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NAINEWS& I NTERFAITH DIGEST T HE NEWSLETTER OF THE N ORTH AMERICAN INTERFAITH NETWORK ~ FALL 1999/SPRING 2000 ~
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by Joel Beversluis
Among the features of NAIN’s 1999 annual conference at Chautauqua was the keynote speech by Dr. Diana Eck, Professor of Religion at Harvard University. In it, she reflected on the significance of religious diversity and interfaith activity in contemporary culture. Well- known in academia and interfaith circles as an author on Hinduism, Diana Eck is an International Vice-President of the World Conference on Religion and Peace, and a consultant on interfaith dialogue with the World Council of Churches.
In her speech, Dr. Eck described the impact of the growing religious and cultural diversity in North America as well efforts by the Pluralism Project at Harvard, which she directs, to document that diversity. The Pluralism Project sponsors research by students and other research affiliates, a web site—and a remarkable CD-ROM titled On Common Ground: World Religions in America, as well as extensive archives on religious communities.
Like many others who remain actively engaged in NAIN, Diana attended NAIN’s first conference in Wichita in 1988 and continues to reflect on the role of the interfaith movement:
"A lot has happened in this decade since NAIN began, and has been of historic importance for North America. . . . There’s no time in our history when the challenge of living with our deepest differences is greater than it is today. And what you represent, as intentional and active participants in the interfaith movement, is nothing short of being the vanguard of the new millennium--pioneers—with all of the discouragement and difficulties that may come, as you struggle to get interfaith work off the ground in your own communities and in your own religious traditions. This is the seed of what is inevitably the kind of encounter that our entire society will be about in the years ahead. So you are making history."
As a professor and historian of religion, Diana also
urges her colleagues to pay attention:
"to take as a matter of research
the tremendous historical importance of this moment in American history: A
Jain temple opens in Cleveland, Ohio. Our scholars should be there, studying
this. You, in the interfaith network should be there, participating in this.
A large Islamic center opens in St. Louis, as happened this spring. Or a big
Durga temple in Fairfax, Virginia. This is an incredibly important moment
in American religious history. Those of us who are teachers and scholars need
to be studying this. It’s a rare chance. The history of religions, as I tell
some of my colleagues, and need to tell them again and again, isn’t over.
The history of religion is still happening. And it’s happening right before
our very eyes."
Diana also spoke of new opportunities, especially in education:
"Most university and college chaplaincies are way out of date in terms of who’s there in the colleges. Current programs and buildings, such as the little white chapel at Smith College where I attended, can’t begin to accommodate the Hindu group on campus, or the Islamic student group.
"One of the things that (NAIN Chair) Peter Laurence is very much at the forefront of is looking at how universities and college campuses are beginning to cope with a very different college age demography. Interfaith groups can be of help to whatever college and junior college/university is in your area to help them think about a truly new shape of college chaplaincy and college religious life. So that’s one big challenge."
"Public schools are, of course, another one. I don’t think there’s any place where inter-religious dialogue can be more active—on the ground—than in public schools in North America today. The schools need your help. In fact, the Dallas metropolitan school district actually was involved in creating the interfaith council there, to some extent, because they said `we need help’ in knowing how to deal with the new student population in Dallas."
Reflecting the findings from Pluralism Project research, Dr. Eck also spoke of other needs and opportunities: zoning boards that face new questions about architecture, parking, and housing requirements midst prejudice against new kinds of religious communities; prayer and festival observances in schools, businesses and government; broadening visions of military and institutional chaplaincies; and other arenas of life in North America affected by the presence of the world’s religions.
Diana also told some stories and encouraged us to tell both the good stories of success and cooperation as well as bad news:
"If we think back across the last year we remember the fire-bombings of the three synagogues in Sacramento, of the shootings at the Jewish daycare center north of Los Angeles, of the Hindu temple in Atlanta that has been vandalized five times in a nine-month period. Or the arson of the mosque in Minneapolis in March of this last year. Or the throwing of a concrete block through the front door of the mosque in Villa Park, Illinois, in May of this past year.
"These are the kind of stories we need to begin to gather and think about together, where it’s not going so well. We can talk a lot about unity, about the `feel good’ side of the interfaith movement, but the interfaith movement has a lot of work to do in beginning to grapple with some of the difficulties that religious difference poses in the communities of North America. We need to name those difficulties, to be aware of them; we need to share them with one another."
"And on the other side, we need also to celebrate and gather the stories about where things are going well. . . Those stories also need to be shared. . . . Even though those are some of the most important things going on in our society today, nobody is going to write them up in the newspaper unless you make news out of them in some way."
