As a direct response to September 11 and its aftermath, Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) and the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations have launched a joint project, the Interfaith Education Initiative (IEI).

The mission of the Initiative is to promote better understanding within the Episcopal Church of the world's religious diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness. IEI will develop a curriculum and provide educational resources that will further interfaith appreciation and cross-cultural dialogue. Episcopal Relief and Development is funding the Interfaith Education Initiative. Seminars and workshops will begin in the Spring.

The Executive Council of the Episcopal Church has also recognized the importance of the Initiative. In a statement released after its October 2001 meeting, the Council reinforced its commitment to IEI, which is designed to help the Episcopal Church respond to the call for "local inter-faith dialogues among peoples of the three Abrahamic faiths."

Oversight is being provided by the Rt. Rev. Christopher Epting (Presiding Bishop's Deputy for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations), Mary Becchi (ERD Deputy Director of Program and Program Planning), and an Advisory Committee of 10 Episcopalians with expertise in education, theology or interfaith relations.

"The Presiding Bishop could not have been more clear, as we discussed my coming on board as his Deputy for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, that he wanted our interfaith work to be a high priority," observes Bishop Epting. "The global situation and changing demographics in this country make understanding the world's major religions no longer a matter of mere curiosity but a real necessity."

The Interfaith Education Initiative is a prime example of Episcopal Relief and Development's commitment to addressing the root causes of suffering around the world. As Ms. Becchi of ERD explains, "Dialogue and understanding are the preconditions for global peace and development. In awakening the Episcopal Church to the larger world*its diversity and complexity*this process will help us all learn about the interconnectedness of all societies. From our perspective, this is necessary: an engaged Church committed to our mission and work."

With an extensive background in Anglican-Muslim Relations, Lucinda Allen Mosher, Th.D., has been appointed as the Interfaith Education Officer to coordinate the project. Dr. Mosher has taught World Religions in secondary school, seminary and university settings. A frequent lecturer on interfaith matters, Dr. Mosher is a long-time participant in formal Jewish-Christian-Muslim dialogue. Questions regarding the Interfaith Education Initiative should be directed to Dr. Mosher at interfaith@episcopalchurch.org or (800) 334-7626 ext. 6312.

Episcopal Relief and Development is the collective response of Episcopalians to help people in need. Its programs of emergency relief, rehabilitation, and long-term development specifically designed to strengthen local communities in the United States and around the world.