Global Spirituality and Interfaith Ministers
For several years now many of us have observed the emergence of Global Spirituality. People of all different religions and cultures are finding great value in the teaching of religions that are not part of their original
culture. Worldwide for several generations we have seen people of different
religions inter-marrying and raising children who have been taught to honor and
learn from multiple religions.
This phenomenon is relatively new in the history of our world and is becoming
more widespread in our present age. A growing number of people have friends and
associates that belong to a different religion than their own. Increasingly we
are not willing to reject other people on the basis of the belief and religion,
but instead are finding great value in learning from others whose beliefs may
be different then ours.
These and other factors have given rise, over the past several decades, to the call for Clergy and religious leaders that can understand the needs of a
growing multi-religious family and social structure. To fill this need
compassionate and caring people of all religions have pursued studies and
practices in multiple religions in order to help those in their communities.
Because many people find they need help and guidance in navigating the
complicated and often difficult social and spiritual journey posed by a multi-religious
path, the role of the Interfaith and Inter-religious Minister has been called
into existence.
The Interfaith Minister acts as a bridge spanning multiple religions and
cultures in order to facilitate harmony, peace, and healthy loving relation
between diverse family members, religious communities, and even nations. The
role of the Interfaith Minister is to help heal people on all levels
(physically, emotionally, spiritually, and systemically) and give permission for people to
find new ways of being together within the context of multi-religious and
pluralistic relationships.
Although most Interfaith Ministers have a specific religious orientation and
personal spiritual path that they follow, they are committed to supporting other
people in finding the spiritual path that is right for them. Devoted to
uplifting and easing the suffering within families and communities, Interfaith
Ministers do not proselytize but rather help others in finding what works to
increases love and acceptance within relationships while honoring the sacred
teachings of all religions.
Blessings - Doug
Rev. Douglas L. Walker
Blessing Interfaith Gathering
Bishop of New Mexico and California
Information Officer
Church of Seven Planes
“What you are looking for is what is looking.”
~ St. Francis of Assisi
Tags: Globalized, Inter-marriage, Inter-religious, Interfaith, Minister, Ministers, Pulrality, Spirituality
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rev. Robert Loring on -
Excellent post Doug!!
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Permalink Reply by Rev Ron Miller on -
Yes Indeed Doug, I agree with Robert. Well said my friend.
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Permalink Reply by Peter Brabyn on -
Hi Doug,
I think you've hit the nail on the head there. Sad to see it has not provoked more discussion on the role of the Interfaith Minister as I feel you are well on the way to a very good definition of what one is.
As an Interfaith Minister myself, I feel this embodies many of my goals. I do however also feel rather flummoxed with seeding a church at the same time.
To me, Interfaith Ministry is about promoting peace between different belief systems. It is often about finding the commonalities between different beliefs but when it gets interesting is when I help enable people to make the choice to build their own relationship with deity. Not necessarily a specific deity, but one of their choosing, or even their own creation, one that suits all their needs in their own spirituality.
Unlike other ministry I don't see myself as an intermediary to God so much as someone who can point out some of the signposts that are already there in the lives of others. I am willing to show people my view of God and encourage them to show me theirs. This enables them to build up their image of deity into something they are happy with and something that can assist them with their own spirituality and life.
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Permalink Reply by Rev. Douglas Walker on -
Dear Peter,
I liked your statement, "I don't see myself as an intermediary to God so much as someone who can point out some of the signposts that are already there in the lives of others." You touch on one of the key values of Interfaith Ministry here, at least in my opinion. As Interfaith Ministers our role should be that of facilitators of freedom. That is to assist and support people in finding their own spiritual path and encouraging them to discover what is true for their self.
A wise person once said "there are as many paths to the divine as there are people". While tradition has value, often it must be released at some point on the spiritual journey in order for the aspirent to reach full liberation. This is where the Interfaith Minister can be a great support to those that are transcending the limitations of their traditions. We can hold open a transitional space of "both/and" in a environment that is aimed at "either/or" thus opening the doorway to freedom.
We live in a cosmos where the two pillars of creation are Diversity and Change (Feminine, masculine energies). Given that the creator or creative source (however you choose to language it) has imbedded Diversity and Change throughout all creation, at every level, how can we, as spiritual guides and teachers, align ourselves with anything that attempts to suppress Diversity and Change?
This, in my opinion, is the aim of freedom; to align our Essence with these two Cosmic Force and in doing so transcend all limitations that are artificially imposed. By doing this we align our energies with the very thrust of life itself.
As Interfaith Ministers our role is to encourage, support, and advocate for personal freedom, which is the pathway to spiritual liberation, which brings one to the doorway of non-judgment, which is the very doorway to transcendency, that opens to the land of Equanimity (Upekkha), Joy (Mudita), Compassion (Karuna), and Loving-Kindness (Metta).
In this context freedom is the ability to choose to adhere to a Spiritual tradition or to choose to fine your own path even if it is the path of no path, no goal, and nothing to attain.
And so it seems to me!
Blessings - Doug
Peter Brabyn said:Hi Doug,
I think you've hit the nail on the head there. Sad to see it has not provoked more discussion on the role of the Interfaith Minister as I feel you are well on the way to a very good definition of what one is.
As an Interfaith Minister myself, I feel this embodies many of my goals. I do however also feel rather flummoxed with seeding a church at the same time.
To me, Interfaith Ministry is about promoting peace between different belief systems. It is often about finding the commonalities between different beliefs but when it gets interesting is when I help enable people to make the choice to build their own relationship with deity. Not necessarily a specific deity, but one of their choosing, or even their own creation, one that suits all their needs in their own spirituality.
