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The Interfaith Relations Office seeks to support those in the church who are interested in, concerned about or engaged in building interfaith relationships. As Presbyterians learn about religious diversity, we reflect theologically on our relations with neighbors of other faiths. We also seek avenues for cooperation, or look for educational resources and practical models for bringing communities together. We hope you will find helpful information and resources on this Web site.

Interfaith Listening at Mission Celebration

‘Between Iraq and a hard place’
PC(USA) supports tenacious Christian community in Middle East

by Jerry L. Van Marter
Presbyterian News Service

The Rev. Jay Rock. Photo credit: Danny Bolin.

CINCINNATI — The complex history and current strife of the Middle East continue to make it a difficult place for Christians, despite 2,000 uninterrupted years of Christian witness in the region, participants in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s World Mission Celebration ’09 were told here Oct. 23.

“We’re caught between Iraq and a hard place,” Jordan-based longtime PC(USA) mission worker Douglas Dicks told some 700 mission-minded Presbyterians during a plenary session on the church’s witness in the Middle East. “It’s a tough neighborhood to live and navigate.” Keep reading.

Responding to Fort Hood shootings with open minds and hearts

In the wake of the Nov. 5 killings, the Rev. Ed Brogan, director of  the Presbyterian Council on Chaplains and Military Personnel (PCCMP), said, “We pray for healing for the soldiers and families after this horrific attack. We also join with the American Muslim community in calling for interfaith compassion and support for all of those involved at Fort Hood. This attack must not drive a wedge between loyal Americans.” Read full article.

The Muslim Public Affairs Council, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the American Muslim Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Council denounced "this barbaric act of violence" and offer their "deepest condolences to the victims and their loved ones."  In collaboration with religious organizations of varied faith, ISNA has launched a a special fund for the benefit of the families of the victims. Read more.

Read about the Presbyterian response.

Doing Something Interesting? Add it to the Interfaith Tool Kit!

This tool kit contains “how to do it” sorts of pieces and examples of what others have done as well as materials for study. New items are added to help you get started, or think further about faithful work and witness with your neighbors. Tell us about new models of what Presbyterians are doing  so that we can add them!  All the “tools” in this kit are available to be printed from this Web site and to be used freely. Begin using the tool kit now.

Other resources of note

• Reflect on Christian-Muslim relations
  When I see a stranger's photo it is good to take time to think about how we are linked together as part of God's creation. If I were to have a conversation with this person, what would I say? What would this person say to me? Reflect on a stranger with a gallery of pictures of Muslims from the Middle East.
• BURST: World Religions helps Christian teens better understand and appreciate the beliefs and traditions of their Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish and Muslim friends, peers and neighbors. It also gives teens a richer understanding and appreciation of their Christian faith.  From Abingdon Press, created by Danny Rhodes.  Order the Leader’s Guide and student booklets.
• Find information on interfaith aspects of the 2008 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
• Visit Change the Story, an online resource aimed at transforming harmful stereotypes about Muslims that persist in U.S. society.
• Presbyterian Packet on Religious Stereotyping may help in responding to new instances of anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim bias.

Why get involved with people of other faiths?

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has offered guidance about relations with neighbors who are Muslims, Jews, Hindus or followers of other faiths, in a variety of documents, and from a number of perspectives. We have assembled most of these policy and study resources here in an introduction to the thinking of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on interfaith relations and related issues. See the Presbyterian Principles and Policies section of the Interfaith Tool Kit.