terrykyllo

Seven in ten Americans feel the nation is dangerously divided. We are living in bubbles, isolated from people of other
perspectives, traditions, and cultures. We are also dangerously unequal. Many people do not have equal access to opportunities to care for their family and community. We know we are walking on a dangerous road, but what can we do?
Pastor
Terry Kyllo asked the same question. Seeking answers, he turned to leaders from diverse backgrounds—Indigenous, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Secular, and Christian. Their collective wisdom was enlightening. They believe that building
trust starts with getting to know each other, collaborating for the common good, and publicly respecting one another. It sounds simple, yet it’s incredibly powerful. It also sounds like Jesus who said: “love your enemies,
pray for those that persecute you, do good to those who harm you.” (Matthew 5:44)
As Terry worked to counter dehumanization and encourage interfaith relationships, he often heard Christians say, “Is it okay for faithful Christians to work with people of other traditions?” To make interfaith work possible, this question needs
answering. Terry realized that he had grown up in a church that taught:
·       Christianity is the only way to God
·       Christianity is God’s only way to us
On his own journey as a follower of Jesus, Terry slowly realized that Jesus taught no such thing.
 His new book, Go and Do Likewise: Following Jesus into our Common Humanity Terry builds on his
conversations with hundreds of Christian congregations, pastors, and leaders of many traditions. He helps Christians to find their “why” for knowing and working with neighbors of other traditions, and for public partnership across
lines of difference. He writes:
I no longer believe the Christian tradition teaches that it is merely permissible to work with people of diverse cultures.
I have come to believe that knowing, respecting, and working with people of diverse traditions is an inherent part of being faithful to Jesus.
Terry Kyllo
Only together can we build the future we long for and that our children deserve. Only together can we meet
this moment of division and inequality. Doing so is faithful to Jesus and his mission in the world.