Global Interfaith Grassroots Organizing: The Record So Far

18 November 2011
Masanko Banda’s drum led the long procession of religious leaders from dozens of faiths who signed the URI Charter, June 27, 2000 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo: Rowan Fairgrove

Since its Charter was signed in 2000, United Religions Initiative (URI) has grown to include more than 530 grassroots groups and organizations in 78 countries. Each Cooperation Circle has its own name, size, governance and mission, but they all share in their commitment to and practice of diversity, and to advancing the central purpose and principles of URI. As URI’s director of Organizational Development for over 15 years, I’ve had a good seat from which observe and participate in developing an institution that believes in the power of people to self-organize in order to fulfill their aspirations for peace, justice and healing.

So, what are we seeing? What is our experience teaching us? Click here to read the article in the November 15 issue of The Interfaith Observer.