The Greater Houston Area Amazing Faiths Project
Join the Dialogue. Change Your Life. Transform the World.
 
“There will be peace on earth when there is peace among the world religions. No future for the planet without world peace; no world peace without peace between the nations; no peace between the nations without peace between religions; no peace between religions without religious dialogue.”                   
--Hans Kung
 
Our History
In January of 2007, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston partnered with The Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance to produce the first Amazing Faiths Project Dinner Dialogues in Houston. In that year there were 250 participants in 25 homes across the city of Houston. The vision for the project was cast by Dr. Jill Carroll in cooperation with Interfaith Ministries and the Mayor's Office of the City of Houston to bring people ove diverse faith backrgounds together for dialogue over a simple meal in private homes. The idea was to bring people together to learn about one another, the great diversity of Houston, and to dispel prejudice and stereotypes. For the past few years the dinners have been gaining in popularity and attendance. Our hope is that as more people become aware of the project not only will our attendance multiply, but relationships among participants will be built that will transform our city into a place of greater harmony and understanding. Currently Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston sponsors several programs as part of the Amazing Faiths Project.The Dinner Dialogues are the cornerstone event. We encourage you to participate and find out what Houstonians are talking about...
 
 Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogues
Around the table, over a simple dinner, people of diverse backgrounds come together to share a meal and offer their personal thoughts about life, faith, spirituality. Participants are grouped in host homes to achieve religious diversity, and a trained facilitator guides and moderates the dialogue so that everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Each participant shares about his/her beliefs while the other participants actively listen without challenging or commenting on the individual’s response. 
 
The host/hostess provides a simple vegetarian meal. The dinner is a symbolic act of tolerance, respect, and understanding; eating together is an outward expression of unity among diverse individuals with varied beliefs and religious traditions. These gatherings, held in various cities across the United States, provide an opportunity for intimate fellowship among participants. Sign up to attend or host.
 
 
 Spiritual Gatherings for Women

Three times a year the Greater Houston Amazing Faiths Project offers a gathering of women at a places of worship or faith community sites. The community of faith present their beliefs and practices during a 30-45 minute educational session. After the presentation women from various faith traditions and beliefs participate group dialogues while they share a culturally sensitive dinner provided by the host community. To register click here. 

 

 Faith Tours
Opportunities for the general public to explore various faith traditions and join in directed conversation about the tenets of each faith, their practice, beliefs and sites of worship or community gatherings. Participants visit two faith communities on weekend tours in the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area. To register click here.
 
World Religion Classes
A basic understanding of world religions is increasingly important in our society as we seek to create peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths and no faith. In this short public series, scholars of Rice University's Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance and Resident Scholars will explain the "basics" of major world religions. People of all backgrounds are welcome, and will find this class helpful regardless of any prior knowledge about religion.
 
Youth Events
The Amazing Faiths Youth Program seeks to give the young people of Houston opportunities to come together and share openly about their beliefs and world views. The goal of the Youth Program is to connect a diverse group of motivated young people who believe that open minds and honest conversations can truly make a difference in the world. Students ages 13-18, from all faith traditions--including no faith tradition--are encouraged to participate. Click here for more information.