Issue date: 10/25/05 Section: News

Marc Brubaker - The Battalion Muhammed Getin, president of the Institute of Interfaith Dialogue, speaks at the third annual Interfaith Dinner at the Clayton Williams Alumni Center on Monday night. The dinner was put on by the Interfaith Student Dialogue Association.

Coval MacDonald looked out at a crowd of people from all walks of religious life and said society was more understanding and open than from when he was in seminary.

"I'm 75 years old," said McDonald, a retired minister of Central Presbyterian Church. "I grew up in a time when Islam was seen as a violent political activity and Muslims were dangerous people."

The Interfaith Dialogue Student Association (IDSA) hosted its third annual Institute of Interfaith Dialogue Dinner Monday, where members of local religious organizations spoke about their faiths.

MacDonald said he has seen changes in society and that he urges others to learn about other people and religions.

"There is a Turkish proverb that says, 'Before the sun rises, who knows what will come out of the darkest night,'" he said. "Your presence here tonight at this dinner is bringing you out of the darkness, helping to bring about a new sunrise."

Deacon Bill Scott, from St. Mary's Catholic Church, told the audience to remember that everyone is part of the human race.

"We are all one people, no matter where you come from," Scott said. "God calls us to gather together as one people. At A&M you have the great opportunity to meet people from all over the world."

Muhammad Cetin, president of the Institute of Interfaith Dialogue, said the dinner occurred during the Islamic practice of Ramadan.

"Ramadan occurs during the ninth month of the lunar calendar and is a fast that lasts all month," Cetin said. "This is a time of devotion to God, time to think of self-control and kindness. It's a tune-up for our spiritual lives."

Cetin said this Islamic practice is a vital part of worship and can create an outward form of peace and prosperity in society.

"The world today needs peace more than at any other time in history," Cetin said.

Texas A&M University President Robert M. Gates said efforts to educate students about various religions make A&M a better place.

"A&M has about 14,000 Catholic students, more than Notre Dame," Gates said. "There are also 1,500 or more Jewish students and a number of Muslim students. Faith and spirituality continue to be a fundamental part of this student body, and that can only be a good thing."

Gates said it is important for Aggies to welcome those with differing viewpoints, not simply tolerate them.

"The Aggie family is about more than tolerance," he said. "This is what makes our school special, what gives us a heart as well as a brain."

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