INTERFAITH

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     For several years now, many of us have seen the emergence of a spirituality that encompasses people of different religions and cultures finding great value in the teachings of religions that are not part of their original culture.

     However interest in other's religions is as ancient as the different religions. History records many examples of interfaith initiatives and dialogue throughout the ages.

     The first atempt to create a global dialogue of faiths was in 1893. In the 1960's the Interfaith Movement gathered momentum. After 2001 there again has been a resurgence of dialogue between world religious leaders.

     Within the Interfaith Movement there really are no labels. It does not need everyone to agree. The Interfaith Movement recognizes that differences is what makes us religiously, spiritually and culturally diverse. It does not need to know what religion one follows. The Interfaith Movement sees only that each person has a connection with the Divine.

     Interfaith appreciates and recognizes the many ways people have found to build their own picture of the Divine. It reaches out and engages people who are very much rooted in a traditional religious tradition. But it also reaches out to those who are not. Interfaith recognizes that every tradition reflects a person's deep human need to make sense of their world and find a connection with their own, deep spiritual core.

     The Interfaith Movement does not ask that you let go of your own religion or tradition. It simply suggests you open your mind to the possibility that God can be seen from many different angles. Often by exploring Interfaith dialogue and interactions, there is a reflection, questioning and investigation of one's own religious, spiritual and cultural identity while awakening a desire to learn more about other's traditions both spiritually and culturally.

     Interfaith reflects a greater understanding that we are all climbing the same mountain, albeit with different paths, with the number of spiritual paths being exactly equal to the number of uniquely sacred people who walk them. The Interfaith Movement recognizes that one must search and find the path and the set of spiritual practices that suits one's life circumstances, history and personality. This will differ from person to person and may even vary from time to time in one's life.

     Interfaith believes there is a vested interest in getting to know and supporting each other, there by enhancing the vibrance, health and overall quality of life. Interfaith honors the "whole-ness" of others, no matter what their differences are in daily hardships, cultural practices or religious views. Faith is a holy mystery in which we all take part. Let us work together to honor life as a whole, believing that love, compassion and community are stronger than anything that makes us different.

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Rev. Debra Sinclair is ordained with the Open International Interfaith Ministry which is a division of the Prince Edward Island Interfaith Ministry which has served the island since 1987. The OIIM was created in 2002 to enable the PEI Interfaith Ministry to work without the limitations of geography. They are a member unit of the International Council of Community Churches which is affiliated with the World Council of Churches and the United Nations. The OIIM can be found at www.OIIM.net

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