We agree with Dr. Diana Eck and thank her for her work helping to identify and honor minority religions in North America!
by Peter Laurence, Ed.D., Chair
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Horizons Interfaith Council (Agincourt, Ontario) |
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Interfaith Community Ministry Network (Houston, Texas) |
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Inter-religious Council of Linn County (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) |
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Cao Dai Overseas Missionary (North Potomac, Maryland) |
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Cambridge Zen Center (Cambridge, Massachusetts) |
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The Council of Churches and Synagogues (Stamford, Conn.) |
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Tarrant Interfaith Council (Fort Worth, Texas), and the |
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World Council of Churches (New York City office). |
There were a few changes on the Board of Directors. Two new members were added: Mr. Christopher White, representing the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States; and Brother Mujahid Ramadan, representing the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada. The Rev. Dr. Harold Vogelaar submitted his resignation with regrets. Christy Lohr has agreed to take over as chair of the Young Adult Committee. A Nominating Committee was established, and will be chaired this first year by Elizabeth Espersen. Our consultant, Joel Beversluis, will take over as webmaster of NAINet in addition to his duties as editor of NAINews.
Finally, in support of our desire to make attendance more readily accessible for young adults, we were able to provide four scholarships this past year. Scholarships provide one-half the cost of transportation, food and lodging for young adults in the 18-35 age bracket who are sponsored by a member organization. In addition, we offered to waive the registration fee for one young adult from each member organization. Scholarship recipients for 1999 were Geeta Makhija, Interfaith Dialogue Association; Dinesh Singh, Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action; Priyadarshi Shukla, Gobind Sadan, USA; and Ji Hyang Sunim, Cambridge Zen Center.
Dr. Lila Fahlman
It was beautiful in late August at Lake Chautauqua in upstate New York where we held the 1999 NAIN Connect. Every morning, before sunrise, a small group from NAINConnect99 gathered along the shore of the lake. Some of us waded in; others sat or stood on the pier. The young Buddhists in their brightly colored garments laughed and talked with us, who were their elders by some forty, fifty or sixty years. What a beautiful interfaith experience!
Slowly the sun rose over the horizon, as the sea gulls flew overhead, adding to our spiritual joy. Suddenly all was quiet. The reddish orange sun slowly rose from the other side of the lake. No one spoke. It was a moment so spiritual, we were all immersed in the feelings which pervaded our bodies and minds. The silence lasted until the sun was well into the sky, above the lake. Slowly, we moved away from the pier. We walked with each other up the long hill, towards our residence. Our minds and hearts were content and focused now on the wholesome breakfast awaiting us at the Hall.
In my reflections, I was taken back to my home in Canada. Every morning, from the twentieth floor balcony of my condominium, I am blessed by a beautiful valley and a forest of trees with multiple shades of green, red, and yellow. Beyond the trees, the sun rises between tall buildings across the Saskatchewan River. A special feeling emanates from the youth that I see down below, hurrying along to their classes at the University of Alberta. They travel on foot, bikes and roller blades.
In Chautauqua, I’m enjoying the youth here who share their visions of the future and their faith with us. The love of our Creator is everywhere. The air is cool and fresh-smelling. Here in the "spiritual garden" in Chautauqua, I am in my mosque.
I am grateful to my colleagues on our NAIN Board for choosing such a spiritual site for our 1999 Conference, for it made me feel I had never left home. Recalling Chautauqua also takes me back to NAIN in Columbia, South Carolina and to Thanksgiving Square in Dallas, and the beautiful people with whom I’ve been so privileged to meet. Thank you all for being there.
Now, we have finished our nourishing breakfast and conversations with friends, old and new. An exciting program awaits us in the various lecture rooms to challenge our hearts and minds.
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Dr. Ross Mackenzie, Chair of the Religion Department of Chautauqua Institution, welcomed NAIN conferees to the community with enthusiasm for the ideals of the interfaith movement. Noting Chautaqua’s struggle with anti-semitism and ethnic exclusion, he claimed that organizations and movements like NAIN are the wave of the future, and that we must consult wisdom of the religions on issues such as peace and human rights.
Sikh musicians from Toronto led one of the morning meditation and worship services. Similar optional services are offered at each NAIN conference, organized by the local interfaith organization that hosts the event.
by Virginia Thony
The main topic of discussion during the Young Adults Forum at NAINConnect99 was how to encourage young adult participation at NAIN Connect meetings. For the past two years, NAIN has offered several scholarships to enable them to travel to, and participate in, NAINConnect. The scholarships are applied towards the cost of food, housing, and transportation.
