Interfaith relations
Our commitment to relationship with all the peoples of the earth has led the United Church of Christ has entered into dialogue with other faith traditions.
“What does it mean to profess Christian faith in a world of many faiths?” “How can I be fully a Christian and at the same time respect the faith of others?” “What does it mean to be ‘saved’?” “How do I interpret in an interfaith society the Bible verses that understand Jesus as ‘the way’?” These are questions with which members of our congregations wrestle every day.
General Synod’s commitment to interfaith dialogue is expressed in part through the Interfaith Relations Commission of the National Council of Churches. Through the NCC we have been able to connect with leaders of many non-Christian faiths. Other settings of the church are engaged in countless interfaith dialogues, projects and relationships. In many communities, UCC congregations join other churches in organizing coalitions with members of other faiths on issues of shared concern. Our commitment to understanding among faiths is also international: Many missionaries called called by the Common Global Ministries Board are deeply involved in interfaith relationships—especially in societies where Christians are a minority.
In 1987 and 1989, General Synod adopted resolutions reinforcing our commitment to reconciliation with the Jewish and Muslim communities.
Links to Resources
Resource on Interreligious Relations
National Council of Churches Interfaith Relations Commission
General Synod: 1987 statement on Christian-Jewish relations
General Synod: 1989 statement on Christian-Muslim relations
National Council of Churches: Interfaith Relations [NCC website]
History of interfaith relations [WCC website]
Christian-Jewish relations [WCC website]
Christian-Muslim relations [WCC website]
Interfaith Toolkit
Links to Websites of Other Faiths
Buddhanet: Buddhist Resources
IslamiCity: Muslim resources online
Judaism (Conservative)
Judaism (Orthodox)
Judaism (Reconstructionist)
Judaism (Reform)