Multifaith Relations
We endeavor to bring together a wider set of religious participants than constitute the usual multi-faith activists, seeking religious leaders who may not usually be included in multifaith conversations and work. GIMA centers authentic relationships by building opportunities for deep interpersonal friendships to develop between faith leaders.
What makes us unique?
We endeavor to bring together a wider set of religious participants than constitute the usual multi-faith activists, seeking religious leaders who may not usually be included in multifaith conversations and work.
That action will come as the result of our:
Collecting and sharing widely the language/text/scripture from various faith traditions that impel and inspire us to act on this issue;
Building relationships among our members enabling them to feel more comfortable with each other and enabling them to do more effective work for the city of Indianapolis
Raising awareness and understanding about the severity of the problem among clergy and congregants through listening to individuals who have experienced evictions/homelessness, and through exposure to issue experts and subsequent discussion groups;
Identifying and communicating policies that have been shown to alleviate the problem;
Providing a way for clergy to collaborate and leverage each other in exploring best practices for speaking about this issue from the pulpit or educating their congregants;
Serving as a trusted gateway for congregants interested in doing “more” – whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating with other organizations or coalitions
Sacred Friendships Discussions
One core facet of GIMA is our Sacred Friendships discussions. These exist to deepen relationships and are easy, one-hour conversations with other faith leaders in the Indianapolis area. Each session focuses on a conversation topic led by our committee chairs, Pastor Linda McCrae, Rabbi Brett Krichiver, and Hiba Alami. If you are interested in joining a future discussion, please fill out the form below. All are welcome!
Mutlifaith Resources
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Building Interfaith Relationships Furthers Religious Liberty for All
“When houses of worship come together to engage in any one or more of these activities, we will not only build relationships but improve the lives of our neighbors, no matter their faith background”
- Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of BJC and co-host of the “Respecting Religion” podcast series.
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How interfaith exploration made me a better Catholic
“According to the church, interreligious dialogue goes beyond talking to other believers. It requires lived engagement: sharing meals, attending religious services and working together to promote justice”
- Jordan Denari is a student at Georgetown University in Washington D.C.
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Why Interfaith Dialogue Doesn't Work -- And What We Can Do About It
“I have been participating in interfaith dialogue as a rabbi and Jewish leader for more than 30 years, and most of the time it just doesn't work. Most of the time it is terribly boring.”
- Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie is a speaker, writer, and President Emeritus of the Union for Reform Judaism.