NAIN has again taken the economic route this year, encouraging young adult participation by waiving the registration fee for one young adult from each member organization. However, as one of the members of the Forum pointed out, there is still a long way to go in assuring that young adults have a voice at future NAINConnects. Several suggestions were brought up in the August meeting, and one proposal was to challenge member organizations to open up our own faith organizations in helping young adults find ways to network and connect with, and for, other young adults.
Other possible solutions offered involving school teachers committed to interfaith, a young adults page included with the invitation for the next NAINConnect, younger board members for both NAIN and its member organizations, sending interfaith representatives to college recruitment programs, and perhaps an open space forum for young adults at next year’s NAINConnect. Other thoughts are to have young people take a more active role in helping to plan future NAINConnects and the hope that next year’s NAINConnect will include representatives from Latino communities.
Among the faiths represented by the young adults were Hindu, Buddhist, Baha’i, Christian, and Zen. Christy Lohr, who works with Temple of Understanding and is now Chair of the Young Adults Committee, fielded questions and comments from the conference audience.
(NOTE: For a more substantial article about several other young adult interfaith organizations, as well as more detail on NAIN’s program, look in the NAINet pages titled Young Adult Organizations.)
Much of the content of NAIN’s 1999 conference was presented during the "Open Space" workshops. These provided participants with the opportunity to create workshops reflecting their own interests, skills or concerns, and to invite others to join them in an interactive group process. Some of the workshops, such as those that identified strategies for organizing and fundraising, were quite pragmatic. Others were much more personal and intimate, while some explored proposals for new projects. The Open Space process works well and is quite popular with NAIN Connect attendees. The brief summaries, below, by Joel Beversluis, can only hint at the rich content and sharing that took place in the 20 workshops. (Full reports from many of the sessions will be on the NAIN web site.)
10 participants began by noting the need and potential for a more useful NAIN web site. They proposed that, besides an archive of newsletters and organizational data, other useful information should be gathered, including interfaith liturgies, educational materials, member listings, calendars, and significant links to religious and interfaith web sites. (Several of these proposals are now in place on the web site.) Participants reported on other developing or useful sites such as the transfer of Multifaith Chaplaincy resources—8000 books and tapes, and 15,000 manuscripts— which Stuart Schroeder noted are to be listed on the Ontario Multifaith Council web site. Gloria Weber described the data-base that she and Bruce Schuman have compiled with over 800 faith and interfaith organizations on the Interfaith Voices for Peace and Justice web site. Others mentioned include the Pluralism Project site and some regional and local sites.
Convened by Ji Hyang Sunim, the discussion at this workshop raised numerous experiences and issues. Among the 11 participants, several had experience with interfaith Thanksgiving services; some have annual interfaith concerts, and some lead or participate in weekly interfaith worship/sharing services. Approaches include the use of visual art and symbols, music, dance, and silence. Issues raised include use of language such as praying "in the name of Jesus, our Lord," or ritual and prayers that are not translated, and how to make all participants comfortable while maintaining the integrity of tradition.
Facilitated by Travis Rejman and Anne Roth, this session paid special attention to the new Interfaith Youth Corps, which is supported by three international interfaith organizations. The Interfaith Youth Corps is establishing oportunities for religiously and culturally diverse young people to express their religious values with others through service (see article on p.4).
This idea, considered in detail by Joan De New, offers a model that other cities could follow. Its purposes would be to witness to the spiritual dimension of community life and provide a faith-neutral place for citizens for all faith groups to participate.
This proposal from David Thompson, discussed by a group of four, provides an opportunity to listen with respect to someone from a religious tradition with which one might not necessarily agree. The proposed date would be the day of the full moon in or closest to Febrary, each year.
David Spence, Managing Editor of the Multifaith Calendar, joined Jonathan Rose of the Mexican Interfaith Council to consider the possibility of translating the Calendar into Spanish for a 2001 edition. Others interested in translation are encouraged to contact either David or Jonathan.
Hal French and 12 participants considered how spirituality is expressed or challenged in their daily activities. Through personal reflection and intimate sharing, the participants addressed subjects such as meditation and awareness of breathing, caring and loving others, making relationships "right," transforming our work to "play," playing as a priority, sensuality and spirituality, and living "in the moment," in order to "catch the ceaseless flow of quality in each passing moment."
During a walk through the village of Chautauqua, this group of 9 described their interfaith experiences as either 1) participating in a worship experience of a different faith, or 2) in a blended, interfaith sacred service. Discussion considered other possibilities such as a congregation not engaging in the faith experience in spite of the planner’s goals. Discussion about the values of unity vs.diversity was complemented by conversation about unity-in-diversity.
