Adopting a multi-faith orientation in theory and practice

In the global world of the 21st century, it no longer suffices to speak of an interfaith world. The language and communities of those engaged in faith-based work has shifted to reflect a diverse and multi-faith population. Yet, many of the symbols and much of the language of faith-based work in the United States, and in particular in the world of pastoral education, remains rooted in Judeo-Christian language, symbols, and expressions. Through a study of the perceptions, beliefs, understandings and expressions of the language and meaning of multi-faith in the context of a faith-based organization that is shifting its language from interfaith to multi-faith and diverse, this study will illuminate the ways in which one faith-based organization in pastoral education attempts to expand its own understanding of faith-based work as it shifts from an interfaith model to a multi-faith model. Analysis of the data will suggest ways in which other faith-based organizations can grow their inclusivity of faiths by suggesting the needed language, beliefs, and understandings of faith diversity that support such shifts.