The Interfaith Council of South Orange County (ICSOC) is a coalition representing diverse faith
communities and friends dedicated to promoting respect, tolerance and understanding
for the beliefs, cultures and traditions of all religious faiths through interfaith dialogue,
education, service and activities. We see this mission as not only of great value to those of us involved in this important work, but with a desire to ripple out to the greater community in an effort to practice mutual respect, sincere listening, and actively heal divisions in our communities.
How do we do this?
- Promote interfaith understanding by sharing our common traditions and discussing
our differences.
- Provide a forum to discuss issues of common interest to the various faith
communities, such as morality and ethics in public education; minister to those
with physical and emotional disabilities; the role of clergy in social services; reduce
intolerance and improving race relations.
- Provide The South Orange County Interfaith Directory and other information
services.
- Support and promote stimulating educational and cultural programs that enlighten
and inspire.
The ICSOC has been active in our community for decades. After a break during covid, we are rebuilding and relooking at what is needed in our communities that we can support. We launched our regathering on the National Day of Prayer, May 4th, by hosting a community event with different faith traditions sharing how they pray for peace. We will also be writing a monthly column in this newspaper to share our interfaith and individual faith efforts within the community. We invite you to join us as a representative of your houses of worship or an individual who wishes to participate in interfaith work. We meet at the Lutheran Church of the Cross on El Toro Road in the library room off of the multi-purpose room at noon on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Here are some members speaking about what interfaith has meant to them.
Anne Cooling, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Laguna Niguel,
It is inspiring to see the divine touch people’s lives in impactful, meaningful ways. Interfaith gives me the opportunity to witness this and celebrate with fellow people of faith. It enables me to share an accurate understanding of my own religion and hear directly from others about theirs. There is so much that unites us and the diversity enriches us. It has been a great discipline of putting my faith into practice of spiritual love for my neighbor, looking for the spark of the divine in those around me, listening from the heart with mutual respect and practicing inclusive interfaith language that honors another.
Rabbi Dennis Linson, Temple Judea of Laguna Hills
How often do we speak with or learn from someone who is not exactly like us? How much do we know about our neighbors, the people that live next door, or down the street, or in line at the store? It is so important to find out how similar we are to the many different people with whom we share a common community. Like my colleagues on the Interfaith Council, it enriches me to understand that the spark of the divine exists in those around me. May we all do more listening and learning with mutual respect for each other. Please join our Interfaith Council if your faith community is not yet represented and please attend when we have events that are open to the community.
Kathie Killen, Saint George Episcopal, Laguna Hills
In a world where there is so much focus on how we are different from one another, ICSOC seeks to acknowledge and embrace our diversity, looking beyond differences—background, culture, language, religion– to what unites us. Listening to one another’s perspectives and stories has allowed my mind to open and to see those around the table with new eyes. We can learn so much from each other and engage in the healing, reconciling work that benefits those closest to us who we know, those we have yet to meet and those we may never know. Please join us!
The Interfaith Council of South Orange County
