Celebrate and renew

We are pleased to open our new blog, The Interfaith Express, with a reflection from Deb K. Christian, President of the Religion Communicators Council, an interfaith association of religious communicators since 1929, who recently awarded DMARC's newsletter, The Voice, with a DeRose - Hinkhouse Award of Excellence. From Deb K. Christian:

As the beauty of Spring unfolds around me in the North Texas area where I live, I began to think of what this time of year means in some of the different faith traditions of RCC members.


Jewish colleagues celebrate Purim, a Jewish festival to commemorate the rescue of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian empire from a plot to destroy them all. Giving of gifts to friends and family as well as the poor are a part of the celebration.

Holi, or the Festival of the Colors, may be noted by Hindu colleagues here as well as in India and Nepal. Bonfires a day before and throwing colored powders and water are a part of the event. The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that Prahlad had when Demoness Holika carried him into a fire.

Those of us who are Christian will celebrate Easter, to remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many Christian groups note Easter as the end of Lent, a time of prayer and penitence. Eggs are often a symbol of new life and Easter egg hunts along with family celebrations are a part of the holiday.

Naw-Ruz (or Nowruz) notes another new year celebration. Both the Baha'i and Zoroasterians use this as a time a spiritual renewal and celebration of new life. Feasts with friends and family are a part of the celebration.

Another very important Jewish in the Spring is Passover. This is the eight-day Jewish observance of the Exodus from ancient Egypt and the freeing of the Israelites from slavery. To note this event no leavened bread is eaten and matzah (unleavened bread) is a primary symbol. The beginning of the holiday is celebrated with a special meal, the Passover Seder.

Buddhists mark the celebration of their new year, Songkran, in April with a special three day water festival. Parades with statues of Buddha spray water on passersby and young people often throw water at one another.

I want to take this opportunity after RCC's spring celebration – our national convention – in early April in Little Rock to wish you all a time of spiritual renewal and celebration.
See you next spring in Philadelphia, Pa.

Deb K. Christian
RCC President