27 February 2026
There are amazing people of faith around the world who are working to make our communities inclusive, accepting, diverse, and vibrant. This week, we encourage you to get to know some more of them, especially your neighbors from other faith traditions. We can learn a tremendous amount from each other.
Working with people from other religions can lead us to new insights as we consider different perspectives. Is there a synagogue, sangha, temple, mosque, church, discussion group, or gathering in your area that you think may share similar views to yours? Reach out to them and see if they might be interested in organizing a social event or a discussion between your groups. You could explore the similarities and differences in how your faith understands sexual orientation and gender identity. Rabbis Mychal Copeland and D’vorah Rose have edited a wonderful book, Struggling in Good Faith: LGBTQI Inclusion from 13 American Religious Perspectives, which can give you ideas and information as you consider the topic.
Some suggestions as you get started:
- Be thoughtful in your outreach, recognizing that some groups may not be certain of your motives. Be clear that you want to connect and dialogue, not evangelize or persuade.
- Learn at least a little about the group you are reaching out to so that you can ask informed questions. Check out 29 Facts About Interfaith Dialogue.
- Brush up on interfaith etiquette. Check out Eboo Patel’s 3 Suggestions for Interfaith Literacy, and see the Religion Communicator’s Council list of Guidelines for Interfaith Dialogue. Your faith tradition may have resources that are valuable to you.
- Consider offering food at your event—after checking with all groups about dietary needs and guidelines—as it is a time-honored way of bringing people together.
- Engage a facilitator who is experienced with interfaith groups. They can help set positive guidelines and encourage good conversation. Your local interfaith council may have resources for you.
- Take the event seriously but have fun together. It can be a transformative act just to gather together!
