FAITH LINKS
This page presents links to several sites that are in the forefront of religious thinking and action today.
Click on the name of the organization below to see descriptive words taken from the website of that organization.
These two work to enlighten Christian thought:
These six work to stimulate activism in matters that concern people of faith by outer activism and/or religious renewa:
THE CENTER FOR PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY
Currently, we are working to fulfill our mission by:
Creating open and welcoming communities of faith. We are developing strategies for evangelism that do not assume the absolute superiority of Christianity so that we do not contribute to the worlds tragic divisions.
Reclaiming the symbols of our faith. We are finding effective means to be heard and to influence the behavior of the churches.
Building an international network of progressive Christians. We are working with independent networks in other countries to provide support for people, especially the isolated, who hold to the principles that we believe are central to the Gospel.
Being a constructive force for social and environmental justice and peace in the world. We are finding allies in the struggle to bring social and environmental justice and peace to all people, especially those who have been oppressed and powerless.
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WESTAR INSTITUTE
Through publications, educational programs, and research projects like the Jesus Seminar, Westar has opened up a new kind of conversation about religion. This is an honest, no-hold-barred exchange involving thousands of scholars, clergy and other individuals who have critical questions about the past, present and future of religion.
Some of the principles guiding the work of Westar are:
All serious questions about religion — including biblical and dogmatic traditions — deserve research, discussion and resolution; no inquiry should be out of bounds.
The scholarship of religion should be collaborative in order to expand the base of decision making, cumulative in forming and building on a consensus, and genuinely ecumenical
Religion and bible scholars should conduct their deliberations in public and report the results to a broad, literate audience in simple, nontechnical language
Westar is not affiliated with any religious institution nor does it advocate a particular theological point of view.
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FAITHFUL AMERICA
The progressive political advocacy arm of the National Council of Churches, FaithfulAmerica.org is an online community of people of faith who want to build a more just and compassionate nation.
It provides one-click opportunities to impact current political issues and shift the terms of public debate.
It aspires to be an online wing of a powerful, new progressive faith movement, like the ones that fought for independence, abolition and civil rights.
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INTERFAITH ALLIANCE
We "promote democratic values, defend religious liberty, challenge hatred and religious bigotry and reinvigorate informed civic participation". Our 150,000 members across the nation represent diverse religious and spiritual traditions – Jews, Christians,Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs – 70 faith traditions in all, as well as many Agnostics and Atheists. In Washington, DC, our national office works on Capitol Hill and with the White House, in coalition with denominational bodies and other activist organizations to make sure our unique message is communicated when and where it matters most. Our 47 local Alliances are active in their communities on local issues, carrying The Interfaith Alliance message to decision-makers, the media, and the public at large.
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FAITH VOICES for THE COMMON GOOD
Faith Voices is guided by these principles:
The value of diversity in a democratic society
Respect for the dignity of every human being
Nonviolent resolution of conflicts
Reverence for life and care for the earth
Love of neighbors and community life Justice for all, especially the underprivileged and disenfranchised
Hospitality toward immigrants and other strangers
Protection for the most vulnerable among us.
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CENTER FOR AMERICAN PROGRESS
(convener of the Progressive Faith Movement)
The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just and free America that ensures opportunity for all. We believe Americans are bound together by a common commitment to these values and we aspire to ensure our national policies reflect these values. Our policy and communications efforts are organized around four major objectives:
developing a long term vision of a progressive America,
providing a forum to generate new progressive ideas and policy proposals,
responding effectively and rapidly to conservative proposals and rhetoric with a thoughtful critique and clear alternatives, and
communicating progressive messages to the American public.
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AMRICANS UNITED FOR SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE
Since 1947, Americans United has led the way in defending the separation of church and state, the cornerstone of religious liberty in America. As a nonsectarian, nonpartisan organization, AU's membership includes Christians, Jews, Buddhists, people with no religious affiliation and others. Democrats, Republicans and independents have joined our ranks.
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CALL TO RENEWAL
Call to Renewal is a national network of churches, faith-based organizations, and individuals working to overcome poverty in America. Through local and national partnerships with groups from across the theological and political spectrum, we convene the broadest table of Christians focused on antipoverty efforts. Together we work to influence local and national public policies and priorities, while growing and developing a movement of Christians committed to overcoming poverty.
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