Produced in cooperation with the South Carolina’s Governor’s Office and South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, this ETV Classic is as relevant now as it was in 2002.
Leading the conversation after 9/11, Governor Jim Hodges noted that one of the ideas that shaped our country was that of religious tolerance, and he and Jesse Washington, Jr. spearheaded forums in Columbia, Rock Hill, and Beaufort and their communities of differing religious faiths. At the time, Governor Hodges noted that our diversity was the common ground under us all.
Religions represented in the forums included Buddhism, Baha’i, Christianity, Hinduism, Humanism, Islam, Judaism, Messianic Judaism, Native American Religion, Sikhism, and Unitarian Universalism.
The following questions were asked at the various forums:
- How have the events of 9/11 changed the nature and purpose of interfaith dialogue?
- Why can't we respect those who are different from us in faith?
- What next steps do you suggest for improving respect and cooperation among faith groups?
- Do we in South Carolina have the capacity to overcome the aftershocks of 9/11?
- Can we be successful in reducing hatred, according to your religion or your faith?
- What does your religion require of its followers with respect to relationships with their neighbor?
- Define the Baha'i commitment to its surrounding community and relationship with people of different faiths.
- How do you encourage religious tolerance among the members of your mosque?
- What can your religion learn from other religious traditions?
- What is the greatest challenge to your faith in the 21st century?
We are proud to bring you this thoughtful and impactful treasure from the ETV Tape Vault.
Please note: Topics included in the keys when the program was produced in 2002 are no longer available. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Side Notes
- Remembering 9/11: South Carolina Reflects - Documentary - South Carolinians look back on their personal accounts and the impact 25 years after the 9/11 attacks.
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- Governor Jim Hodges - National Governors Association.
- Interfaith Community Services
- Interfaith Partners of South Carolina -The state of South Carolina has a centuries-old history of vibrant religious pluralism. The descendants of our indigenous tribes still maintain their unique spirituality. From the earliest days of European colonization, dozens of faiths entered the port of Charleston or traveled south by land, from Muslims to Anabaptists, Jews to Huguenots. And today we are home to hundreds of religious traditions, large and small. Our economic and social fabric are comprised of business executives, students and faculty at our universities, medical professionals and others who are often new South Carolinians bringing with them the faith traditions of countries around the world.
