10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 9/11 ATTACKS ON THE UNITED STATES

The San Francisco Interfaith Council (SFIC)

 is pleased to present the following remembrances of

  

The Civic Observance of the 10th Anniversary of

the 9/11 Attacks on the United States

A collaboration of the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco, 

the SFIC & The San Francisco Opera

Opera In The Park, Sharon Meadow / Golden Gate Park

September 11, 2011

A blog excerpt from Tony Blair Faith Foundation Faiths Act Fellows  

Nina Pine and Rachel Finn:

We were able to play a role in an observance of the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks that was organised by SFIC, the San Francisco Opera and the Mayor's Office. Like many cities around the U.S., San Francisco was in the midst of trying to cope with the 10th anniversary, remember, honor, and reflect. Unlike many cities around the U.S., however, the Mayor's office

 called upon our host organization, the San Francisco Interfaith Council, to convene the civic observance for the entire city. Not only was this a huge honor, but represented a fundamental truth - even in what many describe as a "secular city," the role of faith communities in the days,months, and years following 9/11 has been invaluable. Demonstrating how the horrific aftermath of 9/11-discrimination, stereotyping, and prejudice in our nation- assisted in making interfaith work a necessity for our future, our city sent a powerful message to its citizens. It is hard to describe what a moving experience it is to see the leaders of many faith traditions stand up and

 Offer prayers together.

We hope to carry this message of compassion and understanding with us throughout the year, and incorporate it into our daily practices of

 Social justice.

                                                    Prof. John Kurakar