Tapestry of Faith: Building Bridges: A World Religions Program for 8th-9th Grades

Spiritual Preparation

If you identify as atheist or agnostic, this workshop could remind you of times in your life when your faith has put you at odds with others. Many youth identify with one of these categories and may also have had uncomfortable experiences in the larger community. Hopefully, you have found a spiritual home in your congregation where your beliefs are honored and can be publicly claimed. Think of what this feels like in the time before facilitating this workshop. Know that by introducing this topic to the youth, you are helping create a safe space for young people to question and explore without ridicule or fear of reprisals.

If you do not identify as atheist or agnostic, your facilitation of the workshop will still enable youth to question and explore. Do not be surprised if many youth identify as atheists. Be thankful that you have helped create such a safe space for all participants.