Enlarge Arissa El-Amin (left) and Lea Evelyn Tatich at the Xchange Sermons lunch discussion.

Posted: February 11th, 2010 Tonya Jameson

They were Jewish, Christian, Catholic, Muslim and undecided. They were mothers, fathers, youth directors and spiritual leaders. They reflected the changing face of faith in Charlotte, and Wednesday, Feb. 10, they met for lunch to talk about those changes.

They are us — the collection of transplants and natives who call this growing New South city home.

The discussion at Sonoma Modern restaurant was part of the ongoing Xchange Sermons program. For more than a hour, nearly two dozen people met to talk about their spiritual journeys as well as attitudes regarding difference in faith.

“It’s good to hear about other people’s beliefs,” said Robert Ferrin. “A lot of people think Charlotte is whitewashed. There really is a lot of dynamics in this city. Being involved in something like this, you get to see what the city is about.

If the group was any barometer, the city is about embracing change. It takes commitment to spend nearly two hours in the middle of the afternoon talking about religion. Charlotte is still part of the Bible Belt, and transplants often observe that people ask them where they go to church.

Vicki Jones made one of the most revealing observations. Jones describes herself as spiritual, but not religious. She’s hesitant to admit she doesn’t adhere to a specific faith.

Here’s the surprising part: Whenever she describes herself as spiritual not religious, people often tell her about their struggles with religion.

Despite the city’s conservative roots, Xchange Sermons participants say they’re optimistic that more people are embracing religious diversity. Participants also emphasized the importance of recognizing similarities in religions, but also recognizing the differences as well. Many had high hopes for today’s youth.

“The younger generation now is much more open,” said Andy Smith during his small group discussion. “It really opens the door to new friendships and dialogue.

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