That risk made the church a pioneer in ecumenical and interfaith relations and a leader in academic dialogue, World Council of Churches initiatives, and in supporting interfaith organizations. The church has put a lot of energy into dialogue, supporting international and interfaith organizations, and encouraging congregational initiatives. More recently, the interfaith office has been developing educational resources and refining models that explore faith diversity. To date, about 70 groups or individuals have responded to the study document, which examines anti-Jewish spirit in Christian teaching and practice. Gregersen, the fourth person to hold the interfaith portfolio, explains the logic of locating interfaith work within the Division of World Outreach.
Partnership is the key, and partnership means the just distribution of power.
Power imbalances can threaten partnership in subtle ways. Historically, Western offers of financial resources to other countries have implicitly controlled those countries' agendas. True partnership means trusting that the others' goals for those resources is in their own best interest. The Division of World Outreach is committed to mutuality, to moving with partners as they take the lead. The role of power is even more key in light of religious and ethnic tensions the world over.