Our Story
In June of 1994, some 25 local religious leaders came together for a “meet and greet” gathering, with many of them meeting each other for the first time. What emerged over the next few months was an interfaith dialogue model that focused on building bridges of understanding and friendship. Dialogue would become the means of both learning about each other and learning from each other, and dialogue continues to be a focus of our interfaith efforts.
The Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County (IRT) was incorporated as a nonprofit in 2006. Today, led by a volunteer Board supported by two part-time staff members, the IRT depends on donations from local faith communities and individuals. Through dialogue and community building, as well as education, service, and shared spiritual practices, the IRT works to cultivate an inclusive culture to advance understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of our neighbors
Religion can be a point of misunderstanding and tension, with neighbors seeing their differences rather than their common interests. The IRT seeks ways for each of us to be true to our own faith tradition while also respecting, honoring, and understanding our neighbors and their beliefs and practices.
Through our programming, we hope to move beyond mere tolerance (acceptance) of other religious and spiritual perspectives to a place where we seek to understand how others view the world and genuinely value their contributions to our lives and our community.