Millions of words have been written over the past 10 years about what happened on that fateful day in September 2001, from politicians, journalists, academics, religious leaders, international experts, bloggers right down to the person on the street. The emotions run high and it seems everyone has an opinion.
Did 11 September actually change the world? I do not know how it will be remembered in 1,000 years but I do know that it has affected thousands who lost their lives on that day, and thousands upon thousands in the various wars and retributions since, not to mention their families and communities who have suffered enormously.
Underlying so much of this conflict has been faith – explicitly Muslims and Christians. Minorities bearing allegiance to each group have perpetrated heinous, hate-filled crimes that have impacted us all. And so today barriers of fear, suspicion, ignorance and hurt separate so many of us, but this does not need to be the way.
Meet Bushra and Serjuntae – two young people from different faith backgrounds but who both live in the same Birmingham community. Through The Feast they met each other, found ways to express their own faith while listening to the other, and through the process and lots of fun have become close friends. Filmed a few months ago at The Feast Factor, a student-led fundraiser with performances of drama and song, the girls share their journey of discovery and change.
Here is a real story that we can overcome the conflict and fear.
On this 11 September 10 year anniversary the BBC1 program Songs of Praise were looking for examples of hope coming from the ashes of New York, and so we are proud to be sharing the story of Bushra and Serjuntae. Please take the time this Sunday afternoon to find out about young people and The Feast “building a better world.”
Do you have a story of overcoming the barriers of 911? Share it with us here.
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