Viatorian Priest Honored in Washington
9/13/2011
Photo by Senna Ahmad

Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, was recognized this month by members of the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign during a Sept. 11 commemorative event in Washington.

The interfaith campaign formed one year ago by the Islamic Society of North America, and drew 26 diverse faith groups dedicated to ending anti-Muslim sentiment across the country.

Fr. Brost is one of four religious leaders from across different regions of the country to be honored. The others came from Boise, Detroit and Corvallis, Oregon.

Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign leaders recognized him for starting the Children of Abraham project last year. The coalition includes Saint Viator High School students as well as teenagers and adults from local Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities.

They meet regularly to discuss their faith traditions and identify ways to promote religious understanding and tolerance.

“I’m the one going, but I’m really representing the group,” Fr. Brost said before he left. “The honor really goes to all the young people and adults who have made a commitment to work for interfaith peace in the suburbs.”
Shoulder to Shoulder officials pointed to Fr. Brost’s study of Islam while earning his divinity degree at Chicago’s Catholic Theological Union with heightening his understanding of the worldwide faith.

“Realizing that Islam is a religion of peace, and eager to end the lack of understanding that keeps communities apart, he founded the Children of Abraham,” Shoulder to Shoulder officials said in their profile of Fr. Brost. “He uses dialogue, service and education to strengthen a community and end bigotry.”