(Story here from Democrat & Chronicle January 15, 2012. For photos visit the papers website)
On Friday, the Rev. Rickey Harvey Jr. and members of his Mount Olivet Baptist Church visited Temple B’rith Kodesh in Brighton for this year’s pulpit exchange, an annual event at the two faith communities for more than 20 years.
And on Sunday, Rabbi Laurence Kotok, from B’rith Kodesh, and about 50 members of his congregation, visited Mount Olivet, 141 Adams St.
“It’s about unity. We’re always striving to build unity in our community. The church and the Temple are kind of intertwined,” said Harvey, the pastor of Mount Olivet,141 Adams St.
Every year, a weekend close to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Mount Olivet and B’rith Kodesh visit each other’s house of worship. The group of visitors to Mount Olivet Sunday included several young members of Temple B’rith Kodesh.
“I like to see how other religions do stuff,” said Elaina Stone, 16, of Rochester, a member of B’rith Kodesh.
In his sermon at Mount Olivet Sunday, Kotok acknowledged that the annual pulpit exchange triggers bittersweet emotions. At the same time the two churches celebrate their longtime friendship and unity, they also are reminded of the work that remains.
“My hope and prayers is that we will always stand together, but I’m troubled with the world around us,” Kotok told the crowd of about 200 people.
There aren’t that many voices calling people together these days, he said.
“The loudest voices are those that continue to separate us and want us to fear and be fearful of one another,” he said.
... is underway!
