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LETTER FROM ANN ARBOR: Cross-purposes
They meet monthly to discuss maintenance of their shared home. Sometimes they argue about money or decorating or who may use a certain space. But as roommates here for 25 years, Temple Beth Emeth and St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church have maintained a unique connection based on fiscal need, institutional cooperation and religious integrity.
Beth Emeth and St. Clare co-own a house of worship in a residential section of this laid-back university town. Their partnership, called Genesis of Ann Arbor, is the oldest of several such inter-religious agreements operating in North America. The two-story, white Genesis building is marked by two adjacent metal symbols: a cross and a Star of David. "People do a double take" when they first see them, said Jackie Moore, Genesis' administrator.
Inside, however, there's no mixing of religious symbolism or practice. "I learned right away that the organizations don't link their religions to one another," said Rabbi Bob Levy, who has served the Reform Beth Emeth for 17 years.
Ms. Moore refers to "the sharing of a building, not the sharing of religion." She and the congregations operate separate offices along a common corridor. They share the classrooms, social hall, chapel and sanctuary.
Beth Emeth worships on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. St. Clare prays on Sunday mornings. Written rules are "specific about how early the church can get in on Saturday for a wedding and...