It is particularly important that such work can be shared publicly with others so we can celebrate and learn from one another and strengthen the bonds between individuals and communities whilst respecting one another's differences and diversity. ~ Judith Lempriere, Head of Cohesion and Faiths Unit, Home Office

This will prove to be a valuable addition to the libraries of those already active in the interfaith movement, with its comprehensive coverage of the many organisations not only in the UK but around the world. It will be even more valuable for those who wish to learn more of what has and is being done and how best they might go about getting involved as together we all work towards establishing right relations both locally and globally, a world where all people can live in peace. ~ Joan Wilkinson, National Unitarian Fellowship

Providing a comprehensive coverage of issues associated with interfaith activity, this book is the first general introduction to the subject for those who are newcomers to the area of dialogue and encounter with people of different faiths. It offers a good introduction to the history and rationale behind the need for interreligous engagement and with its photos, illustrations and anecdotes it is likely to appeal also to a younger readership and could be utilised as a reference for undergraduate students who are beginning studies in this area. Will appeal to and inspire both newcomers to the field and those already involved in interfaith work. ~ , Interreligious Insight

A wonderful resource and record. A scrap book of testimony from over a hundred people deeply involved in the practice of interfaith dialogue. Encourages the reader to put down the book and go out and meet some people of another faith tradition. ~ , Franciscan

This is a really interesting and inspiring book, which one can read right through or just dip into. It surveys the whole development of the interfaith movement, begining with the First Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, at which Swami Vivekananda so memorably spoke, and then tracing developments up to the Network of International Interfaith Organisations in Oxford in 2003 and beyond. It is a very practical book, as it deals, among other things, with the problem of organsiaing interfaith activities, mentioning for instance the sensitivities inherent in the various faiths, which one must take care not to offend. (Do not offer roast beef to Hindus or pork to Muslims - do not provide ham sandwiches to Orthodox Jews). In the pages of this book more than one hundred thinkers and academics from all parts of the world have expressed their views on the origins of the interfaith movement and the issues it raises. Such a wide spectrum of views makes interesting and enlightening reading. Freedom of religion implies that we should respect the faiths of others and not misrepresent them in order to assert the superiority of our own faith. Moreover, if we examine self-critically the record of our own religion, we shall see that it has been far from perfect. This should lead us to favour reform to put an end to the misuse of religion for political purposes. In discussing religious diversity, the authors also indicate points of contact. Interfaith activity helps break down the feeling of 'otherness' many experience when confronted with religions other than their own. Some Christians, for instance, assert that Muslims worship a different God from 'us'. Finally the book examines the prospects for the future. How much can the interfaith movement contribute towards international peace and harmony in our civil society? This book is clearly printed on quality paper and contains a wealth of photgraphic and other illustrations, which are as eloquent as the text in presenting the interfaith scene. In our present times, when we hear a lot about fundamentalists and extremism, it is refreshing to recall that there are other people who are working hard to bring about mutual understanding between the various faiths. There will be no doubt always some fanatics, but let us hope and pray that those seeking harmony will in the end prevail. ~ John Philips, Vedanta, Journal of the UK Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre

This is the history of the interfaith movement told from the inside. The people are here in a 'Who's Who' of stories and pictures and encounters and gatherings all over the world are chronicled, showing the enormous achievements of the movement. There are inspirational quotes and poems too. This book shows that religions can be a force for good, for harmony and peace and even gives practical advice on how to get started. ~ Marianne Rankin, Alister Hardy Research Centre

A Global Must for all Spiritual Seekers: This `Global Guide to Interfaith' is a great idea for a book and one anyone interested in such an important area of spirituality - which must surely mean `everyone' interested in spiritual growth, as you cannot be truly spiritual unless you are interested in interfaith encounters and overcoming barriers - should have this on their bookshelves. It is packed with more than enough information to be used again and again as an essential source book. Well researched, well written and full of pictures, snippets of interesting information, overviews and much more. Truly excellent and well put together. ~ S Wollaston, Santoshan, UK

andy and Jael Bharat have long attempted to encourage people to undertake interfaith activities, and in this engaging book they have surely done so. Herein are all the interfaith resources one could imagine, and then some. Along with practical suggestions for interfaith work, they have drawn upon their links with interfaith groups and individuals around the world, from all religions, and presented their voices. Here and there among the personal stories are interspersed tempting quotations from great religious teachers of the past and contemporary figures. To further help readers cross over religious boundaries and know each other as members of one human family, they have included a multitude of pictures of people from different traditions in formal dialogue with each other, or simply in shared friendships. In addition, the email addresses of many people and groups may help us all find each other and strengthen positive efforts toward human connectedness. Thorough, practical, and also pleasantly readable, this book is a great addition to the interfaith literature. ~ Mary Pat Fisher, Author of the text book Living Religions

