November 11, 2014
To: Robert Freeman, Susie Buffett, Rabbi Azriel, Rev. Elnes, Dr. Syed Mohiuddin
Cc: Mayor Jean Stothert, Councilman Franklin Thompson
Dear Tri-Faith Leaders,
I am reaching out to you personally in an effort to clear up any misunderstandings and to work together for the common good of our city, our state, and our country. Our work together can have a significant impact on our generation and generations to come, not only locally, but globally.
I believe successful interfaith projects are the outcome of honest dialogue and sincere efforts among individuals to accept one another as equals, and ultimately as friends. Our last interaction indicated you may have misconstrued my efforts to this end as adversarial. Nothing could be further from the truth. When disagreements occur, communication is the key to understanding. To achieve this understanding, I would like to reopen those lines of communication with the Tri-Faith Board, its members and supporters.
This project is an opportunity to create something unique and worthy of emulation, not only for those directly involved, but also as a model for peace and understanding between religions everywhere. However, the great potential of this project brings with it an equal obligation – to get it right the first time – as you must surely recognize that the impact of your project, for good or ill, will reach far beyond the Tri-Faith campus and the greater Omaha area.
In all grace and humility, I must respectfully insist that transparency be paramount and that my concerns – concerns that are also shared by the community-at-large – be fully and completely addressed. I pray that you see our interests are indeed aligned, not opposed.
I would like to invite you to meet to discuss our differences and our common ground. Only through communication and honesty may we ensure God’s blessing on our endeavors. I eagerly await your response.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark Christian