Mormons mingled with Krishnas and Methodists over fresh fruit and red pepper hummus on Tuesday at UF Hillel, one stop on an interfaith tour of the town.
The event, “Faith in Diversity: Progressive Dinner,” was hosted by the Campus Multi-Faith Cooperative as a part of UF’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
About 100 participants received free food at four stops in religious buildings along West University Avenue. They were encouraged to talk with people of other faiths while they ate, said Angelo Grasso, the chair of the Campus Multi-Faith Cooperative.
“It’s crucial, especially in the times where we’re living now, where there’s a lot more perceived polarization, it’s important students maintain a posture toward others that are different from them, of tolerance, understanding and engagement,” Grasso said.
The dinner has been held for more than 10 years, he said.
Erica Kaplan, an interfaith ambassador, said the night would help people learn about each other’s faiths and cultures.
“You have to be educated,” Kaplan said, “and be aware of other people’s religions to promote that inclusive environment.”
During the final stop at Gator Wesley Foundation, attendees discussed prewritten questions like, “What aspects of your faith address global poverty?” or “What do you think is the biggest problem in the world?”
Rayce Pion, a member of Gator Wesley, said he enjoyed speaking to new people at the dinner. He said meaningful connections span any religious divides.
“I feel that you can be really good friends with people who think differently than you,” the 20-year-old UF business law sophomore said.
A group of people from various religious backgrounds gather at UF Hillel for the UF Campus Multi-Faith Cooperative’s “Faith in Diversity: Progressive Dinner.”
