The Interreligious Council of Southern California has...

The Interreligious Council of Southern California has elected the Rev. Vivian Ben Lima as its president for the coming year. Lima, who chairs the Roman Catholic Archdiocese Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, succeeds Rabbi Harvey Fields, who will continue to serve on the group’s steering committee and head the Interfaith Coalition to Heal Los Angeles, an organization affiliated with the council.

Founded in 1969, the council is nationally regarded as a pioneer model of interfaith cooperation. Lima said: “It is probably the oldest religious body of its kind in the United States and owes its existence to the vision of Msgr. Royale Vadakin, Rabbi Alfred Wolf and the Rev. Canon Harold Hultgren.”

After last year’s civil unrest, the council created the Interfaith Coalition to Heal Los Angeles. Two months after the riots, the coalition staged a “Hands Across Los Angeles” rally. Thousands of persons joined hands on Western Avenue from Sunset Boulevard to Florence Avenue to demonstrate their solidarity and commitment to healing Los Angeles.

A year before the civil disturbances, the council began sponsoring dialogues in homes across the city between religious and ethnic groups.

Lima’s interest in interfaith activities dates to his seminary years at St. John’s in Camarillo in the 1980s. The priest later studied at the Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem and at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. (He also holds degrees in architecture from Osmania University in his native city of Hyderabad, India, and Cal Poly Pomona.)

Asked about his philosophy of interfaith relations, he said: “I think, ultimately, that whatever the dogmas and doctrines we so possessively cling onto, our icons are like windows through which we see a mystery greater than ourselves.

“The interreligious council seeks to discover the commonality in all religions,” the new president said. “Los Angeles is like a microcosm of the world. If we can do it here,” he added, laughing hopefully, “we can do it in the world.”

In an effort to seek commonality here, Lima said, the council has issued invitations to religious leaders for an inaugural breakfast for Mayor-elect Richard Riordan immediately before his swearing-in ceremony Thursday. Youths representing four racial and ethnic groups will speak on their dreams for tomorrow.

In collaboration with the Los Angeles Festival, the council will sponsor a citywide cultural program in September at the Hollywood Bowl entitled “All People--One City: Celebrating Reconciliation and Renewal.” Lima said the program will feature performances by members of Los Angeles’ various ethnic and religious communities.

For information on the council, phone (213) 617-3433

DATES

Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre holds its family fiesta today from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission, parking and entertainment are free. Mexican, Italian, Asian and American food is featured. The program includes music, dancing, rides, games, bingo and ponies. Proceeds from food sales and booths benefit the retreat ministry. 700 N. Sunnyside Ave. (818) 355-7188.

The Filipino Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) celebrates its 60th anniversary Sunday. The day’s activities begin with a 9 a.m. open house featuring historical films and memorabilia. Worship begins at 11 a.m., followed by a gala luncheon and entertainment. 301 N. Union Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 483-5821.

Congregation Kol Ami has launched a monthly havurah (circle of friends) for HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS. Led by Rabbi Denise Eger, the group meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. Participants are encouraged to investigate their Jewishness in the context of health, a holiday or other relevant topics. For information, phone (213) 893-2838.

Hindu leader Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami visits Los Angeles this weekend from his headquarters in Hawaii. The founder and publisher of the journal Hinduism Today will appear tonight at the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center in Chatsworth and at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Malibu Hindu Temple. For information on the visit, contact Satish Kumar at (310) 399-2976.

OPPORTUNITIES

More than 170 fatherless children, ranging in age from 7 to 14, have applied to Catholic Big Brothers for a volunteer to befriend them. Now, many of these children have to wait as long as three years to be assigned a Big Brother. In addition to addressing the needs of at-risk children of single parents, the non-sectarian organization serves hearing-impaired children ages 6 to 18. If you would like to become a Big Brother and share your friendship with a boy or girl in your neighborhood, you may apply by calling Catholic Big Brothers at (213) 251-9800 (V/TDD). The phone number for Jewish Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Los Angeles is (213) 852-1173. Both agencies are affiliated with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, (213) 258-3333.

Dozens of support and therapy groups are offered by Jewish Family Service, a non-sectarian agency. Topics include achieving healthy adult relationships, adjusting to separation and divorce, adults with disabilities, creativity and self-esteem in the artist’s world, life after layoff, cult clinic family support, psychotherapy and seniors exploration of values. For a list and information, phone (213) 852-1234, ext. 2620.

BRIEFLY

Marjorie Suchocki will become the first female academic dean of the School of Theology at Claremont and its vice president for academic affairs, effective Thursday. The former academic dean and professor of systematic theology at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., succeeds the Rev. Allen J. Moore.

Southern California Presbyterian Homes installed new board members recently, including John G. Sonneborn Jr. of Helendale, as chairman, Ted A. Behr of Glendale as vice chairman, Judith S. Canfield of La Crescenta, Norman F. Gruber of Camarillo, Thornton H. Hamlin of San Marino, and David E. MacLeod of Long Beach.

Hollywood Seventh-day Adventist Church welcomes former Pastor and Mrs. Jim Neergaard home on furlough with celebrations this weekend.

Isaac Malinovich, who will turn 100 on July 4, will be honored at services Friday evening and Saturday morning, July 2-3, at Temple Beth Ami in Reseda, and by a blood drive Thursday, 3:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the temple. (818) 343-4624 . . . Milt Hyman is the new president of Sinai Temple of West Los Angeles.

The Historic Foundation of St. John’s Church in Elizabeth, N.J., one of the nation’s oldest churches, is trying to contact persons associated with the church who have moved away. Write M. Dorlon, St. John’s Church, 61 Broad St., Elizabeth, N.J. 07201, or phone (908) 352-1218.

Notices may be sent to Southern California File by mail c/o Religion Editor, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or by fax to (213) 237-4712. Items must be brief and arrive at least three weeks before the event. Include a phone number, date, time and full address.