Interfaith Week in Utah includes most religions in its history

SALT LAKE CITY — Interfaith Week in Utah is more comprehensive than ever this year.

Nine years after its first observance, during the 2002 Winter Olympics, the event — which continues through Sunday — has more religions participating than ever before — eight total.

"We do have a variety of faiths here," Elaine Emmi, a Quaker and media chair of the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable, said at a press conference Tuesday morning in the Downtown Marriott.

Salt Lake Mayor Ralph Becker said Interfaith Week is timed to coincide with the Winter Olympics and that makes it an extra suitable time to focus on respect, understanding and dialogue.

"Our strength comes from many faiths and cultures," he said.

The remaining Interfaith Week events (all free and open to the public) are:

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. — An Ash Wednesday, beginning of Lent event at St. Mark's Cathedral, 231 E. 100 South.

Thursday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m. — "People of the Book: The Wisdom of Sacred Texts in Modern Times," at First Congregational Church, 2150 Foothill Drive.

Friday, Feb. 19, 5:30 p.m. — Open house. "Islam: Reaching Beyond Boundaries," at the Islamic Center, 1019 W. Parkway Ave. (enter 2495 S. Redwood Road).

Saturday, Feb. 20, 10:30 a.m. — Hindu Wedding Ceremony of the Gods at Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah, 1142 W. South Jordan Parkway (10400 S.)

Sunday, Feb. 21, 6-7:30 p.m. — Interfaith Musical Tribute in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. Free tickets are available at www.lds.org.

For more information, go to: www.interfaithroundtable.org.

e-mail: lynn@desnews.com