Facilitated by Diane Sherwood and Steve Anderson, this group of 15 participants outlined several essential practices for interfaith groups. Among them are these:
1) Develop a Mission Statement that defines values and goals of the organization; it is most effective if kept short and concise
2) It is important to have a Board of Directors and for it to work cohesively. It must have a clearly-defined role, part of which is to determine where the organization wants to go in the future, to lay out the plan, and to provide ongoing support. Problems experienced include: fast turnover of board members; those with vision are not those who have access to the funds.
3) Fundraising: a) Create a Foundation or Trust, which serves as a repository for estates or donations. Establish contacts with people willing to donate! b) Hold an event such as a dinner or concert. Honouring someone well-known will help increase attendance and revenue. Getting donations "in kind" (goods donated, like space, food, advertising etc.) also can greatly increase the money raised. c) Sell a product such as the Multifaith calendar which promotes your organization while raising funds. d) Sometimes Board members are expected to be financial contributors.
We need to show how NAIN contributes to social capital and infrastructure, that there are concrete benefits to the dialogue it facilitates, and to show the links, connections, contributions and effects it has. The group also suggested that NAIN provide a system of mentoring, where those with more experience in certain areas (for example, fundraising) could help those who want help in those areas. Another recommendation was to have regional meetings in between NAINConnects, to keep people in contact.
This group gathered to to discuss questions such as whether NAIN and other interfaith organizations recognize gender equality as an issue and whether we want to promote it among the goals of the interfaith movement. The issue is closely tied to religious beliefs, the equality or dissimilarity of men and women, their roles in family, society and religious communities, and in organizations such as NAIN.
Convened by David and Ellie Castle with four others, this group discussed a Conversational Method developed by Rachel DuBois for use with diverse immigrant groups in NYC. Through demonstration of a guided conversation, the group saw how such conversation could enable a group then to move into discussion of controversial issues. Guidelines include: Always move toward the positive. Choose "threads" deliberately ahead of time. Start conversation with childhood memories (ages 8-10). Always share from your own experience—not opinions. Leadership is required (benevolent/autocratic style recommended).
Fourteen people gathered for discussion opportunities and strategies for interfaith organizations in addressing social issues. Don Mayne described Edmonton’s "Declaration of Interdependence with the Poor," which was written by an interfaith committee and signed by heads of 21 faith groups. Members and supporting organizations in the National Association of Ecumenical and Interfaith Staff have been training pastors and lay people to deal with racism. Interfaith and faith-based organizations can cooperate in times of tragedy or disaster, and be catalysts for action as well as providing access to communities that can provide support. People’s insights and experiences of poverty, racism, or other problems must be utilized in finding solutions at the grassroots level, and interfaith groups should consider why they seem to be white-centred and middle-class.
Kevin Tripp convened fourteen people to discuss and offer personal insights into this topic. Different approaches to the question of "shopping around for spirituality" suggested the diversity of the group, as some found that it provides no depth, while others affirmed their need to do engage in spiritual searching. The subject of Interfaith Services also raised questions: What is their purpose? How does one experience spirituality in them? Many answers and personal experiences surfaced through dialogue.
This session of seven people, convened by Reed Smith, heard reports from California, Rochester, NY and Connecticut about the issues, particularly in Christian denominations, of same-sex marriages and the ordination of open and non-celibate gays and lesbians. For example, the Marin Interfaith organization held a ½ day conference with more than 100 people concerned with encouraging religious congregations to be proactive in welcoming gay and lesbian members.
An ancient, universal, unifying spiritual discipline: Joan De New and Joan Christine explored their understanding of and experiences with dowsing—using a tool that enhances subtle energy—to discern answers to personal questions, for healing , or to provide information regarding practical aspects of life.
Bettina Gray and John De Vries convened a session that highlighted problems of corporate and governmental accountability from the perspective of values, beliefs and interfaith connections. One question—about advocacy regarding specific issues by NAIN—led to a review of NAIN’s purpose as a networking association of like-minded groups; information received may enable groups to take more effective action, but NAIN does not itself make advocacy positions. A suggestion was made that NAIN establish an on-going "Forum of Concern," in which people can exchange information and opinions on issues, and to brainstorm solutions. This exchange could be done face-to-face at annual conferences and by internet chat rooms or bulletin boards.
Aly Nahas led this group of eleven in discussing this complex concern. Participants offered reasons for lack of participation by people of color, such as: African Americans have a different agenda; black clergy are overtaxed for their time; the effects of racism; and a general feeling by some that interfaith dialogues are of concern only to white Americans. Attempts by different groups to include non-whites in interfaith circles were described, and agreement reached that such efforts should be enhanced.