Unlike other ministry I don't see myself as an intermediary to God so much as someone who can point out some of the signposts that are already there in the lives of others. I am willing to show people my view of God and encourage them to show me theirs. This enables them to build up their image of deity into something they are happy with and something that can assist them with their own spirituality and life.
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Permalink Reply by Peter Brabyn on
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Hi Doug,
I'm going to start another thread about defining the Interfaith Minister - hopefully we'll get a little more input from others.
I really enjoy finding people who are working towards the same goals I am working towards and think along similar lines. I'm not sure if this is an ego thing, human nature, or selfless love of the planet we live on, I guess that's not really important though. Either way, this conversation is stimulating for me and something I am enjoying. Thank you.
As you have stated, change is inbuilt. It is something I often promote especially to people who are undergoing emotional or personal hardship. Sometimes change is not possible, such as in extreme poverty, but in Australia it is a solution to many of the woes of individuals.
People often feel they have made mistakes, sometimes they feel these are insurmountable. Changing their thinking to see that "mistake = learning opportunity" is something that has been very beneficial to many people that have crossed my path. Once people cease to fear change they can take each learning opportunity and move forward into a better world for themselves.
On the "creative source" - an Interfaith Study Circle I have been running for the past few years came up with PIF - Pattern Imposing Force, which I like. We also talked about the difference between god (a non-specific deity), God (A single deity or a collection of deities, male or female or a collective thereof being discussed in context) and GOD (the creator or the universe or sum of all energy or the pattern imposing force (PIF) or what one person sees at the equivalent to this. This
'being' is beyond human understanding and may or may not be an entity; sentient; interventionist; compassionate; interested). -
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Permalink Reply by Rev. Douglas Walker on
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Peter,
I love the creative use of language. For a long time now I have realized that much of the areas of people's wounding is attached to the language used and the meaning we each assign to different word and combination of words. "Pattern Imposing Force" is a great way to language God that may help bypass some of the "catches-in-peoples-get-along".
I also like your statement, "This'being' is beyond human understanding and may or may not be an entity; sentient; interventionist; compassionate;" This leaves the question open for people to explore what meaning they may choose.
I will adopt this. Thank you.
Blessing - Doug
Peter Brabyn said:Hi Doug,
I'm going to start another thread about defining the Interfaith Minister - hopefully we'll get a little more input from others.
I really enjoy finding people who are working towards the same goals I am working towards and think along similar lines. I'm not sure if this is an ego thing, human nature, or selfless love of the planet we live on, I guess that's not really important though. Either way, this conversation is stimulating for me and something I am enjoying. Thank you.
As you have stated, change is inbuilt. It is something I often promote especially to people who are undergoing emotional or personal hardship. Sometimes change is not possible, such as in extreme poverty, but in Australia it is a solution to many of the woes of individuals.
People often feel they have made mistakes, sometimes they feel these are insurmountable. Changing their thinking to see that "mistake = learning opportunity" is something that has been very beneficial to many people that have crossed my path. Once people cease to fear change they can take each learning opportunity and move forward into a better world for themselves.
On the "creative source" - an Interfaith Study Circle I have been running for the past few years came up with PIF - Pattern Imposing Force, which I like. We also talked about the difference between god (a non-specific deity), God (A single deity or a collection of deities, male or female or a collective thereof being discussed in context) and GOD (the creator or the universe or sum of all energy or the pattern imposing force (PIF) or what one person sees at the equivalent to this. This
'being' is beyond human understanding and may or may not be an entity; sentient; interventionist; compassionate; interested). -
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Permalink Reply by Peter Brabyn on
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Hi Doug,
I think the more people get to know 'god', the less they believe they know.
There was a time many years ago when I thought I knew god, but now I am much happier with the term agnostic. I know god much better than I did all those years ago, however I no longer feel I can define god.This is something I have found many of the experienced theologists I have discussed this with have also done. They may still hold on to a specific religion, but they can not define who, or often even what, god is.
You are of course most welcome to use any words to explain your own ideas, even some of mine if you feel they are suitable.
Namaste
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Permalink Reply by Shari on -
Hi Rev. Doug
Loved this post - you express the meaning of interfaith ministry so well. I have recently started an interfaith blog and am wanting to blog about this subject soon. I have been thinking for a while about how best to do that. I am wondering if you would be open to posting this on my site as my first 'feature guest'?. I am a member of this forum, and am very committed to the interfaith movement, as my blog will highlight. If you check it out, like what you see and are happy to do so, I would be most grateful. If not, well done on a wonderful post!
kind regards, Shari - onelightmanylamps.blogspot.com
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Permalink Reply by Rev. Douglas Walker on
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Hi Shari,
Great blog! I would be happy to post it or you may copy and paste it in if you like. If you want me to do it please message me with instructions. Just let me know.
Blessings - Doug
Shari said:Hi Rev. Doug
Loved this post - you express the meaning of interfaith ministry so well. I have recently started an interfaith blog and am wanting to blog about this subject soon. I have been thinking for a while about how best to do that. I am wondering if you would be open to posting this on my site as my first 'feature guest'?. I am a member of this forum, and am very committed to the interfaith movement, as my blog will highlight. If you check it out, like what you see and are happy to do so, I would be most grateful. If not, well done on a wonderful post!
kind regards, Shari - onelightmanylamps.blogspot.com
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Permalink Reply by Ron Krumpos on -
Excellent post, Doug, as always. We can each learn something from all religions and faiths if only we will open our hearts and minds to do so. An interfaith minister can facilitate that learning process.
Four of our good friends are ministers of Tenrikyo, which was my mother-in-law's religion. It was formed in the 19th century by a woman who had been raised a Pure Land Buddhist and married a Shinto man, so has elements of both. As Rev. Okazaki told me, there are many ways up the mountain. Each person has to find the path that is right for them.
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