Among the many small religions in North America, there are some that are notable in
their support of religious tolerance -- here defined as
Author David V. Barrett cites the following Christian groups for their
support for religious tolerance:
However, even as various faith groups may promote religious tolerance of other faiths, and have flexibility within their own denomination, some do not carry these principles into other areas of human rights -- like working for freedom from oppression and legal equality based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity. etc.
 |
3Faiths.org "... is a blog dedicated to telling the stories about
positive interactions between the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism,
Christianity and Islam." Their aim is: "... to provide a call to action as
well as a critique of our own faiths, with a focus on breaking down
stereotypes and creating new paradigms of interaction, particularly drawing
upon traditions of non-violence within each tradition." See
http://www.3faiths.org
|
 |
ArticlesBase is a website where individuals can have their articles published. A search for "religious tolerance" returned 135 essays. See: http://www.articlesbase.com/
|
 |
The Cauldron and the Cross is a bulletin board where Wiccans,
other Neopagans and Christians can dialogue and find common ground "away
from theology and dogma, perhaps try to eliminate misconceptions, break down
barriers, maybe learn something." See:
http://www.geocities.com/
|
 |
The Center for Religious Tolerance is a Florida-based non-profit
that has as its goals:
 |
To bring people together across divides of religion, culture and
nationality, |
 |
To support local and global peacemakers, |
 |
To develop, test and evaluate new models of spiritual peacebuilding,
especially involving women, |
 |
To help people experience the connection between peacemaking efforts at
home and abroad, and |
 |
To provide news and information that balances coverage in the
conventional news media. |
See:
http://www.c-r-t.org/index.php
|
 |
Christian Reform Ministry promotes tolerance, gun control and
evolution at: http://www.angelfire.com/
|
 |
Comforty Media Concepts produces The Inclusion Series -- a
group of documentaries promoting "...equity, social justice and full
community inclusion of people with disabilities." See:
http://inclusionseries.com/
|
 |
Cosmosofy promotes an Internet Universal Religion which would
involve major changes to the world's existing religions in the
direction of tolerance. See: http://www.cosmosofy.org/
|
 |
The Cult Awareness Network was once an anti-cult group that
once spread
misinformation and intolerance about new religious groups. It was forced into
bankruptcy because of their involvement in a brutal kidnapping. Their name, phone number
and web site have been taken over by a totally new group: the
Foundation for Religious Freedom. They promote religious tolerance and are run by a multi-faith
board. They have a toll-free telephone number (800-556-3055) and an e-mail
address ([email protected] ) where people can request
accurate information about any religious group. They have a list of over 100 qualified
religious scholars as backup. They have access to qualified volunteer mediators. See: http://www.cultawarenessnetwork.org/
|
 |
"The Cult Around the Corner" is a handbook which deals
with the diversity of religion in North America. It was written by the
Foundation for
Religious Freedom. See:
http://www.toleranceforall.org/ for a description of the book. Read
reviews or order this book safely from Amazon.com online book store
|
 |
The Earth Religions Legal Assistance Network promotes the
religious freedom of Earth Religionists, Heathens, Wiccans, other
Neopagans in legal situations around North
America. See:
http://www.conjure.com/ERAL/eral.html
|
 |
Evangelical Resources lists links to conservative Protestant web
sites dealing with what the webmaster describes as "true tolerance." See:
http://www.evangelicalresources.org/
|
 |
Families United Against Hate (FUAH) "... provides support,
guidance and assistance to families and individuals dealing with
incidents based on bias; and to the people, organizations and agencies
who serve and support them." See:
http://www.fuah.org/aboutfuah.html
|
 |
Fellowship of the Earth is a Pagan-sponsored web site
dedicated to "Educating against religious intolerance, Providing a
community network of those with similar beliefs, Celebrating the Earth
and Her seasons. [and] Promoting kinship and respect for all." See:
http://www.fote.org/
|
 |
The First Amendment Center sponsors Freedom Forum
a nonpartisan, international foundation dedicated to free press, free
speech and free spirit for all people.
