News
From Intern to Professional: Internship Alumni Reflect on their Global Affairs Career Path
Twenty years ago, the Temple of Understanding opened its doors to its first group of summer interns. Since 2005, hundreds of young people have passed through that program, sat in those same rooms near the UN, prepared their first presentations, and walked away changed...
Are Americans Returning to Religion? The New Data that Surprised Researchers
Is religion “back in fashion” in America? Recent coverage by CNN highlighted data showing that the median in-person worship attendance is on the rise for the first time in decades. Researchers with Hartford Institute for Religion Research, which conducted the study of...
Youth, Land and the Future of Food
In many parts of the world, young people are navigating significant pressure as they try to remain on or return to the land: rising costs, climate disruption, structural inequality, and the gradual loss of agricultural knowledge passed down through generations....
Getting Down to Basics: Frequently Asked Questions About Interfaith
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...
12th Annual CSW Interfaith Service: Remembrance & Gratitude
WATCH VIDEO
Changing Narratives- From Survival to Leadership
The Temple of Understanding (TOU) is proud to again collaborate with AfriAus iLEAC, Lead Integrity, and Thimlela- STREAM and begin collaboration with Foundation for Child Rights (Malawi) in work intended to drive systemic change, increasing women and girls’...
Beauty in the Interfaith Movement: How Insight Becomes Embodied, Relational, and Actionable
In the spirit of World Interfaith Harmony Week, the TOU offered a panel discussion in the Unity Earth Symposium on Sunday, February 22, 2026. This session was from 10:00 - 12:30 Eastern. It started with opening comments and a keynote by Mathew Fox, followed by a...
Wind Beneath My Wings: Sources for Environmental Activism and Sustainable Solutions
Learn of the spiritual necessities and means of accelerating changes towards environmental sustainability for all. People of faith, representing huge constituencies, will be additionally motivated and mobilized by the examples of faith leadership.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley – Hollister Award Acceptance Speech – Nov. 8, 2025
Chairman Dr. Michael Boss, Executive Director Alison Van Dyck, President Karen Van de Vrande, Board of Directors, fellow awardees, distinguished guests who are gathered here for this Temple of Understandance 65th anniversary celebration. Good evening all. It is with a...
Dr. Karam Singh – “Pilgrim Soul”
“Pilgrim Soul” is an intimate filmed conversation with Dr. Karan Singh—prince, politician, scholar, poet, and lifelong spiritual seeker—captured through the loving, curious lens of his daughter.
Why We Farm: How Organic Farmers Are Changing the World
Hear the stories first-hand from farmers who see organic farming as more than growing food. For them, it’s about community, purpose, and caring for the earth.
Plastics Advocacy Leading Up To and Beyond INC-5.2
How does the Temple of Understanding pursue our eco-justice mandate within the complex realm of the United Nations? We collaborate, contribute, amplify, strategize, listen, speak, write, and lift up the voices of others, particularly youth and women of the global...