Exchange of a church bell and Christian cross brought faiths together

UTICA - A church bell and Christian cross changed hands in a simple exchange on Sunday, from the Bosnian Islamic Association of Utica to the Whitesboro-based Trinity United Methodist Church.

But the symbolism of the event - with local members of two different faiths meeting, shaking hands and eating donuts - meant much more to those involved.

"In a community that accepts so many people from so many other countries, we're very fortunate to live in a city that says 'welcome," said Jackie Roberts, a member of Moriah Olivet United Presbyterian Church on Court Street.

The Bosnian Islamic Association moved into the former Central United Methodist Church on Court Street about one year ago, and since then has extensively renovated the building.

Instead of throwing the items away, they decided to give them to the Whitesboro Methodist Church. The event included the formal presentation of the bell and cross.

"We knew it was somebody's symbol of religion and we didn't want to throw it away and hurt somebody's feelings," said Ahmedin Mehmedovic, imam of the Court Street mosque. "We try to be friendly and do what's best for the whole community."

The Rev. Marilyn Baissa of the United Methodist in Whitesboro said the items were valuable because of their religious meaning. She also emphasized the event and the welcoming atmosphere in the mosque.

"We may worship in different ways, but we worship one God," she said.

One of Baissa's parishioners, Sandra McSweeney, called the event "really neat" and said she wished there were more opportunities for interfaith events.

She may get her wish, according to the Bosnian Islamic Association's top official.

"I think this is nice," said Avlim Tricic, president of the association. "We should be making more times like this together."

Plans are in the works for a pot luck dinner between the groups, and a class introducing locals to Islam as a religion, the Rev. Judith Westerhoff of Moriah Olivet said.