For more than a decade, interfaith efforts have been on the rise in the United States, fueled by the growth of newer religious minority groups and by post-Sept. 11 interest in Islam. But participants and experts say a new credo is changing the movement: Go deeper.<\/p>\n
Meeting for months in small dialogue groups. Running a joint anti-gun violence program. Taking educational trips together.<\/p>\n
This growing wave represents a significant change in the movement called “interfaith,” a transformation driven by the belief that efforts have been too feel-good, not concrete or effective enough. It favors intimate group projects and community service over largely anonymous and safe group settings, such as lectures and joint worship services that happen once a year.<\/p>\n
That philosophy made the small back room of the D.C. club Busboys and Poets feel even smaller one night last month, when a few dozen people listened to an imam interview a rabbi and then broke into groups for discussion. The assigned questions: What traditions of your own do you hold most dear? What could you learn from other groups you don’t agree with?<\/p>\n
People made soft, general comments. But by the time the whole group rejoined for a Q&A, they were more frank.<\/p>\n
“How do you deal with a fanatic, a person who wants to kick you out of your home?” a Christian man originally from Palestine asked in a sharp tone, from the front corner of the room.<\/p>\n