Unity Walk highlights interfaith communities in DC

Earlier this year, the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington hosted the 19th annual Unity Walk and Resource Fair.  The event came about to show support for the area’s Muslim community after the 9/11 attacks. Today, it is a celebration of DC’s diverse spirituality.

Around noon on September 8th, I gathered with dozens of people at Washington Hebrew Congregation to learn about local faith-based service organizations and to hear introductory remarks by community leaders, among them representatives from the Jewish, Hindi and Muslim faiths. Singers from Washington Revels also revved up our spirits before the 1.7 mile walk down Massachusetts Avenue.

I strolled along, following a suggested itinerary that included churches, temples and other spiritual landmarks nestled among the diplomatic outposts that sit on DC’s famed Embassy Row. The walk ended about four hours later at the Islamic Center, where we stood in the courtyard of the mosque and listened to concluding remarks by leaders of the Buddhist, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Baha’i, Muslim and Zoroastrian faith communities. Mosaic Harmony also led call-and-response songs about a kinder humanity.

This year, as in years past, I let the moment guide me, loosely following the schedule. It satisfied. I sat with strangers at a round table to make food and toiletry kits for the unhoused. I broke bread with members of the Baha’i faith at the Sikh Gurdwara, which hosts Langer, a free meal for whoever needs or wants one, regardless of faith. One of the Sikhs was fitting anyone who so desired with a “pagri,” a long cloth wound into a turban. He told me the turban would symbolize Sikh values of compassion throughout the day. I jumped in and wore it for hours.

Connection is key at these events, but so is the opportunity to see, taste and hear art that is inspired by spirituality. I’ve already mentioned food and religious garb, but other highlights included architecture. My experience included a tour of the Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, whose interior is inlaid with gold mosaics in the Byzantine style. Equally breathtaking is the St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, whose intimate space is richly decorated with Russian icons.

The art of conversation also held sway with several opportunities to engage in speed dialogues at different stops. Other activities included peace-building crafts and earth-healing meditations. Science also played a part–Interfaith Power and Light, a grassroots program bringing different faiths together to address the climate crisis, served hot chocolate over a clean energy stove.

Part of what I enjoy about the Unity Walk is meeting people from different faiths who serve the community quietly and tirelessly every day behind the scenes of the national narrative. Zooming in past the political, the culture of inclusion, peace and service is strong in the nation’s capital.

I also love being welcomed into sacred spaces and crossing unfamiliar thresholds. Would that there would be more open doors in the world that we can enter with respect and open hearts. I started the Unity Walk knowing I’d enjoy a good day, which is blessing enough. I ended with a full heart–a gift from others who were willing to show me theirs.

Featured Image: A greeter stands at the door of Washington Hebrew Congregation during the 19th annual Unity Walk hosted by the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington on September 8, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo/Maria de los Angeles)