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A Practical Guide for Embracing the Growing Religious Pluralism in America
"In the process of [interfaith] engagement, we discover … a world in which our faith is richer, deeper, and more contextualized, and God's very Self is seen in more of its fullness."
—from the Introduction
This practical guide to the key methods and resources of the interfaith movement will help you effectively engage people of other faith traditions in order to increase understanding and acceptance in your community and beyond.
Drawing on the knowledge and experience of interfaith leaders from the world's many faith traditions—Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Bahá'í Faith, Jainism, Shinto, Sikh Faith, Taoism, Zoroastrianism—this comprehensive resource provides practical ideas for connecting with people of all faiths and backgrounds through common concerns and activities that promote respect and support. It enables communities rich with diversity to work together to create paths toward peace and justice.
Contributors:
Rev. Dirk Ficca • Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy • Rabbi Carol Harris-Shapiro • Bud Heckman • Abby Stamelman Hocky, MSW • April Kunze • Rev. Dr. Clark Lobenstine • Rori Picker Neiss • Dr. Eboo Patel • Noah Silverman • Rev. Susan Teegen-Case • Rev. Dr. Francis Tiso
"Provides vital [information] on how interreligious dialogue can be developed on a community level. Contributors … share valuable insights in a very readable fashion."
—John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, PhD, professor of social ethics and director, Catholic-Jewish Studies Program, Catholic Theological Union; president, International Council of Christians and Jews
"A critical resource for those leading their communities past intolerance and fear into hope, understanding, and social change. Inspires the reader while providing cutting-edge methods to help communities build trust and celebrate our diversity and common goals."
—Rev. Jennifer Butler, executive director, Faith in Public Life
"A wonderful handbook that should be on the bookshelf of every member of the clergy. It provides practical and inspirational resources for communal interfaith programming."
—Rabbi Leonard A. Schoolman, director, The Center for Religious Inquiry, Saint Bartholomew's Church, New York; author, The Changing Christian World: A Brief Introduction for Jews
“Shows how practically dialogue can deepen our understanding and practice of our own faith traditions and at the same time help us to develop an understanding and respect for the faith traditions of others.”
—Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, national director, Interfaith and Community Alliance, Islamic Society of North America
“A book that can make a dramatic difference. Will enable communities to think constructively about religious difference in conversation across the divides. Anyone seriously interested in dialogue and peace between the different religious traditions must read this book.”
—The Very Rev. Ian Markham, PhD, dean and president of Virginia Theological Seminary
“A must read for those of us involved in national faith-based organizations and an excellent guide for working in our local communities. It has a wealth of background information and a very useful resource section. The guidelines for language use is very important for our dialogue in multifaith groups. Our communication colleagues will find this a very important book to have in their libraries for reference.”
—Shirley Whipple Struchen, executive director, Religion Communicators Council
Foreword by Rev. Dirk Ficca
Acknowledgments
INTRODUCTION
Interfaith Dialogue: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
PART I
Creating Interreligious Community through Dialogue
1. Dialogue through Conversation—Spoken Dialogue
by Rev. Dr. Francis Tiso
2. Dialogue through Arts—"Opening the World's Door"
by Abby Stamelman Hocky, MSW, Rev. Susan Teegen-Case, and Rabbi Carol Harris-Shapiro
3. Dialogue through Observation and Participation— Interfaith Prayer Services
by Rev. Dr. Clark Lobenstine
PART II
Living Interreligious Dialogue through Service and Advocacy
4. Action through Service—From Shared Values to Common Action
by Dr. Eboo Patel, April Kunze, and Noah Silverman
5. Action through Advocacy: Many Faiths, Common Purpose
by Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy
PART III
Interfaith Resources
6. Brief Overview of Faith Traditions
7. Interfaith Organizations and the Web
8. Suggestions for Other Resources
Appendix A
A Taxonomy of Interfaith
by Bud Heckman
Appendix B
A Closer Look at Swidler's "Dialogue Decalogue"
by Rev. Dr. Francis Tiso
Appendix C
A Formal Model: The West Coast Dialogue of Catholics and Muslims
by Rev. Dr. Francis Tiso
Notes
About the Contributors
About Religions for Peace
Index