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What is an interfaith minister? |
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The word “interfaith” is open to many diverse interpretations. And the concept of an “interfaith minister” gives rise to even more confusion. Is this simply a dialogue between some of the major world faiths?; or perhaps it’s a mish-mash of new age ideas that straddle several different religions? |
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| Author: Tim Pickles |
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We might choose to explore other words and phrases such as Inner Faith, Universal, One Spirit. They each embody a sense of inclusiveness; interfaith is about recognising and embracing the ‘extra value’ that comes from accepting different approaches and traditions. Interfaith Ministry is not simply appealing to all faiths; it is reaching out to those of any faith and no faith, at the same time. It subscribes to no single faith whilst honouring the beauty and wisdom derived from all faith traditions. This is not a new religion – but it might be a new faith movement. It validates the worth of all faiths, particularly in this era of judgement and conflict, without being strictly bound by any prescribed creed. It seeks to rise above specific faiths, whilst drawing inspiration from the sacred teachings of each religion. Interfaith ministry offers a way to experience the Divine within us and around us without the constraints of specific dogma or meaningless ritual. Such practices are not wrong, if they are meaningful to the person using them, but all too often they hold little meaning and are performed by rote.
In the UK, many people view religion in black and white terms: you are either religious or atheist, without any in-between. When I tell friends that I’m training to become an interfaith minister, they often reply “but I didn’t know you were religious”. My response is that “I’m not; I have a sense of my spiritual nature”. To some people spirituality can be equally dismissed is ‘irrational’. It conjures up images of the difficulties inherent in their own religious upbringing – perhaps of an omnipotent enthroned godhead dispensing miracles and judgements at will. But for many others, the invitation to explore their own sense of an inner life, of in-spiration, of their role within a larger universe, is a welcome revelation that the choice between religion and atheism is a false one.
This is not ‘pick-and-mix’ religion. It is far more challenging than the easily packaged belief systems of the fundamentalists or the literalists. It invites us to practice and engage in inner-enquiry, contemplation, reflection, discernment, prayer. Above all, it takes us to the recognition of a place of “not knowing”.
The Interfaith Foundation speaks of “Many Ways … One Truth”. The spiritual training offered by the Interfaith Seminary is a guided exploration of this “not knowing”. The emphasis is upon an experiential approach to faith and truth. It is less about intellectual learning and more about healing our own spiritual or wounds in order to be of service to self and others. We teach an understanding of each great faith tradition in order to reveal their insights into how we can live and how we can love. We explore the fundamental issues of life: birth, death, relationships, illness, trauma, healing, and the quest for meaning and purpose. Interfaith Ministers are encouraged to practice an active ministry in the community through spiritual counselling and mentoring, and through conducting the major ceremonies of life that people require in their lives. Our work is that of helping people to remember their true selves and return to their inherent wholeness.
There are around 400 interfaith ministers in the UK. There are a myriad of interfaith ministries: some come from their own faith tradition and return to it with their interfaith training, to help broaden others understanding and compassion with other faiths; others are therapists, healers, shamans, life coaches, etc. Some use their interfaith ministry and spiritual counselling skills to better serve their clients. Still others use their ministry skills to bring spiritual principles into the business community.
Those who are certain of their religious convictions may not wish to understand what we mean by ‘interfaith’. Those who are open to other possibilities for spiritual expression are often enthused to hear about the Interfaith Seminary and Interfaith Ministers.
About Author
The Interfaith Foundation and Interfaith Seminary offer interfaith spiritual training in the UK. There is also a searchable list of Interfaith Ministers, to lead a unique wedding ceremony or non-denominational funeral service. You can also read recent spiritual news on the website. Ring +44 (0) 8444 457 004. For more visit http://www.interfaithfoundation.org/unique-wedding-ceremony and www.interfaithfoundation.org/funeral-service and www.interfaithfoundation.org/news
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