Q: How can we extend our connections to the wider interfaith scene to work together for world peace and harmony?

R:
This question came from an academic institution in Pakistan.

Some of the major international interfaith organisations also operate at national and local level around the world. For example, Religions for Peace has local groups and national inter-religious councils.; the International Association for Religious Freedom has member groups from many countries; the United Religions Initiatives has Cooperation Circles; and the Goldin Institute encourages City Partnerships. As an academic institution there is also the annual conference of Globalisation for the Common Good hosted by different associates (see Events for the next gathering). Links to the websites of all these organisations and many more can be found in our Resources section.

There are also organisations like the Inter Faith Network for the UK and the North American Interfaith Network – national networking bodies that connect relevant groups to a wider interfaith family for mutual support and cooperation. These organisations are founded in areas with a rich diversity of peoples from different faiths and cultures but almost every country today is multi-cultural and multi-religious to some degree. More national networks could be very useful in bringing together various groups working for the same goals in each country. It is a good start to connect with others where you are and to help each other build a strong national identity where every faith community is integrated, recognised and respected.

Guidelines for building good relations with other people of faith can be downloaded freely from the Inter Faith Network of the UK’s website. Such networks could then be extended regionally, for example a South Asian Interfaith Network, and this in turn could possibly become linked to the International Interfaith Organisations Network, a growing family coordinated by the International Interfaith Centre. Such growth takes time, effort, integrity and perseverance but who better to start it than you, if you have the vision and the dream of positive engagement with others of like mind for the greater good.