Permanent link for Exploring Language for Pluralism and Human Flourishing on April 22, 2024

Last week, the Kaufman Interfaith Institute brought together 21 leaders representing 14 different interfaith initiatives and organizations from across the state of Michigan for a convening at our office at Grand Valley State University. Building on the theme of human belonging, this convening was  a deep dive into our language and vernacular for engaging in the work of interfaith and pluralism.

Our purpose for this convening was to identify the barriers and opportunities of language as we work towards as shared and effective vernacular for the future of the interfaith movement. The terms we use carry with them distinct connotations, denotations, and biases that all play a part in enhancing or inhibiting spaces of belonging. We recognized that we all come to the table with different levels of experience and engagement, and as such, our April conversation was intentionally foundational, a step back to explore the words and phrases we use to create hospitable interfaith space and upon which relationships are formed.

To that end, we once again had the opportunity to build new connections and relationships with each other and between our respective organizations. We were able to share and learn about the work that each of us is engaged in to bridge divides, address disparities, and work towards individual or community transformation.

Over the course of our time together, we explored coded language versus language that liberates, we leaned into the complex work of creating brave spaces of belonging where disagreement is expected, we held space for listening and laughter as we shared about our respective work and resonance with terms and labels like “interfaith”, “multi-faith,” ”secular,” and “nones,” we spent time with our "Believing and Belonging" Photovoice Exhibit, and we mapped out list of words that harm, require context, and welcome to guide our work going forward.

We are so grateful to all of the organizations and individuals who responded to our invitation, to Rev. Holly Makimaa for facilitating our time together, to Desiraé Simmons, co-director of Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice,  for her wisdom and thoughtful workshop on Belonging and Language, and to the Fetzer Institute for underwriting this collaborative effort! For those who don’t know, the Fetzer Institute helps to build the spiritual foundation for a loving world. They aim to inspire and serve a global movement that transforms the world into a more loving home for all. 

Participating Orgs:

• Adhwaq Center for Spirituality, Culture, and the Arts
• Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services
• C3: West Michigan’s Inclusive Spiritual Connection
• Evenstar’s Chalice and Institute / Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
• Fetzer Institute
• Greater Lansing Interfaith Clergy Association
• Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
• Interfaith Leadership Council for Peace and Justice
• Interfaith Photovoice
• Kaufman Interfaith Institute
• My Oasis Center
• Northern Michigan Interfaith Common Grounds
• One America Movement
• West Michigan Hindu Temple
• University of Michigan

This was the second of three convenings in Grand Rapids MI. We are excited to see where these new relationships might lead, to share out the research and learning from this gathering, and to continue the conversation at our final convening Critical Hope: Envisioning the Future of Interfaith on June 20-21, 2024.  Stay tuned!

Posted by Kyle Kooyers on Permanent link for Exploring Language for Pluralism and Human Flourishing on April 22, 2024.