Gloria Weber described her interest in gathering ideas and resources such as faith-based and interfaith posters and books for an exhibit at a fair to which she’d been invited in September. It models a way that interfaith organizations can be more public.
Anne Roth led 8 participants in an experience with this group process, developed by David Cooperider, for learning how to listen to people with other backgrounds or religions. The objective is for each person to tell another his or her story, guided by some well-phrased questions, going beyond the superficial into sharing at a deep level. Each person is affirmed when the other in the pair tells a larger group what they appreciate about the person they had interviewed.
This session by the Interfaith Council of New York offered a detailed Accomplishment Questionnaire that any group could use or modify as a tool to help it assess its impact over 5 -10 years. Some of the questions worth asking are: What are we trying to achieve? Should we plan to end our organization after accomplishing our goals or after a period of time? What would our annual budget be? from what sources? From where would we solicit members and where would our work be based? What paid staff would we have, and what would their jobs be? What would our target audience be? What is our most important goal?
by Jonathan Rose, President of CIM
NOTE: Reminding us that Mexico is also part of North America, this article offers an overview of several Mexican interfaith organizations.
The Consejo Interreligioso de Mexico (CIM--the Mexican Interfaith Council) began in February 1992. The initial faith groups in CIM were the Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Mormon, and Presbyterian churches and the Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish and Sufi-Islamic communities with a presence in Mexico. Subsequently the Greek Orthodox Church and the Sikh community have also joined the CIM, whose Board of Directors includes a leading figure from each member faith. The work of CIM is implemented by an Executive Board and working committees.
CIM´s three objectives are to promote interfaith acceptance throughout Mexican society; to encourage greater understanding of each faith´s traditions among the other faiths; and to work together on projects reflecting universal values that unite mankind regardless of one’s religion, faith, or spiritual practice. In November 1998 the CIM published its Code of Ethics among Religions. Currently underway is a project called "Love and Care for Creation," an environmental initiative to involve the faith communities in Mexico in practical local activities dealing with the ethical problem of the ecological disaster in Mexico and the world.
In an exciting endorsement of CIM’s work and value to Mexican society, the government’s Department of the Interior is promoting the Code of Ethics among Religions as an example to the Mexican people of the harmony that needs to exist in every Mexican community throughout the nation. The Mexican Department of the Interior helped the CIM to reprint the Code and will distribute it in those regions of Mexico where problems of religious intolerance exist, as is now the case in the municipality of San Juan Chamula in the state of Chiapas. English language versions of the Code of Ethics may be downloaded from CIM´s website at: www.latinsynergy.org/
Other interfaith organizations in Mexico include:
COMMITTEE FOR JUDEO-CHRISTIAN RELATIONS: The oldest interfaith group in Mexico was founded in 1958.
TRADITIONS IN HARMONY (TEA-Tradiciones en Armonia), a loose confederation of spiritual and religious groups including Buddhists, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and members of the New Mexicanism, a modern Mexican spiritual group which looks to its indigenous past for guidance.
Bettina Gray, a founder and current Board member of NAIN, recently retyped the report of a Survey of Interfaith Councils that she had conducted in 1980.
"I think we are at an interesting point, those of us who have been involved in interfaith relations, to reflect on and review the past 20-30 years’ developments. I found it quite challenging to carefully re-read and reflect upon it during the process of typing it into my computer. It seems to me that an updated version of this survey, conducted in the US and possibly globally, ought to happen. When the survey was first done the facility to conduct a global survey was daunting. Now, with the web, it is very manageable, I think."
We’ve placed the 1980 Survey Report into our new Library on the NAIN web site.
On the same Library page on this NAIN web site is a link to a new survey and a growing database of interfaith organizations in North America. Begun in 1999 by Joel Beversluis, and hosted by the Pluralism Project, this more recent survey provides information about nearly fifty interfaith organizations. Many of these are members of NAIN.
For some organizations in the database, there is quite a bit of information about history, mission, programs, and participants. For others, there’s less reported thus far, but we hope to add data and enhance the survey’s reliability. Please visit the site to make sure your organization’s information is present, correct and complete , and use the on-line Survey form as needed. If you have ideas for adding to the database—perhaps even making it global, please contact Joel Beversluis, survey editor.
Compiled by Joel Beversluis
Rev. Rod Reinhart is promoting the WORLD SABBATH OF RELIGIOUS RECONCILIATION. In a program held January 22, at Christ Church, Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, leaders of many religious faiths spoke out against the scandal of religious persecution, discrimination and war. The Press release notes that "From Kosovo to Indonesia, from Sudan to Tibet, religious differences have been the brutal excuse for brutality and hatred. We encourage people around the world to share in the annual World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation: the first Interfaith Holy Day devoted to making peace and incarnating justice on the earth."
