Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: A Chorus of Faiths: A Program That Builds Interfaith Youth Leaders

Spiritual Preparation

Read these words from Augusta Jane Chapin, a Universalist minister present in Chicago at the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions:

This old world has...reached an era of intellectual and spiritual development where there is "malice toward none and charity toward all," and when, without prejudice, without fear, and in perfect fidelity, we may clasp hands across the chasm of our differences and speed and cheer each other on in the ways of all that is good and true.

Chapin paints a picture of a world that did not really exist in 1893 and does not exist today. Battles among religious factions can seem like a never-ending story. Yet, the work you are doing with youth aims to rewrite that story. How does that make you feel? Is the work exhausting? If so, reach out to other adults for help. If your service project seems too big, scale it back. If the youth do not appear to be excited, can you add elements of fun, such as social gatherings with interfaith partners, creating group tee shirts, or documenting gatherings with video? Let Augusta Jane Chapin's vision inspire you as the service event draws closer.