The goal of the church's interfaith work is to engage people in face to face experiences with other faith partners. This goal is best served by creative models that guide people and stay attuned to their needs and questions in a pastoral context. As the minister of a church that is actively engaged in interfaith work, the Rev. Karen Hamilton has some tips. Begin step by step and work from the rules of dialogue. That means respectful engagements where each party speaks for itself.
People get to know each other, and the human side comes out.
Relationships are also fostered through joint efforts in a mutual cause such as global debt, homelessness, even annual interfaith dinners. Barry Cooke, a United Church minister with an avid interest in interfaith work, also has some good advice. The models outlined below move from people passively receiving know-ledge to genuine mutuality. Presentation by a Speaker For congregations with little or no interfaith experience, inviting a speaker from another tradition for a mid-week talk or seminar is ideal. This low-risk educational approach gives listeners a chance to sort out questions while confronting false images of the other faith tradition.