Published on Friday, August 20, 1999 © 1999 Madison Newspapers, Inc. Used with permission
Byline: John-Brian Paprock
At least one in
five in the Madison area is not Christian. We are working in the same offices,
walking the same streets and shopping at the same stores. Madisonians of
diverse beliefs are in daily contact.
Mostly, this is an
easygoing style of interaction. It doesn't require much in the way of
preparation. However, if one is asked to a wedding, a holiday ceremony, dinner
at the folks' home or a funeral, what then?
Here are some ideas:
v
Don't
be afraid to ask questions about the ceremony and how to be respectful.
v
Long
before the ceremony, ask about gift giving, photography, dress and whether
children are taking part.
v
Save
questions that come up during the ceremony until afterwards.
v
Look
up the ceremony and the particular religious tradition in the library, but
remember that ceremonies are adapted regularly to the circumstances and can
vary from group to group within a tradition.
v
Try
to avoid an ``anthropologist'' mentality -- be a guest.
v
Join
an interfaith dialogue or start one in church, but don't expect large turnouts.
v
Remember,
ethnic immigrant families are uncomfortable with American customs, too.
