What is Interfaith Ministry?
Recent studies have estimated that nearly 40 million Americans are religiously unaffiliated and seeking alternative modes of spiritual experience and expression. Interfaith ministers are uniquely prepared to minister to the spiritual needs of this growing population, as well as to those with a strong religious affiliation who want to learn about, and come to appreciate, the wisdom of other traditions.
Whatever their own religious tradition or spiritual path, Interfaith ministers are trained professionals who:
- Are dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of all those who seek their guidance, counsel, and assistance, without regard to race, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identification, ethnic background, gender or age; and without any attempt to proselytize or impose their own spiritual or religious worldview on others.
- Have chosen to learn about, respect, and appreciate the diversity of paths to the Divine, to honor the particular contributions of each to humanity’s heritage of spiritual wisdom, and to look for the universal truth in each one.
- Seek to promote understanding, harmony, and love among people by emphasizing what is universal in the teachings of the many spiritual paths and faith traditions.
- Are committed to the ongoing deepening of their own spiritual practice and connection to the Divine, so that their service to others is always grounded in the integrity of their own spiritual life.
Interfaith ministry, like all true ministry, must be a living expression of our deepest spiritual values. At its essence, true ministry is as much about who we are as human beings as it is about what we do in our professional lives. We agree with St. Francis who observed, “There’s no use walking anywhere to preach if your walking isn’t your preaching.” From OneSpirit Interfaith Seminary