Building bridges
In Britain today people of many different faiths and beliefs live side by side.
Understanding and connecting with people of other faiths
Besides what the Bible says, it is in the DNA of Salvationists to show care and concern to all peoples, since all peoples are God's people. Culture and country, faith and no faith, nice or nasty, each matter equally. We are a people called by God and at our best when serving and bonding with others in Christ's name.
Inter faith understanding and cooperation is not about mixing up the faiths or assuming that they are all the same. It is about building good relations between the different faiths in a way which respects the integrity and the distinct historical tradition of each one.
Building bridges of hope, hospitality and healing are on-going between Christian Churches. On the horizon other bridges are under construction. They reach out in many directions. They carry people of different faiths. They meet on the common ground of mutual understanding, and acceptance. They have a shared humanity where dignity, freedom, social justice, solid morals and spirituality unite them. That's why it is important.
What the Bible says about other faiths
As Salvationists we are 'saved to serve' all people. We are called by God to be open, transparent and inclusive wherever we are, and to love our neighbour, whoever they are.
- Genesis 1-11 - God has made a covenant with all peoples.
- Jonah - God called Jonah to preach to the Assyrians in Nineveh
- Acts 17:22-34 - Paul lashed out at Gentiles who failed to grasp God as Creator and applauded others who revered the UNKNOWN God. ?God,' says Paul, ?...is not far from each one of us' (v. 27).
- Luke 10:25-37 - In the Parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus taught that love triumphs over race and religious prejudice in costly acts of love.
- Matt. 25:40 - We can recognise Christ in all people: ?I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me' (v.40).
- Matt 8:5-13 - Christ himself gives the first and last word when he commends the faith of the Roman centurion, adding, ?I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith' He continues, ?...many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places... in the Kingdom of Heaven' (v v10,11).
- Hebrews 11: 4-7 - People who are not Israelites are hailed by New Testament authors as models of faith.
In short, the Bible recognises faith outside the Church: we have a mandate from God!
(All scripture quotations from New International Version)
Understanding other religions
Learn more about other faiths and practices through reading, talks, having conversations, and even visiting other places of worship.
- When you share in conversations, be sensitive and courteous, respecting the right of others to disagree with your viewpoint.
- Understand the differences between your beliefs and practices and those of different faiths, and celebrate the common ground.
- Allow people's beliefs to be explained and correct misunderstandings.
- Know what you believe and why. Allow others to learn from you without feeling vulnerable.
- Develop inter-faith projects and initiatives which help the community or raise awareness of social justice issues.
- Join or start a local inter-faith initiative.
Further reading
The following books are recommended to help you explore this issue further:
- Multi-Faith Britain, David Hart
- Celebrating Difference, Staying Faithful - How to live in a Multi-Faith world, Andrew Wingate
- The Unexpected Journey, Thom S Rainer
- Love the Stranger: Ministry in Multi-Faith Areas, C Lamb & R Hooker
- Relating to People of Other Religions, M T Thangaraj
The Salvation Army is a member of The Churches' Commission on Inter Faith Relations with its link to the Inter Faith Network, each of which works to promote good relations between the faith communities of our nation.