Interfaith is a term that can be used in two distinct ways: first, interfaith can mean, and usually does mean, when people from different religious traditions join together for a common purpose. This is big. This means that people who identify with a religion that is probably more than just a religion — it is probably also culture and family and possibly even geopolitical ideology — decide to love and welcome and interact with and respect people of other faiths.
But there is another way to define interfaith, and it’s the one with which I most resonate. For me, interfaith is not just appreciating other traditions, but dipping into them as I feel called, creating my own syncretic faith, which, truth be told, is ultimately what we all do to varying degrees.
Picking one great wisdom tradition to claim as a sole identity would be like tilling a half-acre garden and then planting only marigolds. It would be like fielding a Super Bowl team with 11 running backs. It would be like trying to write a great symphony using only B-flat.
From Buddhism, I learn zen and mindfulness. From Judaism, I learn history and tradition. From Islam, I learn reverence and devotion. From Hinduism, I learn true yoga and the wisdom of non-duality. From paganism, I learn to honor the earth and recognize my place on it. From Christianity, I learn compassion and grace. From atheism, I learn respect for science and reason. From Sikhism, I learn service and kirtan worship. From Baha’i, I learn unity and peace.
Should I go on? Because I could. So many gifts from so many sources — how could I ever choose one?
Being a minister from this perspective means that no matter what spiritual identity a person claims, I will hold space for hope and divine connection on their behalf, offer my support for their journey regardless of which path they are on, and rejoice in their spiritual evolution, even if it looks nothing like my own. I will love Jesus with them and chant the name of Shiva with them and revere the Prophet with them. I will pray for them, meditate with them, light a candle for them, or sage them. I will accept them fully even as I am accepted fully by the One Supreme Being with whom I have my most precious relationship.
What a beautiful and glorious work is that to which I have been called. I live in a state of wonderment and delight that the Divine has entrusted me with this sacred task.
Peace be unto you. Om.
Deb Moore 
My dear friend, I realize this didn’t require a reply. I’ve wanted to say a couple things, but have been searching for the words. As I’ve tried to just “allow”, I’ve struggled with this concept of “religion” vs simple spiritual living. Letting go of “pieces” of my life. Looking at events from different directions.
There have been a number of revelations lately about my family of origin from deep memories and a lot of struggling for meaning and purpose. (“Sitting still” whether metaphorically or in actual practice has never been my strong suit.)
Your explanation is perfect. Thank you. It speaks to so much of what we were taught and what I simply “know” and believed in my heart for a long time. You put it into words for me.
You’re an amazing person, a wise and talented minister and a particularly beautiful soul, that I am honored to call a “trusted friend”.
Always, Marg
Well done, Deb. So wonderful to be able to use wisdom from religious paths circulating the globe. Gratitude for you sending this to me, please keep them coming! I will share with my colleagues. You are such a gifted writer! Namaste , Rev. Diane
unfortunately, most religions, if not all, claim the others are completely wrong and deserve some kind of punishment.
You’re right in your description of most fundamental versions of most religions. But all religions also have a mystical version and, as Meister Eckhart said, “Theologians may quarrel, but the mystics of the world speak the same language.”
That doesn’t seem to be true since mystics also were behind the hate between religions.
I’m sure you can find specific instances of almost anything one wants to claim, but the mystics have overwhelmingly been those advocating for peace, tolerance, and unity.
Again, you make baseless claims.
Okay, enjoy your life.
same to you, no gods to be found.
Beautifully written and I feel that rings true with my being. Thank you.