Written by Mary Evan, Red Bench Host and member of the Red Bench Steering Committee. 

About three and a half years ago, a friend of mine posted something on Facebook inviting people to come to a discussion called Red Bench: Interfaith Conversations that Matter. I decided why not, and went to my first Red Bench event at First United Methodist Church. I was hooked!

What has kept me returning to Red Bench?  Where else could I have a thought-provoking conversation with people from so many faith traditions and belief systems that include Sikh, Muslim, Wiccan, Christian, Jewish, Atheist and so many more? Each person brings the perspective of their belief system to the conversation. I believe that you can learn something from everyone you meet so I always walk away from a Red Bench event learning something new.

One evening after the discussion had concluded, a request was made for those who would like to go a step further and deepen their experience by becoming a table host, whose job it is to help guide the conversation around the table. In 2011, I attended the training and became a table host.  About one year later, someone mentioned the Red Bench Steering Committee. Amongst other things, this committee helps select the topics and is finding ways to grow the Red Bench.  So I said why not. So in 2012 I became a member of the steering committee. I currently put together the conversation quotes that are put on the Red Bench tables, help with reaching out to faith leaders, and put together a calendar of events showing all of the Red Bench activities.

I am thoroughly enjoying my involvement with iACT and the Red Bench. If you have never been to a Red Bench event, please come. I can “ninety-eight and three quarters percent guarantee” that you will walk away having learned something new.

Mother Teresa said: “I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things.” I want to add: together we can have a great dialogue and conversations that really matter.