What is an Interfaith Minister?
Interfaith Ministers seek to promote understanding, harmony and peace among all peoples of the world by respecting and emphasising what is universal in the teachings of the many spiritual paths, traditions and faiths.
Believing in one God and the many paths which lead back to the Source, we embrace and are grounded in a universal and inclusive approach to spirituality. We promote respect, reconciliation, forgiveness and fellowship between people of all faiths and those who have none. We honour people’s choices to worship in a way that most nourishes them. We support and respect the different paths to the Source others have chosen enabling them to find and articulate their own truth.
Interfaith Ministers may have a background in any faith or path. We may serve in a variety of ways. Some of us work as hospice or prison chaplains, many in various counselling roles. We come from a wide variety of backgrounds and are dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of all those who seek guidance, counselling and assistance irrespective of religion, ethnic background, gender, sexuality or age. We make no judgements. As Interfaith Ministers we have chosen to learn, respect and appreciate the diversity of paths and approaches to spirituality. We are not a “replacement for” but an “addition to” traditional Ministers and Teachers.
Training Programme
Interfaith Ministers have successfully undergone a 2-year programme of study with the Interfaith Seminary leading to ordination. We study the world's major religions and spiritual traditions and receive a practical training in spiritual counselling, conducting ceremonies and the heart of service.
Trained in the practical aspects of ministry, an Interfaith Minister is able to create and conduct personal and individual sacred ceremonies. These include: weddings, funerals, baby blessings, seasonal rituals, visualisations, inspirational talks/sermons and other services. More details relating to The Interfaith Seminary can be found at: www.interfaithseminary.org.uk
Legal Standing
As the Church of England is the official religion of the UK, Interfaith Ministers fall into the category of non‑conformist (alongside Rabbis, Catholic Priests and all clergy other than Anglican Ministers). As with all non-conformist traditions, Interfaith Seminary graduates are ordained and operate independently of the State.
Professional Standards
My professional body is “The Association of Interfaith Ministers and Spiritual Counsellors (AIMS)”. This body governs the ethical and professional conduct of ministers and monitors the standards of graduates of the Interfaith Seminary, London. It also provides on-going training, supervision and support for graduates.
What is the need for Interfaith Ministry?
At a time when religion is unfortunately a source of conflict and dissention in so many parts of the world, a ministry which respects differences and celebrates commonality is of crucial importance. Moreover, within established religion, the fast spread of more informal and spontaneous developments such as the House Church movement in Christianity, and the Chavurah movement in modern Judaism, as well as the rapid growth of New Age spirituality, indicates that there is a growing hunger for accessible, non-judgemental and direct ways of encountering the Sacred. A recent study undertaken by the British Council for Churches revealed that approximately 60% of people in the United Kingdom regard themselves as spiritual, but do not regularly take part in traditional religion. There is a spiritual gap which exists in our society when it comes to serving people who are grappling with issues their faith may not encompass (e.g.: inter-religious marriage, divorce, questioning of sexuality) or who are seeking spirituality but not necessarily religion, and those whose spiritual beliefs cannot be encompassed entirely by one faith. Interfaith ministry, which bases itself on mutual respect and valuing that which assists one to experience the divine in every religion and spiritual path, has a unique role to play in satisfying these needs.
“All the great religions deserve respect and, if practiced seriously, are paths to love and peace.” (The Dalai Lama)
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