Living with open hearts

We continue to witness humans choosing to sow seeds of fear toward those who differ, rather than living with open hearts. That’s why BGI is a gem in our community. 

As a Catholic, inspired by the Vatican II document Nostra Aetate, promulgated over sixty years ago, sitting on the BGI board has offered me a home to learn how to dialogue with my Jewish sisters and brothers with respect and honesty. 

The programming we offer our community creates an intellectually curious atmosphere. I have observed participants enriched in their own traditions as they discovered them anew through different lenses, seen them challenged by their pre-conceived notions, and watched them reach across the table to build a bridge of mutual understanding without forsaking their deepest beliefs. While we are founded and rooted in Jewish-Catholic dialogue, we seek to widen our circle and continue the ever-vital call to include dialogue with those of all faiths and belief systems.  

Ultimately, the greatest gift of participation in BGI has been the lifelong, treasured friendships which I would not have known otherwise.