Jean Brasel of the young Florida organization, Freedom of Religion for Everyone Everywhere (F.R.E.E.), is sponsoring a world-wide Essay Contest on the theme: "What Religious Freedom Means To Me." The contest offers cash prizes and is open to everyone, with one category for adults and another for children. To obtain the essay rules and contest form write to: F.R.E.E., 411 Cleveland St., PMB 170, Clearwater, FL 33756, USA, or write to Jean at: jean@communicate-now.com
stone circles, of Durham, NC, finds unique ways to integrate faith, spiritual practice, and social justice. More than 2500 people have participated in stone circles gatherings, workshops or interfaith celebrations. Its first publication, ‘A Stone’s Throw: Living the act of faith,’ is a resource for individuals and organizations who seek renewal and who believe in justice. Based on the belief that personal and social transformation happens through faith and spiritual practice, the book includes questions for reflection, activities to be done alone and with groups, worksheets and resources, and stories of individuals who unite justice and spirit. Contact: Claudia Horwitz, stone circles, 301 W. Main Street, Suite 280, Durham NC 27701; tel. 919/682-8323 / email: claudstone@aol.com
The Self Knowledge Symposium (SKS), the Kenan Ethics Program, and Student Religious Activities at Duke University kicked off the fall semester at Duke with a new program that began as an outgrowth of Duke University’s participation in the national Education as Transformation conference in 1998. The Interfaith Dialogue Project will host several discussion groups throughout the fall semester in the first year dorms. Focus questions developed to guide these conversations are available for your use. Contact Mary Alice Scott at maryalice@selfknowledge.org or (919) 878-3717.
Evangelical Christians in The Netherlands have started a campaign to encourage Christians to mark "2000 years of Christianity" by confessing Christian "guilt towards Jewish people". The campaign, which asks people to fill in cards to be sent to Israelis, was launched in 1999 at a crowded meeting of 1400 Christians in one of the main churches in Utrecht.
John-Brian Paprock of the Madison Interfaith Council invites us to join a new discussion forum for those looking to the future of religion. You can find the forum at the World Network of Religious Futurists web site: http://www.wnrf.org Join John-Brian Paprock (jonbrian@wnrf.org ) in discussion of various global trends in religion as well as the impact of various religions on the future.
Also on the World Network of Religious Futurists site are thought-provoking pieces such as "THE SAINTS OF TOMORROW: Bearers of healing, hope, love and beauty," by Rev. Richard S. Kirby, Ph.D. Jay Gary is the site’s webmaster and editor.
While we’re learning more about the Madison area’s activities, note that the Mayor of Madison issued a Mayoral Proclamation for Interfaith Awareness Week—December 5-12, 1999. A similar Proclamation was signed by Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson. More information and copies of the proclamations are available from Inroads Interfaith Ministry, PO Box 5207, Madison, WI 53705. Website: inroads@angelfire.com
This organization grew out of interfaith conversations in 1998 between leaders and scholars from the world’s religious communities along with the development community, including the World Bank and other donor agencies. The subject of the conversations are Poverty and Development. Co-Chairs are Dr. George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Mr. James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank.
The organization is focusing on four main areas: hunger and food security; post-conflict reconstruction; culture as an element of development; and the delivery of social services. In a booklet titled Poverty & Development (available free from WFDD), a great deal of thinking is synthesized into an outline that reveals both the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and the meaning of true development, from the standpoint of the religions. The faith communities recommend that development should be grounded on moral values and focused on people rather than on economic processes. Contact WFDD at 33-37 Stockmore St., Oxford OX4 1JT United Kingdom.
Compiled by Virginia Thony
This nonprofit cable access television series invites guests to share their knowledge and views on a wide range of topics from their religious and faith traditions. The vision of Bridget Mary Meehan, producer and host of GodTalk, is "to nurture the soul, heal the heart, and build bridges among God’s people". Each show has pointed questions for the guests, but within that format there is plenty of room for insightful dialogue, and spontaneity. The program’s guests range from young adults to activists, from feminists to theologians.
