Towards Implementing the Educational Network

The Educational Network is still a vision, and is not fully operating. Nevertheless, some important steps have been taken towards its launch, that seems closer than ever.

A. Creation of study materials. Based upon the papers prepared for the first meeting of the Elijah Board of World Religious Leaders, a series of study materials have been prepared, titled: "Viewing the Other: From Hostility to Hospitality?". Six study units present primary texts, discussion questions and an academic essay, representing the perspectives of our participating faith traditions. The materials prepared can sustain a year's worth of monthly meetings and more.

B. Montreal pilot project. These materials have been tested with the Montreal Interfaith Council. The study units have met with huge enthusiasm and have proven to be a great success. It seems that a very real service is provided by making high quality structured learning materials available to such groups.

C. India Training Seminar: In November 2010, the Educational Network took a further step in its development when the first All-India Interreligious Dialogue Training Seminar was held in Amritsar, in conjunction with Guru Nanak Dev University. The full report of the seminar can be found HERE.

D. Laying the foundations for launching the Educational Network in the USA and England. In preparation for the launch of the Network, several organizations, representing diverse faith traditions, have expressed interest in partnering in the launch of the network through their own national networks of affiliates and chapters. These include The American Jewish Committee, The National Council of Catholic Bishops USA Interfaith Office, The Episcopal Church, The Muslim Supreme Council, the Hindu American Foundation, Shambalah, The Church of England. Contacts have also been made with the Interfaith Youth Core, that could help carry Elijah's vision to its youth constituency.

E. Network Coordinator and Affiliates. Following a detailed search process, Elijah is proud to announce it is poised to launch the network, having identified a national coordinator and a network of affiliated scholars who are prepared to represent Elijah and its educational process in thirty major cities in the USA and Canada. A coordinator has also been identified for work in the UK. All affiliates are scholars of religion, almost all holding a PhD in religion, with teaching experience in the various religious traditions. All have experience in teaching in multifaith settings and are committed to the educational and social vision underlying the Elijah Educational Network.

Join the Network