About Interfaith Philadelphia

Christian, Muslim, Baháʼí, Jewish, Buddhist, and beyond, Interfaith Philadelphia is led by a diverse team and Board of Directors from various religious, ethnic, and racial communities. Our leaders draw on their experience in interfaith relations and diversity work across civic, governmental, community, and educational settings to advance our mission.

Our holistic approach engages the head, heart, and hands through teaching, dialogue, and service. Through out signature programs (Youth Initiatives, Leadership Institute, and Religious Networks) we aim to create communities of hope and reconciliation in workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. We unite religious leaders, congregants, and youth to learn to value and respect the “other” while strengthening their own religious identities.

We work strategically across workplaces, congregations, schools, and neighborhoods, based on the social-ecological model. We believe change requires impacting multiple levels of influence. We define social change as increased harmony, focusing on changing attitudes and increasing knowledge at the individual level, building bridges at the community level, and creating a new public narrative at the societal level. 

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Our Mission

In order to promote social harmony and inter-religious understanding, Interfaith Philadelphia equips individuals and communities for interfaith engagement, builds collaborative relationships, and stands in solidarity with our diverse neighbors.
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Our Vision

Since our founding in 2004, Interfaith Philadelphia has challenged Philadelphians to dare to understand one another. Our bold vision is to have our region reflect the vibrancy of a religiously diverse democracy, one in which all people are valued, distinctive traditions are welcomed, and people of diverse backgrounds collaborate to shape a just and compassionate society.

Dare To Understand

Our tagline, Dare to Understand, is both a statement of fact and a call to action, encapsulating so much of what makes our work unique. It conveys a sense of the courage required to participate and engage in interfaith work, the fear of the “other” felt by so many, and the need to overcome such fears. It challenges us to be bold in learning about one another, to dare to listen sincerely to the crying needs of our time, and to work together to contribute to the good of our region. Not only is our tagline a call for a deeper understanding of the “other,” but it is also an invitation to continued self-discovery and appreciation of one’s own heritage.