Thursday, October 20, 2005
[WCC] Worldwide Survey Launched on Interfaith Education
Learning about, from and with peoples of other faiths is increasingly being recognized as a vital aspect of education in faith communities and education systems. A newly launched web-based survey on interfaith education aims to discover examples of good practice across the world.
The World Council of Churches' Education and Ecumenical Formation program and Hartford Seminary, USA, have created the interactive survey on interfaith education to catalogue what is taking place in international communities. The survey is part of the larger Interfaith Education Project (IEP) sponsored by the two organizations.
Taking seriously the diversity of religious faith and practice to build positive understanding and attitudes, the IEP is a contribution to reflection and action on education in the ecumenical movement. The project has two objectives - (1) to survey and analyze the global field of interfaith education; (2) to produce a resource based on the results of that survey which would assist educators in faith communities and education systems develop interfaith education appropriate to their context.
Project Coordinator Christy Lohr said, "The IEP is a noteworthy endeavor that recognizes the importance of religious diversity around us today. The launch of the survey is really exciting as it provides a means for individuals from around the world to be involved and provide input on ways to shape future resources to support educational outreach."
Ms. Lohr, along with Heidi Hadsell, president of Hartford Seminary and members of the EEF Commission, will discuss initial findings of the survey in a workshop during the World Council of Church's 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in February.
Both Hartford Seminary and the World Council of Churches have a long history in fostering quality interfaith relations. Hartford Seminary is a non-denominational graduate-level theological educational institution that is committed the understanding of religion and spirituality as they are played lived out in today's multifaith world. With a strong program in Christian-Muslim relations, it is also the only Christian seminary in the United States to offer an Islamic chaplaincy certification.
The WCC brings together more than 340 churches, denominations and church fellowships in more than 100 countries and territories throughout the world, representing 400 million Christians and including most of the world's Orthodox churches and denominations.
If you are someone who is actively involved in interfaith endeavors, the World Council of Churches and Hartford Seminary invite you to share the good news of your work. Please fill out the survey by logging onto http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB224NRA5G9EM.
For more information, please visit http://www.hartsem.edu/events/news_HSWCCprogram.htm
or contact Christy Lohr, christylohr@hartsem.edu.
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