Local churches find common ground

FALLBROOK — Members of St. John’s Episcopal Church, along with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fallbrook Fifth, First and Second Congregations, met two weeks ago for a potluck dinner.

Members from both congregations have been meeting for the past two months in a community outreach effort to get to know each other, exchange ideas and find common ground in their beliefs.

Bishop Jim Morrison of the Fallbrook Second Congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, “Interfaith gatherings, such as this one, present wonderful opportunities to celebrate our religious similarities and at the same time increase appreciation for our differences.”

“When all of this is done in an environment of mutual respect and acceptance,” he continued, “the purpose of heightened understanding is accomplished and the bond of goodwill strengthened. Such was the case here.”

The discussions have been beneficial in establishing a good relationship between the two congregations and further meetings are planned to find ways to jointly help and share in serving the community of Fallbrook.

The Rev. Cannon Wayne F. Sanders of St. John’s Episcopal Church agreed and said, “Everyone felt the presence of the Spirit of the Lord and we had a wonderful meal to celebrate a new relationship between our faith communities.”