What We Believe
The principles of Universal Interfaith articulated below represent the beginning foundation upon which the founders of The Order established “interfaith as a spiritual expression.” Since that time The Order has had the blessings of additional inputs through other teachers and members who have been maturing similar inclusive spiritual expressions through terms such as “interspirituality,” “integral spirituality,” “Holistic Theology,” “cosmo-centric spirituality,” and “multi-faith.” All of these terms are important to the whole of this movement and the work of The Order. Each term is slightly different in its approach to inclusivity, but it is the combined articulation of them together that encompasses a complete vision of the members and supporters of The Order.
What is Universal Interfaith (UnI)?
For many years, interfaith was seen as a verb, an action of one faith path talking to and dialoguing with another. Many still see this. But not all...
Universal Interfaith, abbreviated as UnI (pronounced as "You-and-I"), is a way of viewing the world's different religious communities as part of a greater whole. The basic principle of UnI is that our spirituality is a fundamental part of who we are as individuals and as humans. Every human being is given a spiritual "seed" that is their own gift from the Divine. Each of us has our own path and this is something to be celebrated and honored. This gift must be discovered, accepted and nurtured through a lifetime.
Education about different faith paths is encouraged and valued so that everyone can enjoy and be nurtured by the many different visions of the Divine.
When there is only one individual, there is only "a religion." "Interfaith" comes only when there are two individuals entering a discussion or relationship, hence the initials that say "You and I." UnI principles honor both paths or spiritual perspectives as equally worthy as long as they do no harm or disrespect to others and are compassionate. When someone commits to serving others based on UnI, they willingly set aside their own faith path and include to become something more so that they walk the path or spiritual perspective of those they serve during a time of need.
On January 2, 2009, the first approved "Declaration of Faith" was published.
DECLARATION OF FAITH
THIS DECLARATION, made on the date hereinafter set forth by
THE ORDER OF UNIVERSAL INTERFAITH,
hereinafter collectively referred to as “The Order”.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, Founding Members of The Order are interested in serving others without regard to their individual religious practices during a time of crisis, medical and physical need, and education.
WHEREAS, Founding Members of The Order are interested in preserving a model of Interfaith service for all humanity.
NOW, THEREFORE, The Order hereby declares that the following to be a common set of principles and beliefs that define and determine appropriate conduct for all members of The Order.
ARTICLE I
Service to All of Divine Creation
All life is the creation of Divine processes that may or may not be understood, but which must be respected with dignity and compassion by all members of The Order.
ARTICLE II
Every Human Has Their Own Divine Interpretation
Every human being has been given their own unique interpretation of Divine processes and their own relationship to the Divine. Even members of specific religions, and denominations within religions, have different shades of interpretation on some theological issues and conduct. No two humans should be considered exactly alike in their beliefs. All members of The Order should respect the personal belief systems of every other human being, so long as they maintain dignity and
compassion for others.
ARTICLE III
The Principle of Universal Interfaith Service
While in the conduct of service towards others, all members of The Order shall strive to include all others beyond their own belief system by seeking to understand, support, and serve the recipient based on the recipient’s spiritual needs and interpretations.