Our Island tradition of sitting down for a good "talk story" session whenever we encounter misunderstanding or disrespect is a treasure that needs to be shared.

This need is most apparent when we note the amount of misunderstanding between the various expressions of religion around the world. Sadly, when these expressions become overzealous and exclusive, the result is disrespect, animosity and, too often, violence.

I'm reminded of the delightful story about a family who had recently returned from one of their travel adventures only to fall victim to a miscommunication. There was misunderstanding, strained emotions led to inappropriate words and the household was subdued by anger. The 6-year-old of the family witnessed this disruption and, remembering the parents' relief whenever the sign "English Spoken Here" was seen while traveling, posted her own sign on the refrigerator the next morning.

It said: "Kindness Spoken Here."

How many problems could be solved, misunderstandings clarified and wars prevented if the principal parties would just sit down for a civil "talk story"?

The Interfaith Alliance Hawai'i sat down for its annual dinner celebration recently and shared its vision of the future. Perhaps the most inspiring moment was created by two high school students, Cameron Kubota and Ryan Nakasone, who represented the Interfaith Alliance at an interfaith youth camp on the Mainland. Their lives were transformed by their experience with young people from different faith traditions. Their understanding of pluralism and the importance of interfaith dialogue has refocused their lives in the direction of fostering these possibilities in our community.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono was the keynote speaker and provided the next moment of inspiration. She lifted up the significance of safeguarding our nation's freedoms, particularly the freedom of religion.

As the first immigrant woman of Asian ancestry and the only Buddhist to be elected to the House of Representatives, she has a unique perspective on pluralism. She encouraged the group to maintain our vigilance of church/state separation and our efforts in facilitating interfaith dialogue.

Many who either spoke or were honored at our dinner represent those in our community who are speaking with kindness in the midst of misunderstanding and disrespect. The conversation isn't centered on our different belief systems, which tend to divide us, but on our common humanity, which will always unite us.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama said it best: "My religion is kindness."

The Rev. Dr. John R. Heidel is a retired United Church of Christ minister and president of The Interfaith Alliance Hawaii. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.