Many thanks for the Inspection Copy of 'A Global Guide to Inter-Faith'. This appears to be most useful. I am happy to adopt it for a current MA unit and a new MA programme I am developing. It will also be used on a BA course. ~ Rev Dr Stephen Skuce, Postgraduate Tutor

Sandy Bharat was until recently the coordinator of the interfaith centre in Oxford. This book offers an insight into the world religions and also into interfaith history and some of the organizations involved in it. There are vivid examples of interfaith work from all over the world. There are cameos of some of the people who are participating, with innumerable experiences shared by people of all faiths. There are guidelines on how to run an interfaith meeting, how to share books and how to raise funds. There are sections on issues of dialogue, peace – making and living together. The reference to ‘interfaith people’ early in the book gives us the key to the hope of the writers, that by meeting together people of the world faiths will come to understand that they have more in common with each other than they have differences. This understanding may lead to useful peace-making work for the whole world. ~ , Christians Aware

Here are two books (including Christ Across the Ganges) based on knowledge and experience gained over many years of study and practice within the Hindu tradition and at the International Interfaith Centre in Oxford by Sandy and her husband Jael, who sadly died last year. Their work and writing demonstrate compassion, clarity and commitment to the sanatana dharma (Eternal Truth that has no beginning and no end). The importance of coming together and listening to the other person is shown to be absolutely essential. This is what both books do so well. Their books and work allow people of religion and faith to be heard in an attitude of trust and respect. The authors do not distance themselves from the material they write about but are able to communicate their own positioning of tolerance and compassion for all whilst both acknowledging and embracing difference as the context. A Global Guide to Interfaith – Reflections from around the world is a comprehensive book, which will not only appeal to those already involved in interfaith organisations but also to any general reader who recognises the crucial positioning of the interfaith movement in a world where global events and different religious and cultural encounters and living have brought religious matters to the foreground. It took some while to get used to the different approach and lay-out of this second book, with its many photographs, personal accounts, inserts of prayers, statements and declarations. However, actual relationships and how and where they are happening gives an immediacy which draws the reader into what has been built up over the last few years and gives pointers for future possibilities. Formal gatherings are important but the way we relate informally is shown to be equally so. Valuable instructions of how to go about encounter at all levels is covered with information on all contributors and the many organisations included for those readers wishing to learn more and get involved. The many similar acronyms covering all the different groups can seem confusing with the reader having to regularly check under the ‘Faith and Interfaith Resources’ listed at the end of the book. The book is divided into three parts, each with many sub-divisions making it an excellent resource and reference book for future use. Part I an ‘Introduction to Interfaith’ offers background and practical guidance. Part II ‘Interfaith Issues’ examines our diversity, religious freedom and how we might live together in peace. Part III looks at ‘The Future of Interfaith’ with an inspirational section on the work among young people engaged in interfaith encounter, going on to address what the role of religions might be and how to engage with civil society in the future. We are warned against allowing our interfaith encounters to become no more than encounters between those of a liberal persuasion. This will prove to be a valuable addition to the libraries of those already active in the interfaith movement, with its comprehensive coverage of the many organisations not only in the UK but around the world. It will be even more valuable for those who wish to learn more of what has and is being done and how best they might go about getting involved as together we all work towards establishing right relations both locally and globally, a world where all people can live in peace. ~ Joan Wilkinson, Unitarian Publications

This amazing book gives a wonderful picture of the variety and excitement of this journey of discovery. ~ From the foreword by Rev Dr. Marcus Braybrooke, President of the World Congress of Faiths.

I am so impressed by the wide ranging people and opinions discussed. This is a great piece of work. ~ Madeleine Harman, Trustee of the International Interfaith Centre.