Skyline students gathered in Building Six for the opportunity to learn about different religions from each other in the Coexist Café.

About 20 students of different faiths sat in a circle to share their personal experiences of growing up with religion or finding one that works for them. They also talked about the issues surrounding the taboo of religion. Communications teacher, Jennifer Mair, facilitated the event. “I was very happy with how it turned out. I was quite unsure because this was the first time we done this and I was really happy with their thoughtful participation and the feeling of goodwill that we ended on,” said Mair.

The group also discussed how some people aggressively try to force their religion on others. Some of these people included everyone from the man downtown preaching on a megaphone to some family members trying to convert the younger children to their new religion. After some students shared their own experiences of how they came in contact with these types of people, Mair offered a strategy. The main points of the strategy was to acknowledge the person for what they are doing and to politely reply that they understand and respect that they do not feel the same way. Also, if the two points still do not work, one must draw the line and stay away to maintain their own safety.

Even though Mair facilitated the event, it was the students that had the most to say. They spoke of times they felt they needed to defend their faith, how their faith is a part of them, and how they deal with religion in society. A Skyline freshman, Marielle Vierneza was one of the participants. “I think it was successful. They wanted everyone to participate and I think everyone got their idea out,” said Vierneza. ASSC President Jose Luis Sanchez Sosa, who helped create the event, was unsure of the success but enjoyed the event nonetheless. ‘Although it was a taboo subject, it was a good turn out. I hope we can continue to keep this going. I loved it. Everyone at my table was of different religions and we all found similarities,” said Sosa.

Based on the positive feedback from the participants, there may be plans for another Coexist Café for next semester.