Interfaith

Redefining Religion in America

June 21, 1998

Source: Los Angeles Times

A Los Angeles Times article on June 21, 1998 reports on the "dramatic religious transformation" the United States is currently experiencing. Paul Griffiths, professor of philosophy of religion at the University of Chicago, states that "more religions are being practiced in the United States than anyplace else." Diana Eck, professor of comparative religion at Harvard University, asserts that "cultural pluralism is changing America's religious life. It is making our spiritual tradition much richer and broader."

Los Angeles World's Leading City in Religious Diversity

June 21, 1998

Source: Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Times ran a two-part article June 21-22, 1998. The first part documents the growing religious pluralism in America, new "hybrid" forms, and changes within in the Christian religion. The second part documents change and the extensive religious diversity in Los Angeles.

Diversity Enriches Scouting

June 21, 1998

Source: Orange County Register

On June 21, 1998, the Orange County Register ran an article entitled "New Eagle Scouts are a Diverse Troop."

Successful Interfaith Sharing Program

June 19, 1998

Source: Chicago Tribune

On June 19, 1998, the Chicago Tribune reported that "In the fall of 1996, McNamara and other religious leaders in Palatine and the south suburb of Hazel Crest embarked on an ambitious yearlong inititative to bring 12 different faiths closer together. Under the auspices of the Chicago-based Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, the dozen congregations paired up and shared sacred holidays, weekly services, potluck dinners, spiritual traditions and even weddings. The 200 or so participants hoped to find common ground...

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National Conference of Christians and Jews Changes Its Name to Better Reflect Its Work and Inclusivity

June 14, 1998

Source: The Boston Globe

On June 14, 1998, The Boston Globe reported that The National Conference of Christians and Jews is celebrating its 70th anniversary by changing its name to the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ). This new name more clearly reflects their work for entire communities, which includes interfaith work and also work on issues of gender, class, race, gay and lesbian issues, and disabilities. In Boston, the NCCJ works on leadership development with a variety of programs that connect people, and they have recently...

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Gwinnett Interfaith Coalition Promotes Religious Tolerance

May 30, 1998

Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On May 30, 1998, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution published an article on the activities on the Gwinnett Interfaith Alliance, which began in 1996 as a chapter of the national organization to promote the First Amendment right of religious freedom. John D. Elliott of Duluth, GA, new president of the Gwinnett Interfaith Alliance, wants to spur more activity from the 40-member organization to "provide a bridge of love and understanding across the faiths."

The Orange County Register Offers a House-of-Worship Tour

May 20, 1998

Source: Orange County Register

Throughout 1997 and into 1998 the Orange County Register has run monthly articles on different houses of worship. These correspond to actual tours set up by the Interfaith Council in Garden Grove to promote understanding across religious difference. The first stop was the Hacienda Heights Buddhist Temple, the second was the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Over two thousand participants were at the third stop, the Islamic Society of Orange County. The Christian Science Church, Jewish Synagogue Temple Beth Emet, the...

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Americans Value Diversity

May 4, 1998

Source: The Denver Rocky Mountain News

On May 4, 1998, the Rocky Mountain News in Denver, CO reported on a poll released by the National Conference for Communtiy and Justice. The "national poll that questioned 1,014 adults showed 72 percent said "more racial, ethnic, culture and religious diversity" was very or somewhat important among law enforment officers; 68 percent valued it among local, state or national government leaders; and 67 percent valued diversity in elementary and secondary public schools."

Controversy Over All-Faiths Chapel at Chapman University

February 9, 1998

Source: Orange County Register

On February 27, 1998, Chapman University will hold a "ground blessing" for the planned $5 million Wallace All Faith Chapel. An article from the Orange County Register on February 9, 1998, entitled "All-faiths Chapel Coming to Chapman," describes the innovative design plans which will make the worship space equally suitable for use by all of the thirteen faith groups on campus. However, as the February 27, 1998 article in the same...

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All Faith Service at University of San Diego

February 7, 1998

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported in their February 7, 1998 edition on the fifth annual celebration of religious pluralism at the University of San Diego's "All Faith Service." The service, which was started in 1993 by Monsignor I. Brent Eagen as a way of honoring the city's diversity, took place at the Immaculata Church on the campus of the Roman Catholic University.

Pagans Establish Fund to Assist African-American Congregations

August 17, 1997

Source: Pagan Educational Network

On August 17, 1996 the Pagan Educational Network released a press release stating that "In response to the burning of African-American churches across the South, the Pagan Community Fund (PCF) and the Pagan Educational Network (PEN) announce the birth of the Yemaya Fund... The birth of this fund springs from PCF's mission to assist those in need regardless of their faith and PEN's commitment to build community and religious freedom for all."

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