Living in Bruce County, we are often isolated from the differences that can create vast rifts between various faiths and religions.

In Tobermory and Lion's Head, for instance, Roman Catholics and United Church Protestants share the same buildings, proving that structures do not make a difference and that two different faiths can indeed co-exist.

In Saugeen Shores each Friday morning until March 14^th, an initiative has begun to bring people of different faiths and religions together to do nothing more than talk and share ideas.

Father Peter Meyer of Port Elgin and Reverend Keith Reynolds of Southampton have begun the new initiative of inviting anyone, regardless of faith, religion or belief, or simply to learn more about the differences and sameness that exists between people.

Each session begins with a brief film, 'Belonging: The Search for Acceptance', featuring interviews with Jean Vanier, founder of the L'Arche Homes, and that is based on his interpretation of the values in humanity.

For those not familiar with the L'Arche concept, it was designed around the theory that a small number of households, consisting of only six to eight people, with and without developmental challenges, can be integrated into a local neighbourhood and foster acceptance. In each home, everyone lives in a family-like environment where each contributes as he or she is able.

The main focus of a L'Arche home however, is on relationships and acceptance, where each person is supported, without judgement, in order to reach his or her full potential. It is about growing in self-understanding and also the understanding of others

Once the short film is over, the larger audience then breaks into small discussion groups where the discussions can be lively and, at times opinionated, but always open.

Bringing together peoples of different religious backgrounds to openly discuss very personal interpretations of faith can appear to be an intimidating experience. On February 22^nd however, approximately 25 people from Port Elgin and Southampton, many of whom had never met, came together to do just that. They discussed a wide variety of topics ranging from family and belonging to community and the church to the role that Christianity plays on the world stage.

For some, facing or recognizing other belief systems can be daunting but, in the non-threatening environment where each person brings his or her own belief to the table, it appears to create an opening up and acceptance of others.

The Friday morning one-hour sessions begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Southampton United Church and are free. They are open to all who are curious or searching.