Shared Sacred Flourishing

This Week's Quotation:

“There can be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. There can be no peace among the religions without dialogue between the religions.”

~ Hans Küng, Catholic Priest and Theologian

Shared Sacred Flourishing

Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister

There is a language of the heart that connects people beyond religion, race, nationality, or status. It speaks less in words than in deeds—compassion, kindness, gratitude, integrity. Mindful dialogue opens hearts. When hearts open, everything changes.

During August this year, 150 diverse faith leaders from across Africa gathered in Nairobi for the 5th General Assembly of the African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace (ACRL-RfP). The theme of the gathering was Shared Sacred Flourishing.

Among the words I carried home:

• “Eighty-five percent of humanity claims a religion, but almost 100% of us defer to the narrative that spiritual values do not belong in business or politics. Why?” – Dr Francis Kuria.


• “We actively seek partners who centre the sacred.” – Dr William Vendley, Fetzer Institute.

Skills and technology may be vital, but they cannot replace the human heart. We need a new, shared language, one expressed in deeds aligned with what we truly believe, and with the vision of an inclusive, equitable world.

Values-based language carries a transcendent vibration that reminds us we all bear the signature of God within. Too often we ignore it, possibly afraid of the power it reveals. We fall prey to man-made gods: domination, winning, commercialism, power. Yet beyond these illusions, we were never separate and never will be. Our radiantly diverse expressions of Love for the Divine, separate in their detail, unite us in their common intention.

Kindness, truth, forgiveness, and gratitude are not limited to those with a religious belief or practice. Science and religion, often presented as polar opposites, both have at their core the essence of love for Creation. You do not have to be religious to honor Life.

We share the same air, the same rain, the same fragile planet. If we cannot live together with respect and reverence, we risk destroying it all. Perhaps what will unite us in the end is what we refuse to accept: fear, separation, destruction.

The invitation is clear—seek and center the sacred in our lives, and flourish together.

About Open Windows

We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.

We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.