by Archdeacon Charles deGravelles
“Serving Others: Multifaith Perspectives on Compassion in Action,” was the topic of a day-long conference sponsored by the deacons of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. Presenters and participants alike, over forty in all, represented a variety of Christian denominations and other faith traditions, exploring together the theologies and applications of following God’s command to serve others. The conference was held June 17 at St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Metairie.
The three main presenters for the day came from different faith backgrounds and shared their personal stories as well as the theology of service of the tradition they follow.
Aaron Bloch, an attorney and director of the Greater New Orleans Jewish Federation emphasized the importance of the values he received as a child growing up in a Jewish household, and how those values eventually led him from working in a large financial law firm in New York to New Orleans where he is active in community engagement in areas such education, immigration and juvenile justice.
Paige Davis, director of the St. Charles Center for Faith and Action in New Orleans, was raised in the Baptist denomination. She described how her faith journey took her away from the more conservative expression of her denomination that she experienced growing up before it brought her back to community organizing and facilitating service to the underserved in the greater New Orleans area.
Sam Hubbard, the third presenter, began his ministry as a pastor in the Methodist Church but left that denomination to join the Disciples of Christ. His New Orleans-based ministry is called “Just Love of Greater New Orleans,” a group that has no building but meets regularly to inspire and encourage ministry among its members in non-conventional venues and ways. Hubbard engaged participants by focusing on the central role of honoring curiosity as a starting point and as a medium for exploring one’s faith.
Deacon JoAnn Garma, organizer of the event, expressed gratitude to the presenters for sharing their insights. “What we share among faith traditions and denominations is much greater than those things that divide us, especially when it comes to service. There is so very much we have to learn from one another, and in a time of societal division, just coming together in this way makes an important statement.”
Kristen Canezaro, a parishioner at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Rosedale, LA, reflected on what the conference meant to her. “One of the things I appreciated most was hearing from faith leaders who have intentionally cultivated cultures where loving their neighbors is not just something they talk about, it is at the very heart of their ministry. Rather than assuming what people need, they take the time to listen, understand the unique challenges facing their communities, and work alongside those they serve to develop meaningful solutions.”
Canezaro continued, “In a world that often focuses on division, it was refreshing to spend time with people who are actively working toward solutions, meeting real needs, and inviting their communities into the process. I left reminded that compassion is most powerful when it is paired with listening, learning, and action. My favorite takeaway was a conversation about practicing infinite curiosity. Approaching others with genuine curiosity instead of assumptions creates space for understanding, builds bridges across differences, and opens the door for deeper connection.”
