The Guibord Center Inaugural
On a cold, blustery day in February of 2011, people of many different faith traditions gathered at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in Los Angeles to inaugurate the Guibord Center – Turning Religion Inside Out.
Mission Statement
To bring people together
to challenge assumptions
unleash the Holy
and affirm the faith
that transforms the world.
Guiding Principles
- Everyone is welcome and recognized as a child of the Holy. There are no barriers here. Every faith tradition is invited to contribute their wisdom.
- We encourage everyone, always, to speak from their heart.
- The Hospitality we offer includes a place of safety, beauty, comfort and respect for all people, encouraging the building of relationships and lasting friendships.
- We challenge the assumptions we hold about one another, bringing open hearts and minds into every conversation.
- We create beautiful, healing and timely events that provide direct personal experiences of the Holy through ritual, music and community.
Click on any image in the Gallery to enlarge and begin a slide show …
A moment of connection
Sikh men in conversation
United Methodist Church Bishop Mary Ann Swenson chats with Dr. Jerry D. Campbell, dean of Claremont School of Theology. Both are members of the Advisory Council to The Guibord Center
Women from the Sikh community will be part of special blessing during the program
Different faith traditions come together for this occasion
Last-minute checks to be sure everything is perfect
Advisors share a moment
A Sikh family awaits the beginning of the ceremonies
Hindu Bhajan (sharing) music welcomed people as they arrived and found seating in the Cathedral
Taiko Drummers
Advisors and guests faith community representatives process to their places of honor on the stage
Welcome from The Very Rev. Canon Mark Kowalewski and the Very Rev. Canon Daniel Ade, co-deans of St. John’s Cathedral
The Reverend Dr. Gwynne Guibord speaks about The Guibord Center
Cantor Mark Saltzman sings the Jewish Blessing
Ben Youcef chants the Muslim Call to Prayer
The Rev. Peter Rood chants the Blessing of Abraham
Cantor Mark Saltzman, the Rev. Peter Rood, and Ben Youcef chant the Abrahamic Blessing together
Sikhs with ceremonial “kirpans” (swords)
His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos speaks about the Mission of The Center
Dr. Maher Hathout, founding leader of the Muslim Public affairs Council (MPAC) spoke about the Mission
Advisor Cindi Alvitre (Tongva) sang an indigenous blessing
Episcopal Bishop Mary Glasspool
Buddhist religious, known as ‘Venerables’ enter the cathedral to chant a blessing
Rajshree Patel from the Art of Living Foundation leads a meditation to close the event
Advisors to The Guibord Center process into the Cathedral ahead of Dr. Guibord