Two excellent programs on Interfaith Dialogue focus on the impact that dialogue can have on our world at the dawning of the 21st century and the opportunities that faith traditions have to work together to create a just world. More than sixty programs aim to build bridges of understanding between people of different religions and faith traditions. If you are interested in sponsoring GodTalk in your area, or would like to purchase tapes from their archives, contact: GodTalk Foundation, 5856 Glen Forest Drive, Falls Church, VA 22041; tel: 703-379-2487; email: godtalktv@aol.com ; website: www.godtalktv.org
Foundation for Religious Freedom, which operates the hotline for the new Cult Awareness Network (CAN) and which has an interfaith Board, has recently published a handbook titled Tolerance 101: Practical Solutions for Interfaith Family Problems. The handbook covers a wide range of topics for people who are concerned that a family member or loved one may be involved with a "cult". The booklet is based on advice and real stories that CAN has given and received over the years on its hotline. CAN’s goal is to "promote honesty, dialogue, and mutual respect," while keeping family members involved in ongoing dialogue. People from any faith are welcome to read this manual and use their hotline. For more information, contact: Foundation for Religious Freedom, 1680 N. Vine St., Suite 415 Los Angeles, CA 90028; tel: (800) 556-3055 (hotline).
This manual contains information on: community resources; teachers as resources; speakers; computer related resources & websites; print and article resources; texts; audio-visual resources; music, art, culture & dance; environmental ethics of the world religions; university courses in world religion; the golden rule; and guidelines for understanding another religion. Because addresses provided are primarily for Toronto/Ontario (Canada), this compilation may be most beneficial to those actively engaged in the interfaith movement in the Toronto area, but can also be of use to others in North America, especially those looking for a model on which they can design their own manual. Contact: Tony Muhitch, 11 Walmer Rd. Apt 505 Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2W9, CANADA; tel: (416) 944-2726
This volume by Brother Wayne Teasdale focuses on the mystical core of the world’s religions, and on the realization of our own mystical nature. Dr. Teasdale, a lay monk who combines the traditions of Christianity and Hinduism as a Christian sanyassi, is a Trustee of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions and a member of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue.
Through the understandings of the mystical core of contemplative and mystical traditions, according to Teasdale, we can come to a universal meeting place of tolerance, understanding, and acceptance. Brother Wayne explains the power and growing interest in interspirituality, and describes its eight practical elements: solidarity with all life, moral capacity, nonviolence, self-knowledge, self-less service, simplicity of lifestyle, and prophetic witnessing to justice, peace, and protection of creation. He demonstrates how spiritual traditions are now working in support of one another, and how transformation of the soul is realized through celebration of the mystic heart. (Hardcover, 318 pp., US$23.95, at bookstores or call 800-972-6657 ext. 52.
For those interested in exploring various faiths, and individuals or groups involved in interfaith dialogue, this new book by Chris Arthur is an opportunity to explore multi-religious consciousness and religious pluralism from a metaphorical point of view. Using the symbol of a hall of mirrors and other examples, intelligent lay readers—not necessarily specialists—are asked to use their imagination as the writer explores the idea of building a world-view based on several different faiths. US$16.95, pb. 296 pages. Order from The Davies Group Publishers, PO Box 440140, Aurora CO 80044-0140; tel: (303) 750-8374
This new book contains essays written by Dr. Robert Traer, General Secretary of International Association for Religious Freedom. It "defines the limits to interfaith cooperation, suggests ways in which we can guard against religious propaganda, illustrates how dialogue about ethical choices can affirm mutual respect and reject relativism, and outlines the important choices that need to be made in clarifying the goals of interfaith cooperation." Chapters titles such as "Redefining our Goals," "Avoiding the Interfaith Bazaar," "Revising our Approach to Religion," and "Support for a Global Ethic," reveal Traer’s careful analysis of both the opportunities and weaknesses of the interfaith movement. US$16.95, pb. 212 pages. Contact information: The Davies Group Publishers, PO Box 440140, Aurora CO 80044-0140; tel: (303) 750-8374.
This is a book of Visions for Renewed Religious Life in America from Young Spiritual Leaders of Many Faiths. Edited by Niles Elliot Goldstein, these manifestos were written by ten "30-something" spiritual leaders—Jewish, Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Buddhist. Hoping to implement their own visions for new spiritual life in America, each writes from the context of their specific faith, offering ways to transform and uplift religious institutions for the twenty-first century. This book is especially for those who, while remaining devoted to their own traditions and values, feel the need for a change in organized religion as well as in the way that we view it. US$21.95, hardcover, 240 pp. Contact: Skylight Paths, PO Box 237, Sunset Farms Offices-Route 4, Woodstock, VT 05091 Tel: (802) 457-4004
Edited and with an introduction by Katherine Kurs (former Executive Director of Association for Religion in Intellectual Life). Searching For Your Soul is an inspiring collection of more than fifty contemporary and historical writers from a wide range of traditions, including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Mormon, who explore the spiritual impulses that have significantly informed their lives. Among others, contributors include Beverly Coyle, Rita Dove, Diana Eck, Ari Goldman, Mary Godon, James McBride, Kathleen Norris, Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Al Raboteau, and Dan Wakefield. Published by Schocken Books/Random House.