http://www.freedomforum.org/
|
 |
Dr. Mickey Anders of the First Christian Church in Pikeville, KY,
preached a sermon on "Intolerant Religion." See:
http://www.pikevillefirstchristianchurch.org/
|
 |
Forum 18 "is an instrument for promoting the
implementation of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, and concentrates on serious and obvious breaches of religious
freedom, and particularly on situations where the lives and welfare of
individual people or groups are being threatened and where the right to
gather around one's faith is being hindered." See:
http://www.forum18.org/
|
 |
Global Dialogue Institute "promotes dialogue in the
broadest sense among individuals and groups of different religions and
cultures..." See:
http://global-dialogue.com/
|
 |
Global PeaceWorks consists of "People of different
faiths serving together to create models of peace." They have short
term projects in different areas of the world which "create a model
of peace among religions - showing all the world that people of faith
can live in harmony and bring peace." See:
http://www.globalpeaceworks.org
|
 |
GlobalTolerance.com is "A pioneering power in the global
struggle for religious tolerance and understanding...global tolerance is a
public relations consultancy, productions and training company..." See:
http://globaltolerance.com/
|
 |
GodPaths is an web site promoting religious tolerance and providing unbiased information on a wide range of religions. See:
http://www.godpaths.com
|
 |
GoodServants is a site dedicated to the philosophy of
brotherhood and tolerance. They have a bulletin board, and sections on
inspiration, prayer, religious studies, etc. See:
http://www.goodservants.com
|
 |
A GOD(S) FIGHT "is a multi-faith community open to all
religious preferences from atheists to theist to polytheist. All are
welcome." See:
http://groups.msn.com/
|
 |
HateWatch monitors sources of hate literature on the Web
and throughout North American culture. See:
http://hatewatch.org/ In 1998-JAN, they started a moderated mailing list: hatewatch-l.
(The "l" is a lower-case "L"). It is "dedicated to discussing
issues surrounding the growth and influence of hate groups on the Internet. This listserv
also acts as a forum to discuss concrete measures to combat and contain online bigotry."
They fight all types of hatred - whether based on religion, gender, sexual orientation,
race, etc. To subscribe send an Email to: [email protected]
Put the word subscribe in the body of
the message; leave the subject line blank. Off-topic postings are not allowed.
Originators of abusive postings will be denied access.
|
 |
Hunter in the Sky is a web site which combines
archaeoastronomy and mythology to promote religious tolerance. See:
http://www.jesusisamyth.net
|
 |
"I Have a Vision" is a personal web site by Scott Bruno which
discusses religious tolerance and cooperation at:
http://www.scottbruno.com/
|
 |
"Interfaith Dialog Center" is a non-profit agency "... founded by Turkish-Americans of North Jersey in 2003. IDC endeavors to promote respect and mutual understanding among all faiths and cultures through partnership with other religious and interreligious organizations by organizing educational and cultural activities such as lectures, seminars, conferences, discussion panels, luncheons and trips to Turkey. By this mission IDC aims to contribute to improvement of diversity, pluralism and multiculturalism in the society." See: http://www.idcnj.org/
|
 |
The
International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance educates people
about human rights and combats violations of human rights -- primarily
involving children and religious freedom. See:
http://www.humanrightsandtolerance.org/
|
 |
The International Network provides "Education for
democracy, human rights and tolerance." See:
http://www.tolerance-net.org/
|
 |
The International
Satsang Assocation links together a "growing number of members
living in different parts of the world are linked across barriers of
nationality, race and religion trying to create a planet where diversity
is celebrated and all people have a true home." See:
http://www.international-satsang.org/
|
 |
Ivory Bakery proposes Religion 2.0, a project to re-imagine and redesign religion so that
it helps strengthen and unite people instead of weakening and dividing us. They ask: "Isn't it about time religion got an upgrade?" See:
http://ivorybakery.com/religion2/
|
 |
The Joy of Sects by Peter Occhiogrosso is a book and a web
site that promotes the belief that "The earth's spiritual traditions
are a rich repository of wisdom, practical advice, and healing
knowledge, as well as art, music, and mystery. This site is a place to
explore all those dimensions, ask questions, and engage in dialogue."
See: http://www.joyofsects.com/
|
 |
Milestones Project has a unique mission: to convince everyone of
our shared humanity through the use of pictures. They have collected over
35,000 photographs celebrating childhood from around the world; they capture
moments from the loss of their first tooth, their first step, making their
first friend, etc. "They also capture the fact we are members of a single
global family. If you picture a world of love and understanding, these
pictures help make that vision real." See:
http://www.milestonesproject.com/
|
 |
National Alliance Against Christian Discrimination documents
"anti-Christian bias, bigotry, intolerance, defamation and
discrimination against Bible believers." See: http://naacd.com/ [Although
all Christians can be described as believers in the Bible, the term
"Bible believers" is generally restricted to fundamentalist and other
evangelical Christians.]
|
 |
Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe is "... hosted by the non-governmental and not-for-profit organisation 'Dokumentationsarchiv der Intoleranz gegen Christen' /'Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians'. The Observatory focuses on Europe (European Union, Accession Countries, and the wider Europe). The information provided is a supplement to concerns regarding the worldwide phenomenon of intolerance against Christians -- by calling attention to the more subtle forms occurring in Europe."
See: http://www.intoleranceagainstchristians.eu/
|
 |
The Ontario Human Rights Commission in Canada has a "Policy on creed and
the accommodation of religious observances" at:
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/english/publications/creed-religion-policy.shtml
|
 |
A Parliament of Souls is a 27 part Public Television series
filmed at the 1993 Parliament of the World's Religions. It features in depth interviews of
leaders and thinkers from the Bah'ai Faith,
Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Jainism, Judaism, Islam, Native American
spirituality, Sikhism, Sufism, Taoism and Zoroastrianism. See:
http://www.creativefilms.com/Pos.html
|
 |
Peace Seeds teaches "that when one studies different religious
traditions, one is struck by the repeated similarities of basic truths."
