A Muslim extends a warm welcome to Pope John Paul II in the name of Allah. Jewish leaders praise the pope for improving his church's understanding of Judaism. Lutherans say they believe his trip to Baltimore can unify Christians. Mormons say they share his family values.
These are some of the 800 messages being compiled in three leather-bound volumes for presentation to the pontiff on Oct. 23. The greetings from Marylanders come not only from outside the Roman Catholic Church but even from people who disagree with the pope on fundamental religious questions. Admiration for John Paul is wide as well as deep.
The interfaith nature of the gift was the idea of Baltimore Archbishop William H. Keeler.
"Archbishop Keeler wanted to include as many people of faith in as many ways as possible for the pope's visit, and that's how the Book of Greetings came to life," said Donna Guba, a Greater Baltimore Committee staffer helping with the project.
Thousands of cream-colored vellum sheets were distributed last month. Of those that came back, some were in the form of artistic displays of calligraphy; others are accompanied by drawings or water colors.
"We sent the blank pages to more than a dozen different faith communities -- from Mennonites, Muslims and Methodists to Lutherans, Baptists and, of course, Catholics," explained the Rev. Stephen D. Gosnell. "We asked interfaith leaders in Maryland to distribute them, and from there word of mouth took over."
Father Gosnell, pastor of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Edgewood, was deputized by the archbishop to see the project to completion.
The greetings will be stitched between white leather covers by a small hand-bindery, a family business in Street, Harford County. The plan is to present the gift to the pope during an afternoon prayer service at Baltimore's Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, to be attended by an ecumenical group of local religious leaders.
More unusual than the sentiments of Catholics are those expressed by religious people who do not share the pope's faith. In some cases, they disagree sharply with his theological views but nevertheless respect his leadership.
Among these is the Rev. Herbert D. Valentine, the liberal Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Baltimore, whose strong advocacy of abortion rights and a female clergy puts him at odds with the pope. Yet, Dr. Valentine was able to write for the Book of Greetings, "We are inspired by your presence in our midst."
