Interfaith Partners of South Carolina

Mission

The mission of Interfaith Partners of South Carolina is to foster understanding and cooperation among the religious groups of the state.

Vision

The vision of Interfaith Partners is that all religious groups within the state will interact harmoniously so that:

• all people are treated with dignity and respect
• the religious freedom of all groups is protected
• each religious group's practices and teachings are given respectful consideration
• interfaith discussions will become conversation models that others will want to emulate

Approach

The mission of Interfaith Partners will be accomplished through the statewide partnership and by local dialogue groups. The purpose of these groups will be to:

• develop relationships of friendship and trust across religious lines
• learn each religion’s history, teachings, and practices
• recognize the similarities and differences between the major religious traditions
• plan events and activities that contribute to the mission and vision of Interfaith Partners
• cooperate with other interfaith groups when mutually desirable

The statewide partnership will provide direction and support to the local groups. This may include providing speakers, panelists, or other resources for local interfaith events.

Structure and Governance

A statewide Steering Committee will coordinate the program and activities of Interfaith Partners. The Steering Committee will be composed of two members from each of the major faith traditions in South Carolina including: Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Bahá’í, Unitarian Universalist, Native American, and perhaps others. The Steering Committee will establish policy, plan events and activities, and support local dialogue groups to promote the mission and vision of Interfaith Partners.

Membership

Membership will be open to any person who shares the mission and vision of the partnership. Financial Support Financial support will be provided by contributions from individual members, religious communities, denominational judicatories, and other groups. Other financial support may be provided by grants.