By Joel Beversluis with CPWR
More than 7000 people from some 90 countries participated in the 1999 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Cape Town. The South African Co-Director of the Parliament, Afrika Msimang, called it a "banquet for the soul," and indeed it was a feast. The program book contained over 850 programs and presentations, so participants were nearly overwhelmed by the complex choices we had to make among conflicting schedules. But we were also nourished by the array of stimulating offerings: key-note addresses by Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, and others, plenary sessions, symposia on interfaith activity throughout the world, major presentations on numerous themes, workshops and panel discussions, films and theatre, music and dance, single- and multi-faith meditations and worship, a large art gallery, exhibit halls, and much more.
The primary organizer of this unique inter-religious extravaganza was the Council for a Parliament of the World Religions (CPWR), based in Chicago. Working with CPWR was a strong staff in Cape Town, which provided services and support for program at six major venues, logistics, outreach, fundraising, and hundreds of volunteers. In both cities, participation and planning was clearly inter-religious and highly-motivated.
Parliament programs illuminated many themes: 1) Religious and Spiritual Traditions and Practices; 2) Inter-religious Organizations and Dialogue; 3) Critical Issues and Significant Ideas of Our Time; 4) Religious Performance, Art and Film; and 5) South African Religious, Inter-religious and Political History. In addition, the Next Generation program provided opportunities for more than 120 young adults to develop their own agendas and connections as well as participate in the larger program.
Building on the "Declaration Toward a Global Ethic" from the 1993 Parliament, organizers developed a new document titled "A Call to Our Guiding Institutions." The "Call" invites creative engagement and ethical reflection within the institutional systems of the world. It counts religion as an important force for social and moral guidance, but also invites cooperation from the other institutional systems that have significant cultural influence: governments; agriculture, labor, industry and commerce; education; arts and communication media; science and medicine; inter- governmental institutions; and civil society.
At the Parliament Assembly, more than 300 participants generated some 240 commitments to new and existing projects of service. Participants identified issues such as poverty, ecological damage, governmental and media abuses, and deprivation of human rights, which the guiding institutions could address through the process of ethical reflection and creative engagement. The slogan expressed by the Next Generation’s young adults in the Assembly, "Activate the Call, Live the Call," challenged older participants to live up to their commitments.
The 1999 Parliament also highlighted "Gifts of Service to the World," projects illustrating effective ways to work for a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. More than 300 such gifts were collected in a book distributed to participants and many were featured in presentations and plenary sessions. The CPWR will monitor development of these projects and is inviting new gifts.
"A Call to Our Guiding Institutions" is available from CPWR, as is "Gifts of Service to the World." Threshold 2000: Critical Issues and Spiritual Values in a Global Age was also distributed to registrants by Millennium Institute and is available from CoNexus Press (1-877-784-7779). Reports on the Parliament and additional information on the projects designed at the Assembly are available on the CPWR web site: www.cpwr.org . Contact CPWR at PO Box 1630, Chicago IL 60690 USA tel. 1-312-629-2990.
NOTE: See two more detailed Parliament reports in our Library.
After the busy year in1999, there seem to be fewer big events happening during 2000. But if you know of some that others should hear about—either regional or international—please let us know by the end of May for the next edition.
International Interfaith Center Annual Conference , Oxford UK: Education for Peaceful Living: Sat.-Sun, April 8-9, 2000, Oxford UK: Education for Peaceful Living: Sat.-Sun, April 8-9, 2000, Oxford UK: Education for Peaceful Living: Sat.-Sun, April 8-9, 2000
United Religions Initiative Charter Signing and Linkups, Pittsburgh and other cities: June 25-30
NAINConnect2000: July 23-26 details elsewhere on this web site, or call Kay Lindahl: 949-661-3087 for registration forms.
Millennium World Peace Summit, at the UN: August: 28, 2000. Hoping to gather up to 1000 of the world’s spiritual leaders to serve as a resource group to the United Nations in their efforts to prevent war. Contact Bawa Jain, 201 417-9997; website: at the UN: August: 28, 2000. Hoping to gather up to 1000 of the world’s spiritual leaders to serve as a resource group to the United Nations in their efforts to prevent war. Contact Bawa Jain, 201 417-9997; website: www.milleniumpeacesummit.com
The NORTH AMERICAN INTERFAITH NETWORK is a non-profit association with a membership of approximately 60 faith and interfaith organizations and agencies. Its mission is to build communication and mutual understanding among interfaith organizations and diverse religious groups throughout North America. The Board brings together persons from the United States and Canada, representing religious traditions and interfaith organizations.
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