Later, I sent an email to everyone on my UFL distribution list and asked for their response to the program.

Linda Smith: I was struck by the presence of Neetin Pandya, who radiated the spirit of the Interfaith purpose and who spoke of Hinduism as including all faiths. It seemed he spoke from his heart to my heart. I was surprised and amazed by the experience. Jonna told me later that when she asked him to come, he had replied, "I am yours." And that is what he conveyed to me and others in the audience.

Frank Herbert: I found it reassuring that each of the panelists were in agreement that killing others for God is contrary to the tenants of each of the religious traditions represented. The most compelling message that was voiced by several (if not all) of the speakers was that love and service for others should be the guiding principle in life.

Richard Parrish: Perhaps first is the pride I had today in being Unitarian and being part of a church that presented such a panel discussion. I felt incredible pride. Second, I was genuinely moved at hearing some speakers talk of inclusivity, especially Neetin who represented Hinduism. I was very moved in realizing that none of us is really alone, about how much we share the journey with very special travelers.

Richard W. Appling: Since I have been coming to the UFL, I thought the World Religions Forum was the best program we have had. Everyone on the panel was great!!!

After yesterday I made this observation. It seems that when the Unitarian Fellowship of Longview presents something on religion or spirituality, more people come from the community. Why do we have to designate only one day a year to discuss religion or spirituality? Why not have these same persons on this panel or others come and discuss how their religion works in their lives and how it can possibly strengthen ours. Most of the time our speakers deal with social issues instead of religion/spirituality. I think there are more people in the Longview community who would start coming to UFL if we had more of these kind of programs. I was very proud of the UFL yesterday.

Also, I would be interested in a 'bible' study group. A group of people meet studying the 'bible' of other religions.

Barbara Cavin: I was thrilled to see not only a large participation from our membership, but a huge interest from the community at large. Also, any of the speakers would be a great program individually. All were very articulate, interesting and seemed to support our UU principles as well. I enjoyed the program very much.

Sheila McElroy: I am so proud of the UFL for making this event possible and a success. Our facility was filled almost to capacity, showing a genuine interest in the presentation. The forum

participants all expressed a need for more forums and meetings where religious ideas can be shared and common ground found. Their common message of peace and love was heartwarming and could be received as a challenge to the rest of us. Marilyn Dillon's practice of always speaking in the positive and avoiding the negative was inspiring to me. I hope this event becomes an annual program at the UFL.

Carol Peaster: The World Religions forum made my heart swell. Jonna did an excellent job choosing the panel and moderating. I'd like for our Fellowship to consider making similar presentations quarterly. They could be our gift to Longview. What a wonderful event with which to be associated!

Bonnie Hardaway: After living in the Tyler/Longview area for four years and chafing at the pressure to conform politically and religiously, I felt JOY at the DIVERSITY of people, religious views, and searches for meaning in life that I witnessed. If this spark of intellectual inquiry could expand into regular community discussions in every church in East Texas, I might hope that minds would open and intolerance would be diminished.

Muriel Sutton: Thanks for asking for my input. Actually, I'm impressed that the forum made the front page of the daily paper. All of the speakers did an exceptional job, I thought, but I would have liked to be able to have more time with each of the forum members. Perhaps having each religion represented individually might be of interest. I would be interested in seeing the "Christianity" section broken down, i.e., Catholicism, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Baptist, etc. I found it really fascinating, but a little "too much information" to process all at once.

Jay Noble: I seem to be saying, "That's one of the best programs that we've had" quite a lot lately. I don't see myself as an effusive person, so I think that I should tone it down some.

This was a very good program and I was especially impressed with the way Jonna led it. Certainly we should plan for this to be an annual event. Julie told me that we had eighty-one folks in the audience. That must be a record. Peggy must come in for special praise, as does anyone else who had a part in setting this up and promoting it. Jessica and I spent quite a lot of time discussing what each of the participants had said. I would personally like to hear more from each participant.

Anyway, as you can tell, I am pretty positive about the program.

Durren Anderson and Phil Fenton's comments about the necessity of removing all types of violence from the preaching of the word" is significant to me. continued on Page 5 ... see e-mail