Blistering weather reports from Las Vegas notwithstanding, 140 interfaith-interested local religious leaders from Canada, Mexico, and the United States gathered in southern Nevada on August 12. For four and a half days the group explored a complex theme – “Hospitality, Generosity and Sharing – Interfaith Action in Our World.” 

The weather turned out to be dry and kind, the heat tempered by passing storms. University of Nevada Las Vegas is beautiful and proved an exemplar of the hospitality we were discussing. Vegas’ “Strip” was a mile or two away; the closest most of us came was the view across the valley from a dorm window. As crazy or sane as it seems, this group of interfaith strangers settled wholeheartedly into their retreat.

More than 30 ‘how-to’ workshops were presented, with “The Rise of Christian Fundamentalism and its Impact on Interfaith Work” and the “Southern Sudan Education Project” popular enough to bear repeating. Peacemaking, community, and creation each were explored in a series of sessions that ran throughout the conference. A site visit the first day took a busload of participants to a state-supported childcare center that works with 9,000 endangered children a year; we saw how individuals and faith communities from all traditions can help.

Content rich, in other words! Some thought we ran a day too long. Most, though, were energized rather than exhausted by the smorgasbord, and few left before the end.