We live in an interfaith world. This brings challenges and opportunities. Many of us already engage in interfaith partnerships.
World Interfaith Harmony Week, the first week in February of each year, provides an opportunity for people of different faiths to seek fellowship, work together, and celebrate common concerns and values.
Different communities may observe World Interfaith Harmony Week in ways that are appropriate to their situation and relationships. It’s a time to lift up existing partnerships and plan special events to highlight our interfaith relationships.
Ideas could include (but not be limited to) praying with people of all faiths for peace in the Middle East and around the world, dialogues, work to “green sacred spaces,” or joint community projects.Explore the Interfaith Toolkit of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for additional ideas and resources. Respectful Presence: An Understanding of Interfaith Prayer and Celebration from a Reformed Christian Perspective, adopted by the 209th General Assembly (1997) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), provides helpful insights.
Learn about events that are already planned for World Interfaith Harmony Week. Plan and register your event.
World Interfaith Harmony Week is an opportunity to practice “respectful presence.” As the 209th General Assembly (1997) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) states, ” Respectful presence is a way to follow Jesus of Nazareth, who met with people of many cultures and religions even as he fulfilled the nature and purpose of his God-given mission. Our expectation is that the practice of respectful presence can enable Christians to have fruitful experiences of interfaith dialogue, celebration, or worship. At the same time, our expectation is that respectful presence with people of other faiths can lead Christians into a fuller understanding and experience of their own faith.”