Ecumenical and interfaith work is a ministry for the whole church, from the individual and congregational, to the diocesan and national level. Christian unity and interfaith dialogue begin when people meet each other and strive together towards mutual understanding, respect and trust. Our relationships make it possible to share in service to the community, and can become a medium of authentic witness.
Ecumenical & Interfaith Email Newsletters
Two read-only electronic newsletters from the Office of Ecumenical & Interfaith Relations keep the church informed about developments in dialogue and cooperation, and inform local leaders about resources and projects to support them in their work. To subscribe to the EDEO News (ecumenical) or Interfaith News Listservs, send your email address to ecumenical@episcopalchurch.org.
Local Involvement
This work, like most, begins at home. To get started, find out how your local Episcopal Church engages in ecumenical or interfaith activities and explore the ways other local faith communities are already involved in these issues. Many towns and cities have a local council of churches or interfaith organization, as do most states (see the NCCC site). For diocesan support or to find out what is happening at the regional level, contact your Ecumenical Officer.
Interfaith Education
The Interfaith Education Initiative works to broaden understanding within the Episcopal Church of American religious diversity, complexity and interconnectedness. Feel free to contact them or visit their website for contacts and resources. You could also contact colleges or libraries in your area. They often offer lectures and workshops to educate the public about different religious traditions.
Learning more about other faiths can also happen through simple activities such as borrowing a book of prayers from another tradition from your local library or attending a service with a friend. If your child spends the night at a friend's house, allow him or her to attend Shabbat or Sunday morning services with the friend's family. As we learn about other people's traditions, we can learn to understand our own better and begin to find ways to live, pray and struggle together.