See:
http://peaceseeds.elysiumgates.com/
|
 |
Porchnus is The E-Zine of The Front Porch. The latter
is the AOL "Religion and Beliefs Community Forum"
chatroom. All are
welcome: AOL members and others. See: http://members.aol.com/
|
 |
Raised Wings promotes "the realization that we are
all one, though we have many ways of expression and many faiths..."
See: http://raisedwings.com/
This site appears to be off line.
|
 |
A Religious Discussion Board with dozens of individual topics
is available at:
http://tarad8.suddenlaunch.com/ The board promotes tolerance and
understanding of many dozens of faith groups.
|
 |
ReligiousFreedoms.org
is a website operated by the Foundation for Religious Freedom.
Their goals involve "Educating the public as to religious rights,
freedoms and responsibilities; Advancing religion's influence in
society; Advocating responsible action to preserve religious liberty."
See: http://religiousfreedoms.org.
|
 |
Religious Harmony helps "people understand their [own
religion's] myths in context
and to be able to understand the myths and religions of others."
See:
http://home.earthlink.net/
|
 |
Religious Tolerance in Australia is a blog promoting "religious
harmony, tolerance, understanding and communication between peoples of
different backgrounds in Australia and the surrounds." See:
http://religioustoleranceaustra.motime.com/
|
 |
The Sacred Treasury of Religions promotes belief in the
existence of a single God, and that" "... all humans are brothers, sisters
and sons of God, members with equal and full rights of human..." Their goal
is: "...to achieve, on the local, national and world levels, the union of
the efforts of all believers, spiritual leaders, regardless of nationality,
race or religion, towards a permanent dialogue, and a general and lasting
reconciliation in the spirit of tolerance and brotherly support, for the
good of the entire society." See:
http://www.sacredtreasure.org/en/
|
 |
Spiritual Crossroads "values the differences among
belief systems, and promotes unity and acceptance through understanding
and respect for each and every individual's spiritual choice." See:
http://www.spiritualcrossroads.net/ They have a monthly newsletter.
|
 |
Spiritual Development is a web site that promotes the
development "in oneself a 'life-filled' life." See:
http://www.spiritualdevelopment.org/
|
 |
Spiritual Spectrum is a Denver CO based television program featuring discussions
of spiritual, religious, ethical and moral topics. They sell video tapes via mail order
for $9.95 USF; each contains two programs. See a list of available tapes and a description
of their program at:
http://www.spiritualspectrum.org/
|
 |
The Southern Poverty Law Center "combats hate, intolerance and
discrimination through education and litigation." See: http://www.splcenter.org/
|
 |
The Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding is a New York City based secular group. They "... teach respectful communication skills, create resources to help people successfully navigate religious tensions in workplaces, equip teachers to create truly multicultural classrooms and help health care providers learn to address religious beliefs that are affecting health outcomes of their patients." See: http://www.tanenbaum.org/
|
 |
Terra Ferma is the Forum for the Equitable Representation of religion in the
media and in Academia. It invites and investigates instances of bias in reporting of
religion. Their ultimate goal is to "clear the air for a wholesome dialogue among
the world's religions by minimising information pollution as much as possible."
See: http://www.mcgill.ca/religion/ferma.htm
|
 |
The ES Press (a.k.a. TESP which stands for Thoughtful Expressions
of Spiritual People.) Their "... mission is to inform, educate, inspire
and enlighten. Columnists and writers at The ES Press are accomplished and
gifted people who have chosen to share their knowledge and views, through
articles, columns, reviews and more." See:
http://www.theespress.com/
|
 |
Teaching Tolerance is a project of the Southern
Poverty Law Center. It was founded in 1991, and deals with all
types of tolerance. It is dedicated to "reducing prejudice, improving
intergroup relations, and supporting equitable school experiences for our
nation's children." See: http://www.tolerance.org
|
 |
Three Candles Ministry provides: "a resource for exploration and education of world
religion, with a focus on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (the
religions of the One God of Abraham) from historical, cultural, and
spiritual perspectives in a tolerant, peaceful environment."
See: http://www.threecandles.com/
|
 |
Tony Blair Faith Foundation"... aims to promote respect and understanding about the world's major religions and show how faith is a powerful force for good in the modern world." See: http://www.tonyblairfaithfoundation.org/
|
 |
UQMedia is devoted to raising people's UQ — their understanding
quotient. They promote "... reconciliation and understanding over violence, as the principle (and only
sustainable) means of resolving our differences." See:
http://uq-media.com/
|
 |
The Voice of the Martyrs™ supports Christians around the
world who are experiencing persecution. They only cover persecution of
Christians, not persecution by Christians. See: http://www.persecution.com/
|