Every January since 1993, the President of the United States has declared January 16 National Religious Freedom Day, calling upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship." Unfortunately, observance of National Religious Freedom Day appears to be under the radar as many Americans are unaware of it.
This year, K&K Publishing and Media, LLC, creators of ONE: The Digital Dialog, a new website that offers a side-by-side discussion of the three major Western religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - encourages us to stop and reflect on the importance of religious freedom on this special day.
To celebrate National Religious Freedom Day, K&K Publishing and Media, LLC will offer a free interactive forum that will allow anyone to participate in an open and honest discussion about religion or to comment on an experience they have had concerning religious freedom. The forum will be moderated by religious experts.
The site will also offer a selection of true stories on religious intolerance, and overcoming adversity in the face of religious prejudice. According to the K&K management team, personal reflection can serve as an opportunity to help build on spiritual growth and understanding, as well as respect for the faith of others. The goal of the forum is to provide a safe environment for people to communicate and share their thoughts, fears, and hopes in an effort to promote understanding.
Believing that the catalyst for some of the hate crimes and problems in our country today is derived from a lack of knowledge of the practices of other religions, K&K hopes that the forum and ONE: The Digital Dialog website in general, will help people gain greater insight into the religious customs and beliefs of people from other faiths. The information found in ONE is a tool for celebrating each faith's differences and similarities.
"We are fortunate to live in a country where we are free to worship as we see fit," said Phyllis Katz, co-founder of K&K Publishing and Media, LLC. "Having religious freedom gives us the ability to explore what makes each faith unique, and what brings them together in what they share. It is important to recognize this freedom and celebrate it."
The forum will be live from 8am until 8pm on National Religious Freedom Day. For more information about ONE: The Digital Dialog, or to participate in the free forum, visit www.onedialog.com.