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FAQs

What’s an Interfaith Circle?

  • A social occasion in the setting of your choice.
  • A shared meal or coffee or drinks.
  • A facilitated, respectful discussion of a selected topic.
  • With 6-10 people, some you know, and some you want to get to know.

Where can I hold my Interfaith Circle?

Here are some ideas to get you started:
  • Your home (good for potluck, or if you really like to cook for others)
  • Coffee shop (good for morning meetings)
  • Park picnic shelter (good for nice weather)
  • Library reserved room (most will allow you to bring in light refreshments)
  • College space (wherever you think other students will join you)

When can I hold my Interfaith Circle?

*Best to last around 90 minutes if you are gathering for a meal. For coffee, stick to an hour to allow working folks to get back to a job.*
  • Dinner – these are the most common type of interfaith gathering, allowing time for both socializing and discussion, e.g., 6 – 7:30 PM.
  • Breakfast – some people love to start their day with an early meeting, say 7 AM.
  • Lunch – some people like a break in their weekday, say Noon to 1:15.
  • Coffee or a brew – whatever time you think your group would like to gather.

I would like to attend an Interfaith Circle:

Let us know on this form: I Want to Attend an Interfaith Circle
We need to know where you live or are willing to go, is there something in particular you are interested in discussing, do you have dietary needs or restrictions, and how we can reach you.
When you attend something:
  • a. Enjoy yourself!
  • b. Use “I” statements. That is, stick to saying things like, well, this is how I feel about the subject.
  • c. We encourage you to bring your own unique perspectives on these discussion topics, feel free to speak your mind!
  • d. Remember that when in interfaith circles we never suggest our own religion as being preferred over others, or being the only way (even if that’s the way you feel).
  • e. Be curious. Feel free to politely ask others for their ideas, or to explain their spiritual practice if they are willing.

What else should I know?

  • Don’t let your Interfaith Circle get too big. 6-10 people can hold a great discussion, but bigger than that becomes a different sort of event.
  • Be aware that many religions include a vegetarian or no-pork and no shellfish diet. Some religions avoid alcohol. Some people have allergies which are not just inconvenient, but can be deadly. Consider who will be part of your group, then locate and serve accordingly.
  • How often? As host, it’s completely up to you. You may want to do something monthly. We’ve had former interfaith meetups that lasted for years. Ideally, Interfaith Partners of SC would like to be able to direct interested people to a circle somewhere any month of the year.
  • We have lots and lots of potential discussion questions we will share with you. Interfaith Partners of SC may announce a topic around which we suggest all Interfaith Circles have concurrent discussions.
  • We will also provide training for you or another attendee to facilitate the discussion. This is not meant to be overly formal or intrusive. It’s to help you feel comfortable guiding conversations between people so that everything keeps moving along, everyone is heard, and everyone is respected.
  • You should call your gathering an Interfaith Circle, part of Interfaith Partners of SC, though you might call it the “Pickens Interfaith Circle Potluck” or the “Claflin Faculty Interfaith Circle Breakfast,” for example. Use the logo graphic we provide in your invitations and other communications.