1. What does the term “interfaith” mean?
Interfaith refers to encounters between different distinct traditions, for example: Islam-Hinduism; Judaism-Jainism; Buddhism-Christianity; Shintoism-Bahai; Zoroastrianism-Santeria, and so on. It is often used to describe joint initiatives and services, for example, “an interfaith wedding” or an “interfaith worship service.” Interfaith is not a religion, but an approach to living in a religiously and spiritually diverse world that respects the integrity of different faith traditions. It is not an attempt to convert people from one faith to another or to meld different beliefs and practices into a new faith.
2. What does the term “multifaith” mean?
When a wide array of faith traditions are present simultaneously, we generally say “multifaith.” For example, New York is a multifaith city — one in which people of diverse faith communities can be found living and working side by side. The United Nations is an example of a multifaith organization that employs people from many different cultural and religious backgrounds. That said, we describe the services celebrated each year to recognize the religious diversity of the United Nations’ staff as “interfaith services.”
3. What is the difference between “interfaith” and “intrafaith?”
Interfaith implies relations between different faiths. Intrafaith refers to relations among the many different groups found within each particular faith tradition. For example, in Judaism, this might refer to Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist movements. In Islam, we may think of Shiite, Sunni and Sufi teachings. Buddhism is expressed in many schools including, for example, Zen, Tibetan, Pure Land and Won.
4. What does “interdenominational” mean?
Christians tend to use this term (rather than “intrafaith”) to refer to activities sponsored or participated in by different Christian communities that are usually called denominations, for example, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Congregational, Lutheran, and so on.
5. What does “ecumenical” mean?
This term is historically associated with the Christian tradition. It is usually used to describe activities that address relationships among various Christian denominations.
6. What do people mean when they talk about the “interfaith movement?”
This term is used to describe the various cooperative efforts among people of different faiths, whether they are part of highly visible global organizations or faith groups based in small communities.
Historically speaking, although people of different religious traditions have lived in fairly close proximity to one another for centuries, it was not until 1893 that representatives of different faith groups came together for a “World Parliament of Religions” to meet and discuss religious issues.
Although it was 100 years before the second World Parliament met, the intervening years saw the launch of many interfaith organizations. Among these, the International Association for Religious Freedom, the World Congress of Faiths, the Temple of Understanding, The World Interfaith Association, the World Conference on Religion and Peace, The National and International Council of Churches, The International Council of Christians and Jews, and The Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue. Each of these groups has made its own contribution to advancing understanding and joint activity among people of faith. Their stories are reviewed in Marcus Braybrooke’s book, Pilgrimage of Hope: One Hundred Years of Interfaith Dialogue (Crossroad Publishing Company, New York).
7. What do interfaith ministers do and how can I find one?
While many clergy have an interfaith approach to ministry, men and women who are ordained as interfaith ministers have studied comparative religion and practices and are trained to work specifically with people of different backgrounds. This is especially helpful for couples and families of different beliefs and religious orientations, for people who have changed or are considering changing their affiliations, and for those interested in exploring an independent spiritual path rather than a denominational practice. Interfaith ministers perform a wide range of services including weddings, namings, memorial services and so on. They can also refer people to the appropriate clergy for more traditional ceremonies and rituals.