Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes hosted The Bridge: Interfaith Conference on Saturday, March 10th at San Bernardino Valley College. Over 9 diverse world views plus local elected leaders, discussed the role faith-based institutions have in policy outcomes in their community. The event featured keynote speakers, workshops, and a panel of community leaders.
Unity and inter-religious harmony was the message throughout the conference and began with the impromptu joining of hands during the opening blessing lead by Mickey Turtle of the Yaqui and Nahua Nation, as participants left their seats and formed a circle.
Assemblymember Reyes utilized her keynote message to further empower the participants stating, “Today is an opportunity for us to come together, in light of our differences. It is an opportunity for us to begin the construction of a “new bridge” in the Inland Empire. A bridge that will be strong enough to carry our collective voices over any obstacle.”
Participants had the opportunity to join two workshops of their choice and connect with a panel of community leaders. These workshops covered Mental Health, Homelessness, Immigration, Health/Nutrition, Environmental Justice/Sustainability, Natural Disaster Preparedness, and Innovative Community Engagement. The panel of community leaders included Senator Connie Leyva, Supervisor Josie Gonzalez, Councilmember Ernest Cisneros and Pastor Samuel Casey; it was moderated by Interfaith Activist, Tahil Sharma.
“The Bridge helped me invigorate my faith in the political process. I didn’t realize that one conversation with Assemblymember Reyes would lead to a gathering of powerful stories and meaningful engagement for the Inland Empire,” said Tahil Sharma.
Assemblymember Reyes shared copies of her HR-85 which declares the 2nd week of March as Interfaith Awareness Week. The bill was passed unanimously by the State Assembly on February 26th 2018.