Since 2004, Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue (FID) has been organizing interfaith dialogue dinners to bring the members of different faiths and communities of Arizona together. We aim to increase intercultural awareness in our community. FID hosted its 3rd Annual Interfaith Dialogue Dinner at the Phoenix Marriott Airport Hotel on 12 October 2006, Thursday, at 7:00 pm. About 150 guests from various religious and cultural groups attended the dinner. The dinner was co-sponsored by the Global Cultural Connections Foundation (GCC) of California. The theme of the dinner was "Respect for the Sacred". This year, we had the honor of hosting:

• Rev. Dr. Kelly Bender, Senior Pastor, Paradise Valley United Methodist Church
• Mr. David Engelman
• Rev. Therese Inzerillo, President, ADL Intuitive Living Ministry
• Dr. Barry Sargent, Director of Kino Institute, Program for Theological Studies Pastoral Ministry Formation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

Marble painting
The common idea in the speeches indicated that individuals and the organizations have to be sensitive to sacred values to establish mutual understanding in our globalized society which comprises various beliefs and cultures. The surprise of the night was the exquisite paper marbling (Turkish art of Ebru) performance presented by Mrs. Surucu after the speeches. Dr. Paul Eppinger, Executive Director of Arizona Interfaith Movement, delivered concluding remarks. Warm discussions held in the tables have shown that the event successfully achieved its purpose. We again thank to our precious guests for their participation, contributions and their testimonials emphasizing the significance of providing opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to be acquainted with one another.