Troublesome contradictions, violence, and heated arguments dominate religious headlines today. But a deeper, softer story is dawning as well:

Soon thousands of Coloradans will be taking significant personal steps in celebration of religious diversity. And they will do so using the most ordinary of experiences - a shared meal around a common table. That's the vision of Dave and Kay Corby of Parker and of two other Denver area couples . . . and is the purpose of the organization they've founded, Common Tables, LLC.

"All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

The Common Tables model is a simple one: Members join Common Tables, either as individuals or as pairs, by visiting the website at www.CommonTables.org, providing some basic personal data and paying a $25.00 annual administrative fee.

They are then introduced into a diverse group, called a Table, which consists of four members - or member pairs. Member Tables are formed with a goal of maximizing the diversity of religious, spiritual and/or philosophical beliefs while maintaining a general geographic proximity for members. Over the following six month cycle each Table will get together four times - typically for dinner and most commonly in a member's home.

Members are asked only to begin their six months with open hearts and with a spirit of curiosity. Most will end their first cycle with new friends and with an expanded optimism about what's possible for the world.

Common Tables' vision recognizes that in all religious, spiritual and philosophical belief systems, the simple act of sharing a meal together is also a symbolic act of great significance. They see millions of diverse people breaking bread together. Here a Baha'i, a Baptist, a Hindu and a Jew are gathered around a Common Table. There perhaps a Catholic, a Buddhist, a Muslim, and a Taoist are sharing a meal.

And here is what to many will be an interesting point: Their picture doesn't really involve people sitting around a Common Table engaged in deep religious or philosophical discussions - though it is recognized that there will be some of that. The vision is much simpler:

"Our ideal is that most of the conversation in the majority of our groups will be simple, non-judgmental, getting-to-know-you sorts of dialogues. We hope members talk about their children and grandchildren and their gardens and about the price of a loaf of bread. Our prayer is that our members will simply get to know one another and that in that knowing they will discover that they have much in common. That they share many of the same hopes and dreams", said Dave Corby.

For additional information about the Common Tables model for interfaith dialogue, visit their website at www. CommonTables.org. At this time Common Tables is accepting members from through out the United States. An international roll out will soon follow.