Editorial by Paul Chaffee
Five years ago this month, The Interfaith Observer was launched to share the wealth of stories, issues, and activities being generated by interfaith dialogue and relations all over the globe.
Five Years Later, a New TIO
Opening the Door to Zen in Church
by Deborah Streeter
“In the past, models of being church have been based on belief. We are exploring a new model of church, built on spiritual discovery and transformation of life. The question no longer is, ‘What do you believe?’ but ‘How has your life been transformed?’”
Becoming Intimate with Your Life
by David Parks-Ramage
Following his baptism in the Jordan River and his time in the wilderness Jesus emerges into his ministry. His first words? “The time is come. The Realm of God is near.” You can almost feel it in Jesus’ words, finding fulfillment in your hearing. It is here. Now. Present. There is nowhere to look, no far off and away to get to. God is present here, in life. That is the good news.
Why We Need an Interfaith Pilgrimage
by S. Brent Plate
I just finished walking 750 kilometers (470 miles) along the Camino de Santiago. This is an ancient pilgrimage with roots going back over a millennium and was one of the three most important Christian pilgrimages in medieval Europe, alongside those to Jerusalem and Rome.
Brexit and the Interfaith Community
by Marcus Braybrooke
Four weeks ago, as I write at the end of July, I turned on my radio at 2:00 a.m. and heard the prediction that Brexit had won. It was hard to go back to sleep! For those who do not understand what Brexit means – and no one in Britain seems to – it was the vote in the June referendum for Britain to leave the European Union.
Farm the Land, Grow the Spirit
by Vicki Garlock
Each summer, a dozen or so young adults, ranging in age from 19-29, live in community at SPC. The program aims for a mix of international and American attendees and a mix of Jews, Muslims, and Christians.
Interfaith Collaboration in India Inspires Texas Collegians
by Mark Waters
I was touched when, across the language barrier, he asked for a photo with our group. Our McMurry University team was working on a Habitat for Humanity project in India. Our job was to help paint two mostly completed houses. The professional painter – who asked for the photo – was Muslim.
An Instrument of Thy Peace
by Ruth Broyde Sharone
“I’m just an ordinary person,” says Patrick McCollum in all earnestness. But the 66-year-old former jewelry designer, leader in the Pagan community, interfaith minister, and now world peace-maker, has been at the epicenter of extraordinary events that continue to unfold as he is called to serve in the far-flung corners of the globe.
Talking with Strangers in Sacred Space
by Lynda Trono
This year’s NAIN (North American Interfaith Network) Connect began with a surprise. The theme was Espacio Sagrado, or, in English, Sacred Space. And for the first time in the 28 years of NAIN’s existence, its annual Conference was held in Mexico.
Hablando con Extraños en Espacio Sagrado
por Lynda Trono
Este año la Conexión NAIN (Red Inter-religiosa de Norteamérica) comenzó con una sorpresa. El tema fue Espacio Sagrado (Sacred Space). Y por primera vez en los 28 años de existencia de NAIN, su conferencia anual sucedió en Méjico.