11/14/2024
Thoughts about Pastor Clarence Knippa's mission for unity from his daughter, Jane Knippa Frost:
"As we grew up, my dad always taught me and my four siblings to respect and be kind to others... loving all people regardless of their faith, race, occupation, and other defining characteristics. When my dad retired, the gift of establishing a lecture series in his name was a meaningful way to honor his legacy of interfaith ministry in Tulsa.
"The best way to accomplish unity among diverse peoples, he thought, was encouraging individuals to make a personal commitment to become better informed about what others think and believe. To help people gain an understanding of various groups and their religions, my dad thought it was important to invite individuals to share their beliefs through a venue like the Knippa Lecture Series. By hosting speakers from all religions, faiths, and beliefs, the messages they share will help each of us better understand groups we might not be familiar with.
"Through this understanding, we can build a sense of unity, which also helps build tolerance—a vital part of loving our neighbor.
"The Knippa Interfaith / Ecumenical Lecture Series will continue to be an avenue for all to come together and meet peoples of various faiths with differing beliefs so that one day, we might all be able to love one another."
