Song and Spirit Institute for Peace cultivates interfaith harmony through music, arts and dialogue
Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 1:09PM 
Brother Al and Steve, courtesy of songandspirit.orgOn its website, Song and Spirit describes itself as “a Franciscan minstrel and a Jewish troubadour, working together to bring peace to the world one song at a time.” While the phrase captures its modest beginnings, Song and Spirit has evolved into the full-fledged Song and Spirit Institute for Peace in Berkley, Michigan that offers programming focused on faith-in-action and adult faith formation.
The Institute hosts seminars, retreats, art workshops, community projects, performances, and worship, all serving its mission to “promote greater understanding among people of diverse religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds through music, art, cultural programs, dialogue and study.”
Those elements will all converge at the Spirit of Assisi 25th Anniversary Celebration held October 27-29 at various locations throughout Metro Detroit. The three-day event celebrates the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s historic 1986 gathering of leaders of all faiths in Assisi, Italy to pray together for peace.
In cooperation with the Archdiocese of Detroit and area churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other interfaith organizations, Song and Spirit has coordinated a weekend of peace-filled dialogue and exchange.
“It is our hope that these exciting, insightful and uplifting activities will build bridges of faith and understanding within our diverse communities," say promotional materials. "On its 25 anniversary, we embrace The Spirit of Assisi as an example to be embodied –– a guiding force to heal a broken world, to complete that which cries for completion, to bring Shalom/Salaam to the world.”