What Does Interfaith Mean?

Interfaith, in its most basic sense, is when people or groups from different religious/spiritual worldviews and traditions come together. “Inter-religious” is also used, since “interfaith” can connotates exclusively Abrahamic traditions. Did you know interfaith cooperation also can include atheists and agnostics, and people of no faith? Interfaith cooperation is the conscious bringing together of people from diverse religious, spiritual, and ethical beliefs. 

Interfaith cooperation can take many different forms:
Interfaith dialogue – like when a group of people talk about their beliefs.
Interfaith-based action – like when a group of people of different beliefs do something together, such as plant a garden for those in need of food.
And interfaith-based outreach – like when people of diverse faiths educate about religious beliefs (religious literacy), such as teaching others about religion.
Marymount has done all of these types of interfaith cooperation in just Fall 2019!

But why does interfaith cooperation matter?

In our divided world, learning and connecting with those different from us helps strengthen community. A lot of people are dicriminated and even attacked due to misconceptions, ignorance, and hostility based on their religious difference. Interfaith cooperation helps stop that, as well as deepen people’s own understanding of their faith and values.

Here are a further list of videos and link to local interfaith networks to learn more about interfaith:

TEDxDU The Interfaith Amigos — Breaking the taboos of interfaith dialogue

Interfaith Dialogue at Gandhi Ashram

Arlington Interfaith Council

Virginia Interfaith Center