Interfaith has been practiced as a part of human history for as long as there have been formalized religions. There have always been people of faith curious about other beliefs and practices who have learned through their studies how many similarities and differences exist on the path to God.

The modern day Interfaith “movement” was officially started in Chicago in 1894 when the first Parliament of World Religions was held.

In today’s world, we live on a much smaller planet and cultures, ethnicities, races and religions interact on a daily basis. People have come to know each other on a deeper level and all kinds of relationships have bloomed. Today, there are approximately thirty Interfaith Seminaries ordaining ministers who practice in this country and other parts of the world.

The copy below is from http://www.chaplaincyinstitute.org/.

WHAT DOES AN INTERFAITH MINISTER DO?

Interfaith Ministers provide compassionate, respectful spiritual care to people of all faiths and people of no faith. We support people in finding meaning within life, crisis, suffering, and loss.

An Interfaith Minister seeks to honor both the diversity and the unity of all beings, cultures and faith traditions.

We delight in the rich gifts and lessons of the wisdom teachings and truths of other faith traditions while also fully embracing our own respective traditions.

Interfaith Ministers provide spiritual support, using pastoral care skills such as listening, presence, and compassion. We assist people in celebrating and ritualizing the cycles of life, including weddings and memorials.

We serve the unnamed and named God and are open to engaging new faith traditions that are not familiar.

The Interfaith Minister recognizes that the Holy is everywhere.