About Us

The basic premise of Clergy Beyond Borders is that all religions contain a message of commitment to improving the world but that too often the differences rather than the commonalities become the subject for discussion. The mutual recognition of the values of our charter is meant to enhance an active pluralism that goes beyond mere tolerance, but one that does not seek to remove the meaningful borders between us, by building bridges rather than constructing barriers.

The Jewish, Christian, and Islamic encounter finds its deepest motivations and unity within the faith and belief in the one God, Almighty and Merciful, Creator of the world and Redeemer of history, who will judge and requite human beings according to their deeds.

From this faith springs an understanding of the human person that is virtually the same for all three: created by God, the growing element of the universe, steward of God's gifts, subject to the laws of good and evil, and called to attain to God as an Ultimate end. From this flows the idea that all three traditions should join hands in building a world where social justice, moral values, peace, and freedom are all common safeguarded interests.

Yet through the course of the centuries many quarrels and hostilities have arisen among the followers of the three Abrahamic faiths. Many have died trying to practice their religion freely; others have lost relatives or loved ones to fights and religious persecutions. Neighboring countries wage wars on their borders due to religious hatred. Terrorist activities are carried out against innocent civilians in the name of God and religion. Much of this flows from an unwillingness to bridge a cultural gap that results in a lack of tolerance and understanding. Some clergy or leaders of religious communities may have been the cause of such violence or have contributed to it directly or indirectly.

Many, including clergy, have realized that these differences between people have been and are the cause of painful conflicts and that they remain today a constant and continuing source of disorder. These men and women of good will strive to bring about a place where all people can meet and live happily and peacefully together in the diversity of their religious traditions. Here in America we have established a sanctuary where all people can and have been able to do this when we are able to fulfill our own ideals. The story of our American religious pluralism remains both a mystery and also a potential inspiration for most people around the world. Many around the globe do not know how here in the USA many clergymen and women have stood up for a vision of pluralism and tolerance offering guidance and leadership in the pursuit of peaceful respect and mutuality.

Here is one illustrative story among many: A Masjid (Mosque) is damaged with hate graffiti in Florida. The local Christian and Jewish communities gathered to help remove the graffiti and repaint the building. Where but in America would such a thing be accepted as commonplace. One of our goals is to emphasize, support and enhance this pluralism and mutual tolerance in American society and then carry this message throughout the world. Where this tolerance is missing in this country, such as in the case of discrimination against Muslims and immigrants, we will seek to be active as role models and as healers on the local level.