Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about Religions for Peace - USA?

Below you will find answers to a number of our most frequently asked questions.

If you cannot find what you are looking for in this section or need further information, please drop us an e-mail or call the office at 212-338-9140.

1. What is Religions for Peace - USA?

We are the USA chapter of Religions for Peace - International, the world's largest representative interreligious organization. We are a non-profit organization working to bring religions together to promote peace and justice.

2. How do you relate to the World Conference of Religions for Peace? Are they the same thing?

More than thirty years ago, we started as a program area and chapter of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (now known simply as Religions for Peace). However, RFP - USA became separately incorporated in 2000 and registered as an independent 501(c)(3), in order to focus our mandate on U.S. - based issues, while keeping a strong link to the international work of the Religions for Peace - International. The focus and mission of RFP - USA are in the spirit of the RFP - International and its 55 plus chapters around the world.

3. Could you send me some information about the Religions for Peace?

For updates on RFP - USA please subscribe to our free e-newletter. To subscribe, fill out the form located at the top right hand corner of this website.

4. Could you help me contact religious leaders for my project?

We may be able to help you, depending on the nature of the project. Contact us directly for more information. Religions for Peace - USA considers requests for collaboration on projects befitting its mission. The organization is a natural entry point for persons wishing to work with the support of the diverse faith community.

5. Does Religions for Peace - USA take an official position on certain issues?

We are not a political advocacy or lobbying organization. We work to promote peace and justice through an interfaith medium that offers religious communities with diverse outlooks the opportunity to safely and constructively engage one another. We do sometimes develop positions and take action on issues of common concern, but we do so in a non-partisan fashion and where there are deeply held and widely shared concerns.

6. Who belongs to Religions for Peace - USA?

Over 60 U.S. religious communities ant their leaders. For a list of our religious community members, click here. Also See Question 7.

7. Can I be a part of Religions for Peace - USA?

Yes. For a list of the many ways you can participate in our work, click here.

8. Do you take volunteers?

Yes, volunteers are welcome. Women and persons of color are especially encouraged to apply.

9. Can I serve my internship at Religions for Peace - USA?

Yes. It is a possibility, please visit here for more information and contact us if interested. A coverletter, resume, and writing sample are normally requested. See a list of some of our alumni from various faiths here.

10. Who is on the board of Religions for Peace - USA?

A broad consortium of over 90 U.S. religious leaders, representing over 60 religious communities. For a list of our board members, please click here.

11. Where do you get your funding?

The ongoing work of RFP-USA is made possible through the generous contributions of individuals, institutions, corporations, foundations, and religious communities. For a complete list of donors, click here. To donate to Religions for Peace online, click here or view our wishlist here.

12. What sets RFP-USA apart from other interreligious/interfaith organizations?

Religions for Peace - USA is the largest and most broadly-based representative multi-religious forum in the United States, with participants from more than 60 religious communities, representing each of the major faith traditions. We are part of an extensive global network of Religions for Peace.

13. How do I know if the RFP-USA is a good match for me?

At RFP-USA, we envision a world in which people of distinct religious communities live together in respect and mutual support, creating paths to peace. If you share our vision and are interested in initiatives to produce a peaceful and just society, you are already a supporter.

14. How does one become a member?

There are both Institutional Memberships and Individual Memberships ("Friends of Peace").

15. What are the benefits of becoming a contributing member?

All members shall receive:

• Periodic and special informational bulletins on the work of RFP - USA and RFP - International
• Special alerts and important briefings on critical issues
• Early notification of events and of opportunities to become involved, online resources, papers, and linkages
• Clear connections to best practices across the U.S. in interfaith peace and justice work
• Satisfaction of being a part of a large national network of diverse peoples working for peaceful and just society which is connected to an even larger international network.

16. What kind of projects have past donors/members enabled the RFP-USA to do?

One of our largest endeavors, entitled Diversity and Community, involved a two-year program of national symposia focusing on ethnic, cultural, religious, and racial diversity issues. The project was an overwhelming success, reaching eleven cities across the country, and encouraging ongoing partnerships between religion and other civil society actors within the communities.

17. How can I learn more about becoming a Member of the RFP-USA?

Click here.

18. I belong to an organization that is committed to justice and peace, and that has similar aims of RFP-USA. Is collaboration possible?

RFP - USA enters into program collaboration or cooperation with other organizations who are committed to peace and justice efforts and whose over-all purposes are in accordance with RFP - USA and its member religious communities. These collaborations may take the form of jointly sponsored events, sharing foundation-based program grants, cooperative advocacy efforts, and/or other mutually supportive efforts. Authorization of such collaborations shall rest with the Council of Presidents or the Executive Council.

19. What else can I do to support the work of the RFP-USA?

You can help further the work of our current and future projects by donating to RFP-USA. Donations are tax-deductable and play an integral role in helping RFP-USA fulfill its mission. For information on donating, click here.

20. Where are you located?

Religions for Peace - USA and Religions for Peace - International are both located on the 9th Floor of the Church Center for the United Nations, directly across the street from the United Nations at the corner of E.44th Street and 1st Avenue in New York City. For directions click here.

21. What do the other Religions for Peace chapters do?

Lots of things! With over 55+ chapters in over 100 countries, Religions for Peace works on peace education, disarmament, HIV/AIDs, children and family concerns, conflict resolution, environmental sustainability, human rights, religious women's organizing and much more!