CORNER Reaching Common Ground After The Passion (NAPSA)—The Mel Gibson movie “The Passion of the Christ” spurred much controversy and concern that it may have hurt Christian-Jewish relations. In response, one young womandecided to create a $100,000 student essay contest aimed at building bridges between the tworeligions. “A great opportunity had been missed,” said Elizabeth Goldhirsh, a 25year-old Master’s student in Theological Studies at Harvard University. “The diaGoldhirsh logue was entirely shaped by criticism and divisiveness. No one made any room to talk about the common ground shared by Christians and Jews.” With help from the Reverend Christopher Leighton of the Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies (CJS), Goldhirsh launched the “Reaching Common Ground” essay contest. It’s designed to encourage 16- to 22-year-olds to explore the bonds shared by the twofaiths, with the goal of fostering mutual understanding. Contestants must write an essay responding to one of three theological questions posed on the organization’s Web site. Entries must be submitted by July 30, 2004. First prize is $25,000; second prize, $10,000. The 10 third prizes are $5,000 each and 15 fourth prizes are $1,000 each. In addition, winners will be eligible to become ICJS Fellows and participate in weekend retreats of interfaith learning and dialog. For contest rules and other information, see www.reaching commonground.com.
