What is meant by "Interfaith" and "Interspiritual?"

Interfaith

"Interfaith individuals, ministers, and ministries affirm the truth in all religions, faiths and
spiritual traditions. They are each rooted in
their own faith, yet recognize the universality
of the teachings, values and, above all, the experience of the Sacred common to all
authentic spiritual traditions, and which are
at the heart of true service."
~ Rev. Carol Parish

Interspiritual

"​Interspirituality is the sharing of ultimate experience across traditions ...The growth of interspiritual wisdom among the religions requires community. It is through community that the faith traditions pool their treasures of the spirit, culled through millenia of mystical inner realization."
~ Wayne Teasdale

What role does each of these play when it comes to spiritual guidance?

At SGTI, we believe that when one is open to studying about and dialoguing with traditions different from our own, we can develop a deep respect and appreciation for the cultural expressions and spiritual wisdom of each. This is the heart of interfaith exploration.

In time, we begin to let go of our perceptions of "the other," and what keeps us separate. We begin to see the similarities between spiritual traditions, honor their esteemed virtues, rituals and practices. We perceive and listen with curiosity and wonder, being invited ever deeper into our own "spiritual heart" where the core values of each tradition are found to be remarkably familiar.  In time, we may feel ourselves called to interspirituality—"the sharing of ultimate experience across traditions"*— which can lead to the knowing that "Truth is one, only It is called by different names."** Ultimately, the barriers between seekers disappear and we find ourselves dwelling in the Universal Heart--together.

A spiritual guide with seasoned knowledge of interreligious experience and comprehensive training in non-judgmental, compassionate listening/presence as we teach it at SGTI, can skillfully companion anyone of any spiritual inclination with ease, love, and joy of service. 

* Wayne Teasdale, The Mystic Heart
** Matthew Fox, One River, Many Wells