| Universal Interfaith Sharing the path with all people of all faiths around the world Menu What is Universal Interfaith (UnI)? What is the symbol of UnI? How can I join and participate with others in UnI? What is Universal Interfaith (UnI)? For many years, interfaith was seen as a verb, an action of one faith path talking to and dialogging 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. Evangelism is not a principle but educating about different faith paths is encouraged and valued so that everyone can enjoy and be nurtured by the many different visions of the Divine and our relationship to the Divine. But 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. When someone commits to serving others based on UnI, then they willingly set aside their own faith path and transcend to become something more so that they walk the path or spiritual perspective of those they serve during a time of need. What is the symbol of UnI? The symbol of the Universal Interfaith community is the "Touch of the Divine." It is a representation of mankind's relationship to the Holy. The Divine touched "humanity" represented by the golden circle at the center. Like ripples on a still pond, radiating out from the Divine touch is the first wave of individual human spirituality which goes in every direction and is represented by the silver circle. It is our individual spirituality that brings us closest to the Divine. As this "wave" travelled the world reaching outward, humans formed many different religions represented by the bronze circle. The space between the silver and bronze waves represents the many different ways that mankind has organized into religions and it describes an infinite number of spiritual paths. The website for this symbol shows some of the metaphors for it and its three themes of "Divinity-Spirituality-Religion." How can I join and participate in UnI? One way to participate in UnI is through service in the religious community called the "Order of Universal Interfaith". These ordained and lay members are sometimes called "The Bridgers" for their commitment to bring people of all faiths together. OUnI (pronounced "Oh-You-and-I") identifies membership in the ecclesiastical religious community. It represents the spiritual vows taken in service to others based on UnI principles. Members provide spirit-based and faith-based service to all of humanity which is freely-given on a one-to-one basis based solely on the spiritual needs of the recipient. Members of the OUnI serve others to assist them through life at important times along the journey. Members usually serve in hospitals, hospices, in education and administration, based on their individual calling. For more information on this community, please contact: info@ouni.org Website updated: November 18, 2008 (c) 2008 by the Order of Universal Interfaith, Washington DC Photo used with the permission of Rev. Sharon Gervasoni (The New Seminary, 2008) |
