October 23 | St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Holladay, UT
The Nostra Aetate gathering brought together faith leaders and community members for an inspiring evening dedicated to understanding, respect, and shared humanity.
Opening and Welcome
The program began with a warm welcome from Zeynep Kariparduc and Father Silva, followed by Rev. Lora Young, who served as moderator. Rev. Young acknowledged the many faith traditions represented and introduced the evening’s purpose—to celebrate the spirit of Nostra Aetate and its continued relevance in building bridges among communities.
Keynote Presentation
Father Silva delivered a thoughtful keynote on “The Spirit of Nostra Aetate.” He reflected on the historical significance of the Vatican II declaration and its enduring call for dialogue, understanding, and cooperation in today’s diverse world.
Interfaith Panel Discussion
A highlight of the evening was the panel discussion, “Shared Values and Modern Expressions of Interfaith Understanding.” Panelists included:
- Rabbi Alan Bachman – Jewish Faith
- Davron Mukhabbatov – Muslim Faith
- Rev. Curtis Price – First Baptist Church
- Father Silva – Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake
Each shared how their traditions promote compassion, peace, and community harmony. Their stories of collaboration illustrated how people of faith can work together toward healing, hope, and mutual respect.
Audience Engagement & Closing Reflections
Attendees participated with thoughtful questions, adding depth and connection to the discussion. Angie Haymond, representing the LDS community, offered closing reflections filled with gratitude and encouragement for ongoing dialogue.
Community Connection
The evening concluded with refreshments and fellowship, allowing guests to continue conversations and explore new partnerships for future interfaith initiatives.
