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Interfaith Leadership Video Series​

Curriculum

Lesson Five: Historical Examples of Interfaith Cooperation

Highlighting key historical moments of interfaith engagement, this lesson offers examples of successes and failures that today’s interfaith leaders can learn from. 

Historical Examples of Interfaith Cooperation

Although the current interfaith movement is relatively young, there is a rich history of both national and global interfaith cooperation. Highlighting key historical moments of interfaith engagement, this lesson offers examples of successes and failures that today’s interfaith leaders can learn from. 

5.1: Why Does This History Matter?

This video identifies ways that historical examples of interfaith cooperation can help interfaith leaders combat the false notion that religious difference inherently leads to violence and tension. 

Discussion Questions

  • Before watching this video, what would have been the 5 words that best describe interreligious relationships in history? Choose one of these words and explain why you included it on your list.

5.2: Interfaith Cooperation in United States History

This lesson looks at the history of the United States, citing several instances of interfaith bridgebuilding and cooperation. These examples extend from pre-colonial times through the 1960s and into today. 

Discussion Questions

  • What are some of the identity groups that are missing from this presented history? Do you know any key figures from these identity groups who could be considered interfaith leaders?
  • Describe the two historical moments of bridge building that most inspire you as you develop your own approach to interfaith cooperation.

5.3: Who are your Interfaith Heroes?

Through a series of short interviews, young professionals in different fields share stories of their own interfaith role models, contributing to learners’ knowledge of historical examples of interfaith cooperation and identifying ways in which these precedents have been useful to their own interfaith leadership. 

Discussion Questions

  • Identify someone that you look up to as a leader. Are there aspects of their leadership that relate to interfaith cooperation?
  • What is a specific text, film, or work of art or music that has inspired you to become an interfaith bridge-builder?

5.4: Historical Interfaith Cooperation Summary and Reflection

This final module summarizes the key ideas about our interfaith past and elaborates on how this rich history of cooperation set the stage for today’s interfaith movement. 

Discussion Questions

  • How can the examples portrayed in this lesson be applied to a current issue that you care about (i.e. fracking, climate change, #BlackLivesMatter, gun control)?

More Lessons

Lesson One: Introduction to Interfaith Leadership

We define interfaith leadership and give an overview of the structure, topics, and tactics of the entire course.

Lesson Two: Key Concepts of Interfaith Leadership

Learners will be introduced to some of the primary concepts and social theories that support the interfaith movement in the United States today.

Lesson Three: Identity of an Interfaith Leader

Explore Interfaith Leadership as both an identity category and an individual commitment.

Lesson Four: Cultivating Appreciative Knowledge

Learn methods for cultivating appreciative knowledge of other religious beliefs, practices, and worldviews.

Lesson Six: Ethics and Theologies of Interfaith Cooperation

Consider stories, figures, and experiences from their own traditions that support their interfaith work.

Lesson Seven: The Movement Now

Examines opportunities and challenges present in the current interfaith movement.

Lesson Eight: Interfaith Leadership in Action

Synthesize the core ideas presented throughout the series and summarize key strategies and approaches.