HOUGHTON — An Interfaith Luncheon drew 25 area clergy and lay people to Grace United Methodist Church (GMUC) for food and fellowship on Aug. 27. The participants were clergy and lay leadership of 21 diverse Copper Country spiritual communities, and time was spent in shared fellowship, food, and intentional conversation. This was the fifth Interfaith Luncheon. They were held quarterly last year. Another is planned for November.

At the gathering, safety and peace were discussion topics. Sam and Nancy Tidwell spoke about the importance of the Red Cross in disaster response and the value of clergy involvement. GUMC Pastor Eric Falker said, “I’m glad to see so many spiritual leaders in Houghton coming together to demonstrate what real community should look like.”

Keweenaw Faiths United was formed as a response to terrorist acts that targeted people for their faith affiliation, specifically Muslim and Jewish worshipers in mosques and synagogues. when in September of 2019, Nazi symbols were painted on Temple Jacob in Hancock, Pr. Bucky Beach — in view of the powerful and meaningful community response — brought a group together to address ways of fostering religious communities to work together.

The interfaith group decided to do something to communicate to the community that people of all faiths are welcome in the Keweenaw, and that safety is a communal responsibility. Keweenaw Faiths United defined itself as a “group of people across religions and denominations taking a stand to seek peace by being peacemakers, build bridges by getting involved, and prevent violence by taking a stand.”

To help spread the word, the group used grant funds to produce yard signs that say “Many Faiths, One Community.” Spearheaded by KUUF member Miriam Pickens, both Houghton and Hancock were declared International Cities of Peace and peace poles were placed at the labyrinth and the campground in Hancock and at Bridgeview Park in Houghton in 2022. The group has participated in MLK Day events and the Parade of Nations yearly.

The goal of Keweenaw Faiths United is knowing neighbors across religious lines and building positive community through conversation and shared meals. The group shares information on its Facebook page. For inquiries and to join the email list: Sarah Semmler Smith pastor@goodshepherd906.org