NEWPORT — On New Year's Eve, the third annual Interfaith Service for World Peace will take on added importance as a way to build relationships between people of different faiths after the events of Sept. 11, says Karen Dabdoub.

        “The statement made by the service is very important,” said Ms. Dabdoub, administrator of the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati. “Perhaps more important is the relationships it has built in the last two years. I see relationships growing and deepening. We are building a strong interfaith community, becoming more active, holding more events.”

        The service — 2:30-4 p.m. Monday at The Syndicate ballroom — involves representatives from 10 of Greater Cincinnati's various religions and cultures for prayer, music and ritual.

        “Having people from different religions getting to know each other on a person-to-person basis is so important,” Ms. Dabdoub said.

        “It doesn't start with governments; it starts with people. From there it grows.

        “Based on those relationships, when there are problems and difficulties to be resolved we have a basis on which to do that because we know each other,” she said.

        Cynthia Goodman, executive director of the World Peace Bell Education Program, said there is “heightened interest” in the service this year.

        “We will have Quaker representatives involved this year, in addition to Baha'i, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Native American,” she said.

        Jeanne Marie Brightfire, chairwoman of the North American Indian Council of Greater Cincinnati and president-elect of the Interethnic Council of Greater Cincinnati, said the service is more important this year than ever.

        “I've seen more trust and respect since we started the interfaith service,” she said. “We can have differences in our beliefs, but we honor our beliefs. And I love (the service) because the children participate. No one is left out.”

        The North American Indian Council Shawl Dancers will perform what is known as “Walking on the Muddy Road,” followed by Ms. Brightfire, dressed in red, white and blue, performing “God Bless America” in original Native American sign language.

        Other highlights are:

        • a procession of religious and civic leaders.

        • a Baha'i youth workshop

        • the World Peace Bell Interfaith Youth Choir.

        • Buddhist monks chanting.

        • Hindu chorus, Jain dancers and liturgical dancers.

        • the ringing of the World Peace Bell.

        Admission is free to the service, which is organized by the World Peace Bell Education Program and the Brueggeman Center for Interreligious Dialogue at Xavier University. Doors to The Syndicate, 18 E. Fifth St., open at 2 p.m.

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