Interfaith Directory Edited with an Introduction by Francis Clark; New York: International Religious Foundation, 1987, x+ 178 pp.

Abstract

The cause of interfaith dialogue, understanding and what is sometimes
described as "the wider ecumenismn has gained considerable momentum in
recent years. While interfaith conflicts and sectarian tensions continue to hit
the headlines, efforts to build bridges and arrive at some degree of mutual
understanding are also underway. Recent years have witnessed the emergence
of many groups, agencies and organizations around the globe that are working
in the field of interreligious dialogue and understanding. These groupings
have held numerous interfaith seminars, cqnferences and workshops and have
contributed significantly in opening up new channels of communication and
wider avenues of concord among the hitherto contending religious community
leaders. One such organization is The Council for the World's Religions (CWR).
a New York based organization which aims to bring believers of all faiths
into mutual friendship and collaboration in the service of God and humanity.
The Interfaith Directory sponsored by the CWR is one important step toward
disseminating information about other organizations and agencies working
for interreligious harmony and concord.
The Directory lists names, addresses and activities of about seven hundred
interfaith organizations throughout the world. These organizations have been
listed in five different categories: 1) organizations with multifaith membership;
2) organizations relating to two or three religions; 3) organizations based
on one religion. but with outreach to other religions; 4) universalist movements
for spiritual unity; and 5) academic institutions which are also centers of
interfaith dialogue and encounter. Some organizations receive multiple entries
because of the varied nature of their activities and programs. The Directory
also includes two very useful indeces, one alphabetical and the other
geographical. As has been noted by the editor, these organizations may vary
considerably in size, resources and effectiveness but all of them share the
common goal of interreligious harmony. Francis Clark has contributed a very
thoughtful introduction to the volume in which he discusses present trends
in the world-wide interfaith movement. He rightly points out that the interfaith
movement "is a deeper religious expression of the new sense of oneness of
the human family and the new awareness of our coounon responsibilities,
dangers and destiny in our one shared habitat." However, he is not oblivious ...