COMMON AGREEMENTS FOR INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
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COMMON AGREEMENTS FOR INTERFAITH DISCUSSION
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THE INTERFAITH COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Common Agreements For Interfaith Discussion.
We hold that one of the best ways to overcome prejudice and
misunderstanding is respectful dialogue, inquiry, and constructive
engagement.
The Purpose of the Faith Diversity Task Force, Interfaith Community
Conversation is to Educate ourselves and learn about the True nature
of our various Faith Traditions.
Our purpose is EDUCATIONAL.
We do NOT engage, encourage, or allow any form of missionizing or
proselytizing
activity.
There IS a difference between this and EDUCATING.
As a neutral forum of inquiry we do NOT take a position on any issue.
We operate on the basis of Mutual Respect and Goodwill, and strive to
maintain a
"Level Playing Field" for ALL of our various Faith Traditions.
Participants should feel free to ask pointed and direct questions, and
air their concerns about a Faith Tradition, as long as the inquiry is
respectful and
sincere and not construed as an attack or denigration.
We never address
personalities but keep a focus on issues.
Our perceptions may be challenged. We may disagree. Thats all OK. We
do NOT have to agree.
What we DO encourage is to keep an open mind, seek further
clarification, and attempt to reach a level of mutual understanding.
As People of Faith and Goodwill we will respect the Common Humanity of
other
participants, and respect their right to adopt and follow a Path to
Divinity
that they have chosen as appropriate for themselves.
This group ( The Faith Diversity Task Force,Interfaith Community
Conversation ) operates by the authority of the Mutual Consensus of
all its participants and is not beholden to any other outside
influence, group, person or
institution.
To Respectfully Disagree is a virtue, but to BE disagreeable is a
horrible vice.
Let us try to Respectfully Disagree ( when appropriate ) in a manner
that does
not attack the dignity of other persons, or alienate us from their
goodwill.
Let's keep talking, asking questions, exploring, and let's do it with
a smile.
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THE INTERFAITH COMMUNITY
[Adopted by participants at the February 9, 2005 Meeting.]
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