The universal language of respect
With one word, plaza to honor 3 religious icons
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Le respect. El respeto. Rispetto. Eerbied. Poštovanje. Su ton trong.
Houston, an international city of unparalleled diversity, knows what it means.
The words will be etched in a new “Plaza of Respect” and sculpture garden honoring the collaborative work of three local iconic figures in religious synergy — retired Roman Catholic Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza; Rabbi Samuel Karff, the emeritus leader of Congregation Beth Israel; and the Rev. William Lawson, founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.
The Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston on Wednesday announced a $1 million naming gift for the new plaza, which will feature three “Pillars of Light” sculptures to honor
the Houston leaders at the nonprofit’s Midtown headquarters.
Bashar Kalai, CEO and founder of the Houston-based oil and gas engineering technology firm Amerapex Corp., and his wife, Brigitte, were inspired to make the $1 million commitment because of their love for the city and their Muslim faith.
“It celebrates three people who have dedicated more than money — they have dedicated their lives,” he said. “They have given everything to promote civil rights, to promote equality and to help the homeless, the least fortunate among us. Interfaith Ministries represents all of us — different shades, different colors, different religions.”
Bashar Kalai added that the plaza is a symbol of Houston’s diversity, which he considers the city’s greatest strength. Beyond ‘tolerance’
The plaza will transform the outdoor space of the Interfaith Ministries headquarters at 3303 Main to offer the community “a gathering place, inspiring artwork and an educational component about the many faiths of Houston,” the organization announced.
Beyond the plaza, its pillars and a meditation garden, the word “respect” will be featured along the top edge of the building spelled out in multiple languages.
Interfaith Ministries began a $14 million capital campaign several years ago to consolidate operations in Midtown. The final $2.5 million of the goal was for the plaza’s construction and a reserve fund to maintain the space.
Fiorenza, Karff and Lawson, all now in their 80s and often referred to as the Three Wise Men, expressed deep gratitude for the gift and the honor while reflecting on why the plaza will be an important symbol for Houston.
The retired archbishop said the plaza focused on “respect” and not “tolerance” for good reason. “Tolerance does not really fully comprehend what all of our faith traditions teach us,” Fiorenza said. “Tolerance … does not really express the love that we should have for one another. … That is our great dignity and when we show that respect for one another, it reflects the fact that we acknowledge that we are children of the one loving God.”
Lawson said the project proves that the community is embracing the mission of the organization, founded more than six decades ago.
“So many people saw what Interfaith Ministries is trying to teach us and accepted that as the truth,” he said. “We are all delighted to share with Interfaith Ministries’ belief that we are going to get beyond the time we are fighting each other and look forward to the time we respect each other.” ‘Greatness of Houston’
Karff said Houstonians have lived out the example they have tried to set by guiding the conscience of Houston on issues from racial inequality to homelessness since the 1980s.
“We are grateful to be symbols of a larger cause,” the rabbi said. “The record shows that we handle pluralism and multiculturalism about as well or better than most communities in this country. It is part of the greatness of Houston.”
The Kalais have 20th-century immigrant roots.
Bashar Kalai, an engineer, was born in India to Syrian parents, went to high school in Dubai and earned a degree at the University of Texas at Austin.
Brigitte Kalai, who grew up in Houston and studied nursing at UT’s Houston campus, has a father from Louisiana and an Egyptian immigrant mother. They are the parents of two sons — an 11th-grader at The Kincaid School and a Rice University student.
“Coming from an interfaith, multicultural family myself, this represents me,” Brigitte Kalai said.
“Having this plaza where they can come and touch it and click on it and learn about the different faiths and the different cultures makes all the difference in all of us living here and making this a better place.”
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston is a United Way agency that provides Meals on Wheels and refugee services, manages Volunteer Houston and hosts discussions that advance interfaith relations and community partnerships.