What is an Interfaith Minister?
An Interfaith Minister is one who has attended a seminary devoted to the study of many faiths and has been ordained as an Interfaith Minister. Interfaith Ministry preparation involves the study of the sacred texts and philosophies from all the worlds' faith traditions including Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, Shamanism and Native American Spirituality, along with other world religions. In addition to focusing on the esoteric aspects of religion, a large part of interfaith seminary training involves directly experiencing religious services of all faiths. After completion of seminary and the ordination ceremony, Interfaith Ministers perform the same ministerial functions as those provided by any other minister of a particular faith. These ministry functions include Weddings, Memorial/Funeral Services, Baby Namings, Dedications, Education, Sermons, and Spiritual Direction/Spiritual Counseling. The primary difference between an Interfaith Minister and a religious leader of a singular faith or denomination is that Interfaith Ministers personify religious tolerance and acceptance and do not adhere to one and only one chosen path that leads to universal truth and enlightenment. For the Interfaith Minister, all paths are good when one is seeking to find his or her way.
Every Interfaith Minister who is ordained by the All Faiths Seminary International abides by these six guiding principles:
1) We affirm the truth in all faiths and religious paths.
The rainbow's beauty consists of its many hues and the grandeur of a symphony in its many instrumental harmonies and coloration. Unity does not mean uniformity.
2) We affirm our belief that seeking attunement to Spirit is the highest goal of conscious living. Spiritual living unfolds our inner human possibilities and helps the individual to freely grow toward realizing his or her highest Self. We support and encourage whatever spiritual practices contribute positively to the unique creative growth of every person.
3) We affirm an inclusive vision of "We." We experience ourselves as part of the global human family. Old dichotomies of "us" versus "them" do not serve the healing of the world.
4) We affirm the essential goodness of the human being. Each of us is an expression of Divine Nature as we each understand Divinity. As we individually and collectively move toward greater awareness and understanding of Spirit, we become deeper reflections of that Spirit within us and in the world around us.
5) We affirm that each person, indeed all life, is a part of the healing process of the world. We have faith in the ultimate healing of the planet. Each of us, as we fulfill our own highest good, brings this healing vision nearer to reality.
6) We affirm the value of Interfaith interactions as enriching our awareness of Spirit in the world. The Interfaith concept, as outlined in these principles, is an unifying vehicle that can aid us in healing of the world. By working together, we walk together toward our common goal: the spiritual awakening of the world. We all seek to find our path to enlightenment.
An Interfaith Minister is a contemporary spiritual figure who respects all contemplative paths leading toward a deepening of a person's relationship with the divine, and who upholds the sanctity and oneness of creation.
"Know what is in front of your face and what is hidden
from you will be disclosed to you. For there is
nothing hidden that will not be revealed."
Jesus, The Gospel of Thomas, 5
"I am the light that is over all things. I am all; from me
all came forth and to me all attained. Split a piece of wood,
I am there. Lift up the stone and you will find me there."
Jesus, The Gospel of Thomas, 77
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