwartz is the Rabbi of Temple B’nai Israel in Willimantic. Rav Jeremy is a Reconstructionist rabbi. His mission in the world is founded on the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam, the commandment to heal the world and build community that enhances the lives of all its members.

•    Jared White is the Assistant Director of UConn Hillel. He manages student engagement, educational initiatives and interfaith/intercultural programs on Judaism and Israel. Jared is also an active commander in the IDF 55th Paratrooper Reserve Div.

•    Ahmed Soliman is a humble Muslim man who is honored to be enlightened by the teachings of Islam. He is passionate about spreading the truth and standing against injustice and oppression. He is also a computer scientist with a PhD degree from the University of Connecticut. 

•   The Rev. Dr. Debbie Pallatto is currently pastor at Second Congregational Church, UCC, in Coventry and a former college professor.  She is the Board of Directors chair at Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (W.A.I.M.) and volunteers in Mansfield and Willimantic in a variety of roles.