I recently visited Eugene’s monthly Interfaith Prayer Service. I thoroughly enjoyed the sharing of heartfelt prayers, songs and beliefs. As I listened to people from many faiths express their love for God, I felt how our “unity in diversity” can contribute to a beautiful and complete understanding of each other. I believe this is a role model for how we can realize peace on this earth.

Having been raised in a Christian Science family, I learned that God is all good and loves everyone unconditionally. We each express this love in many ways. I am grateful I was able to demonstrate this during my career as a San Francisco police officer.

I joined the department in 1970 and served for 32 years in a number of capacities, including foot and radio car patrol, plainclothes and undercover, and outreach work with youths. I had many experiences that taught me that knowing divine love’s presence blesses all.

In the late 1970s the Iranian people were striving to overthrow the Shah and install a new government. The Iranian Consulate in San Francisco was located in an upper floor of a financial district high-rise, and the ground floor of the building was the scene of frequent serious demonstrations. One or two squads from our police station were always assigned to these demonstrations to “keep the peace.”

One day my partner and I were on radio car patrol and came across approximately 150 Iranian demonstrators “ready for action” totally unknown to the department brass. It all happened very fast, but my knowledge of the spiritual goodness in all others kicked in. As they were clearly ready to enter the building to occupy the consulate, I approached the leader while my partner radioed in the situation.

I felt no fear. I knew inherently that God’s love, power and care for all was governing. I said I respected that they were part of a cause, and I lightheartedly added that it would embarrass my partner and me if they overran us and took over the consulate. Their leader and I both sort of laughed and he went back to the group for a serious discussion with his fellow leaders. They then laughed a little and he returned to my partner and me and told us they would just demonstrate as usual despite the unimposing police presence. I believe our mutual respect and empathy learned through our different religious backgrounds stopped an ugly incident before it began. We respected their point of view and they respected ours.

Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, wrote, “One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself.’ ”

I believe that just as God provides every snowflake with a shape and beauty of its own, so God does for every person.

If we can respect each other and learn from and enjoy our differences, rather than letting them bring fear and disrespect, then we really can reflect God and enjoy our lives in mutual harmony.

Walter Scott lives part-time in Eugene and is a member of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance, which brings spiritual perspectives and solutions to issues in our communities. For more information, visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 344-5693.