1. What is the URI?

2. Could you send me more information about URI?

3. Could you help me contact people in URI?

4. How did the URI get started?

5. Is the URI a religion?

6. Does everybody have to believe the same thing?

7. Does URI take an official position on controversial issues?

8. Who are URI's Members?

9. How do I create a Cooperation Circle?

10. What is the URI's relationship to other interfaith organizations?

11. Are youth involved in URI?

12. What about children and the URI?

13. What kinds of direct action programs is URI engaged in?

14. Are there volunteer opportunities at URI?

15. Are there interns too?

16. I would like someone from URI to visit my school, business, or organization. Who should I talk to?

17. Who is on the board of directors?

1. What is the URI?

The United Religions Initiative is a growing global community dedicated to creating cultures of peace and justice for the Earth Community. The URI exists as a force for good all over the world in local communities that are globally connected in their pursuit of a more hopeful future. The URI?s essence is expressed in the Preamble, Purpose, and Principles (PPP) of its Charter.
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2. Could you send me more information about URI?

Yes, please send us your mailing address if you would like to receive a general information packet.
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3. Could you help me contact people in URI?

Please email URI with your contact information and the person you are trying to reach. Or contact a regional coordinator in their region.
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4. How did the URI get started?

The URI began in 1993 when Bishop William Swing, Episcopal Diocese of California, was asked by an official at the United Nations to host an interfaith worship service to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the UN. He looked for an existent organization, but could not find one. Thus, he began a project to create a global organization that would enlist people worldwide in building a global organization that would endure.
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5. Is the URI a religion?

No. According to our first Principle, "We are a bridge-building organization, not a religion."
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6. Does everybody have to believe the same thing?

No, they do not. We respect the uniqueness of each tradition and differences of practice or belief.
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7. Does the URI take an official position on controversial issues?

The URI does not take ?official positions?. The URI works proactively through Cooperation Circles projects to end religiously motivated violence and to create a more peaceful world. Read the Preamble, Purpose and Principles of our Charter for more about URI?s goals and values.
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8. Who are URI's Members?

Cooperation Circles, The Heart of the URI:
At the heart of the URI are Cooperation Circles, self organizing groups which are locally rooted and globally connected. Cooperation Circles put into action the spirit, values, and vision expressed in the URI Charter's Preamble, Purpose and Principles. CCs must have at least seven members that include people from at least three different religions, spiritual expressions or indigenous traditions. Individuals are encouraged to initiate CCs, and organizations may consider becoming a CC in order to benefit from the worldwide network. For a CC application, click here.

Affiliates, Individuals & Organizations:
URI Affiliates are individuals, groups and organizations that support the values of the URI. People who are willing to be called upon to share their skills and resources or participate in special worldwide projects may become Affiliates. Affiliates receive communications and invitations to URI events and make up a dynamic community that supports the URI's spirit and action. For an Affiliate application, click here.

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9. How do I create a Cooperation Circle?

See the Creating Cooperation Circles workbook for clear and concise steps to start a CC.
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10. What is the URI's relationship to other interfaith organizations?

The URI recognizes that it is built on 100 years of interfaith work across the world. One of its founding principles states, "We seek and offer cooperation with other interfaith efforts." Click here for a list of URI?s partner organizations.
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11. Are youth involved in URI?

In April 2002, following the Middle East and Europe Regional Conference in Berlin, a Global Youth Multiple Cooperation Circle (MCC) was formed. This MCC seeks to connect youth all over the world who are committed to building and maintaining a global interfaith network that increases daily interfaith cooperation. For more on how you can get involved, or to start a local chapter of the URI ? GYMCC, go to our youth section.
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12. What about children and the URI?

URI has developed an interfaith resource for children ages 8-12 and teachers about world religions, interfaith and an introduction to URI for young people. Kid tested and approved! Please visit the URI Kids' Site.
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13. What kinds of direct action programs is URI engaged in?

The URI has many programs and projects all over the world. View a list of CCs and see where action is taking place.
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14. Are there volunteer opportunities at URI?

Yes. The URI has several opportunities for volunteers who live in the San Francisco Bay area or who are able to work via email. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator in our San Francisco office for volunteer work in San Francisco.
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15. Are there interns too?

The URI does welcome interns on a case by case basis. Please contact URI for more information about interning.
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16. I would like someone from URI to visit my school, business, or organization. Who should I talk to?

Please contact URI's Global Office or a Cooperation Circle or Affiliate in your area.
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17. Who is on the board of directors?

Our board of directors is named Global Council and their names and geographic locations are listed on this site. There are currently 29 members, 2 standing members and 27 globally elected members.
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