Interfaith Group Daughters of Abraham Finds Strength in Common Ground

Janae Baird and Sara Galaso, both of the Arlington Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, find strength in common ground through support of the interfaith group Daughters of Abraham. Established in response to the events of September 11, 2001, by and for women of the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the group reads books and holds discussions about the practice and experience of living as a religious person.

“[The books we read] can be of various genres: biography, fiction, memoirs, history, poetry, etc. They help us to talk about faith experiences. We learn about one another’s religions. By so doing we come to know one another as members of a unique community of friends,” states the group’s website.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages its members to find common ground with people of other faiths and join together to do good in the world.

“I would encourage members of the Church wherever they may be to show kindness and respect for all people everywhere. The world in which we live is filled with diversity. We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours.” Thomas S. Monson, “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” Ensign, May 2008, 90.

“Let me say that we appreciate the truth in all churches and the good which they do. We say to the people, in effect, you bring with you all the good that you have, and then let us see if we can add to it.”  Gordon B. Hinckley, “Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Aug. 1998, 72.

Featured on the WFAA broadcast, Baird, a Fort Worth Coordinating Council public affairs representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, regularly attends the local Daughters of Abraham meetings. Anyone interested in more information about attending the group or starting a Daughters of Abraham or Sons of Abraham interfaith group in your area can find information at http://daughtersofabraham.com/  or by contacting Janae ([email protected]).