As we mark the first anniversary of the lives lost on September 11, the Episcopal Church remains committed to building positive interfaith relationships that promote understanding and harmony among all faiths.

In this spirit, Interfaith Education Initiative (IEI) announces the launch of its new interactive website, http://www.interfaitheducationinitiative.org/.

IEI is a joint project of Episcopal Relief and Development and the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Episcopal Church, USA. Established as a response to September 11 and its aftermath, the mission of IEI is to promote better understanding within the Episcopal Church about the world's religious diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness.

Through this new website, IEI will provide educational materials, resources, and connections to promote effective interfaith activities.

The website contains print-ready educational materials for churches and individuals to download and use. It is equipped with interactive features that allow Episcopalians from around the country to share ideas on interfaith issues and report on local interfaith activities and programs. A resource bank helps people learn more about the religious diversity in America and provides suggestions for further study.

The site also contains contact information on IEI's ever-expanding network of interfaith relations experts who are available to assist Episcopalians in developing activities in their local communities. Announcements of upcoming seminars and current interfaith issues in the news are also featured on the site. As IEI's body of research grows, new components will be added to the website to increase its effectiveness.

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 Mary Becchi, Deputy Director of ERD, explains, "Dialogue and understanding are the preconditions for global peace and development. IEI will help the church engage in these vital issues."

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 are specifically designed to strengthen local communities in the United States and around the world.