 "Most
fundamentally, interfaith is respect. Respect for different
traditions, different religions, different faiths. It is coming
to understand them. And more, it is coming to love them. The
recognition of the oneness in all its diversity of expression,
that is the basis of interfaith"
-The Very Reverend James Parks Morton
Former dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC
 "Within
human beings there are so many different mental dispositions
that one religion or one philosophy simply cannot, I believe,
be sufficient to satisfy the whole world with such a large
number of human beings. I think it's clear that a variety
of philosophies and traditions is much more useful to a variety
of human beings."
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama, New York City, 1991
What is Interfaith?
 Interfaith
is a philosophy of celebrating unity within diversity. Interfaith
is a way of finding common ground, it takes no position on
any organized religion but rejoices in all expressions of
love of Spirit and of each other. It is not a religion itself
but seeks to create bridges of respect and understanding between
one set of beliefs and traditions and another.
Interfaith emphasizes the universal spiritual principles
of love, service and human compassion as taught by all the
world's faiths. Acceptance and celebration of our differences
while acknowledging our oneness in Spirit is at the heart
of Interfaith. Recognizing that all of the world's faiths
contain divine inspiration and guidance for living our lives
in love and fellowship, Interfaith encourages each of us to
be a living expression of our own spiritual values while opening
our hearts, minds and spirits to all of the different expressions
of Truth we find on our diverse and beautiful planet.
 What
is an Interfaith Minister?
Interfaith ministers are trained professionals, ordained by
one of several Interfaith Seminaries in the US and abroad. Interfaith
ministers can serve as companions and guides in helping people
to deepen or reclaim the nourishment of their own religious
roots while opening their hearts to the wisdom and beauty of
other traditions and teachings.
Regardless of their own religious tradition or spiritual
path, Interfaith ministers are trained professionals who:
 |
Are dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of all
those who seek their guidance, counsel, and assistance,
without regard to race, religion, socioeconomic status,
sexual orientation, ethnic background, gender or age. |
| |
|
|
Have chosen to learn about, respect, and appreciate
the diversity of paths to the Divine and to look for the
universal truth in each one. |
| |
|
|
Seeks to promote understanding, harmony, and love among
people by emphasizing what is universal in the teachings
of the many spiritual paths and faith traditions. |
| |
|
|
Are committed to the ongoing deepening of their own
spiritual practice and connection to the Divine, so that
their service to others is always grounded in the integrity
of their own spiritual life. |
 More
Information about Interfaith
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of interfaith organizations,
educational programs, communities, publications, faith communities,
and ministers on the internet. Below I've listed just a few
of the ones that I am particularly familiar with. Please don't
hesitate to contact me if you would like further information
about anything you see on this page or referrals to other
information.
Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
The mission of the Council for a Parliament of the World's
Religions is to cultivate harmony among the world's religious
and spiritual communities and foster their engagement with
the world and its other guiding institutions in order to achieve
a peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
The
Harvard Pluralism Project
The mission is to help Americans engage with the realities
of religious diversity through research, outreach, and the
active dissemination of resources.
The
Institute of Interfaith Dialogue
 The
Institute of Interfaith Dialog is a non-profit organization
whose primary goal is to bring together the global communities
in order to promote compassion, cooperation, partnership and
community service through interfaith dialog and conversation.
The IID is dedicated to encouraging the study of the global
communities' spiritual traditions from the vantage point of
respect, accuracy, and appreciation.
Interfaith
Calendar
This website shows the primary sacred times for world religions
and includes links to the Religions News Desk with links to
current news of the world's religions and a complete glossary
of terms from all of the world's faiths.
Interreligious
Insight
A journal of dialogue and engagement.
LOTUS - Light of Truth Universal Shrine
The Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS) is a unique temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the Light within all faiths. Individual altars represent and honor the different world religions. The vision, design and inspiration of Sri Swami Satchidananda, the LOTUS was dedicated in 1986.
North American
Interfaith Network
 The
North American Interfaith Network is a non-profit association
of interfaith organizations and agencies in Canada, Mexico
and the United States.
One
Spirit Learning Alliance & Interfaith Seminary
One Spirit Learning Alliance was formed to provide in-depth
education and training for individuals seeking to further
their personal and spiritual growth, to be more skillful in
all areas of life, or to enter a professional ministerial
career.
Rutgers
University Virtual Religions Index
The
Temple of Understanding
The TOU has developed ongoing programs that offer interfaith
education for adults, seminarians, college students, and youth.
At the foundation of our interfaith educational agenda is
the firm belief that religion is one of the most profound
and intimate aspects of culture and that interfaith education
is essential to the task of creating a culture of peace. The
TOU works to support the aims, principles, and activities
of the United Nations by advocating for recognition of religious,
spiritual, and ethical values in UN documents, committees,
programs and conferences.
United Religions
Initiative
 The
purpose of the United Religions Initiative is to promote enduring,
daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated
violence and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing
for the Earth and all living beings.
World
Congress of Faiths
WCF works to develop better understanding, co-operation and
respect between people of different faiths.
|
