First United is an independent Lutheran congregation with a long history of addressing contemporary needs, especially in issues of diversity and inclusion. The congregation has actively participated in justice issues including homelessness, hunger, lgbt rights, and expanded ecumenical and interfaith cooperation. In 2007 FULC made the decision to become a “Church without Walls” by selling its building, allowing the congregation to focus its energies and resources on creative and inclusive programs. Currently, FULC gathers in the chapel of First Unitarian Universalist Church.

First United Lutheran Church is pleased to present our first community
Interfaith Conference. Our purpose in establishing this annual conference is
to provide opportunities for interfaith awareness, education, dialogue, and
partnership to people of all religious traditions in the Bay area and beyond.

 

Our goal is to do this by:

  • bringing people of diverse faith traditions together
  • learning about and celebrating the religious diversity of the Bay area
  • meeting our neighbors and building friendships across religious lines;
  • experiencing one another's rituals, practices, and culture
  • entering into dialogues about our similarities and differences
  • seeking ways of promoting peace in the world through peace among the religions
  • providing a model for other groups to become involved in interfaith projects.

 

Part of the mission of First United is to actively engage interfaith issues. We agree with theologian Hans Kung who said, There will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. There will be no peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions, and we are committed to being part of the process of peacemaking through interfaith education. FULC is affiliated with both the San Francisco Interfaith Council and the Interfaith Center at the Presidio, a network of interfaith people and organizations that encompasses the Bay Area and beyond.

 

Our first program will be presented by The Spiritual Paths Institute.

 

In our program teachers and participants will engage in principals and practices of deep meditation and contemplation in Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism. We will not only learn about spiritual practices of these traditions, but will also have the opportunity to explore and practice for ourselves. It is our hope that each of us will take away from the experience knowledge, tools, and practices for our own spiritual lives. We will conclude with an InterSpiritual Zikr, a vibrant form of Sufi music and movement adapted to our quest for InterSpiritual Wisdom.