| What is Interfaith Ministry? |
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| Interfaith Ministry a new concept in inclusive spiritual Service- meeting the needs of a diverse and changing world Who are Interfaith Ministers? Interfaith Ministers are mature adults from a wide variety of backgrounds and faiths, who are trained to teach, counsel and serve all in their communities, regardless of faith, religion or belief. We affirm the truth in all religions, faiths and spiritual traditions. We are each rooted in our own faith, yet recognize the universality of the teachings, values and, above all, the experience of the Sacred common to all authentic spiritual traditions, and which are at the heart of true service. We are not a replacement for, but an addition to traditional religious ministers and teachers. We are committed to serving all who seek a personally meaningful experience of connection with the Sacred, whether within or outside of an established religious tradition, and to supporting and encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation in individuals, families and communities. What do Interfaith Ministers do? There is no dogma or fixed ministerial role for Interfaith Ministers. Each minister serves in their own way in their own community. Some choose to offer a public ministry, through spiritual counseling, services of healing and fellowship and ceremonies to mark birth, marriage, death and other important life transitions. Other ministers work in a less public way, for example, working with the dying or bereaved, or mediating in conflicts. Spiritual Counseling The aim of spiritual counseling is to help you to connect with your own inner strength, wisdom and spirituality, whatever your beliefs. In a safe space of complete acceptance, an Interfaith Minister will assist you in gaining clarity, peace and joy, and in gathering the inner resources you may need to make the next step forward in your life. In addition to traditional counseling methods, silence, prayer, meditation, and visualization may all form part of spiritual counseling. Healing ceremonies The focus of a healing ceremony is on opening to union, forgiveness and peace by letting go of past judgments, unhelpful defenses and the need to suffer. Healing ceremonies may be individual, or can involve a couple, a family, or a whole community. Fellowship Services Fellowship services are an opportunity for us to join together with people from all spiritual traditions and walks of life, to share insights, prayers, songs, gifts and meditations. Services focus on universal themes, important to us all, such as forgiveness, gratitude and kindness. The experience of uniting with others in a common purpose is deeply uplifting and inspiring. It enables us to connect with our own joy, with the hearts of others and with the Sacred. Ceremonies to mark transitions Whatever our beliefs, ceremony is a very powerful way of integrating and honoring new experiences, life changes and personal commitments. These may be getting married, welcoming a baby, moving into a new home, saying farewell to a loved one, or any other important life transition. Interfaith Ministers work with you to create a moving, nourishing and personally meaningful occasion. What training have Interfaith Ministers received? Interfaith Ministers are mature people, actively committed to their own spiritual tradition, to heartfelt service and to affirming the unity of spirit of all beings. All have been through the two-year program of education and training at The New Seminary UK, studying the world’s major religions and spiritual traditions and receiving practical training in spiritual counseling, conducting ceremonies and the heart of service. |
| Reverend Pierre |
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