Growing Interfaith Movement

In recent years, University students in the United States have taken an interest in understanding of religious faiths other than their own. Networks of students within the university system are connecting with each other in order to promote awareness between communities of different faiths. One such example cited by Carolee Writer in her article “Youth Interfaith Movement Thrives in the United States” is the Interfaith Dialogue at the University of Chicago, where students of various have been gathering for five years to celebrate the Muslim observation of the month of Ramadan. According to student Tyler Zoanni, activities supported by student organizations such as the Interfaith Dialogue at University of Chicago help publicize the beliefs and traditions that make up different faiths and dismiss distorted views.

Religions for Peace – USA is also doing its part to promote inter-religious dialogue. This June, our organization is sponsoring two Interfaith Academies with hopes of promoting a multi-religious society. Two sessions will be held, one for religious professionals and another for emerging religious leaders. The Academies will involve lectures, seminars, and readings on a variety of religious traditions, as well as group visits to various places of religious observance. Most importantly, participants will have the opportunity to build relationships and learn from one another through conversation in the classroom, in dormitories, and at meals.

Applications are available now! The application for the Interfaith Academy for Religious Leaders can be found here. To download an application for the Interfaith Academy for Religious Professionals click here.