Reverend Julie Burden

"Religions are different roads converging to the same point.  What does it matter that we take different roads as long as we reach the same goal.  In reality there are as many different religions as there are individuals; that is how it should be."                 ~Mahatma Gandhi

what is interfaith?

Interfaith honors the universal Truth of all wisdom traditions and world religions.  It believes that while pathways to the Divine are many, Truth is One.  While names for the Divine are many, Truth is One.  Interfaith is not a new religion and does not advocate the blending of all religions into one.  It honors that the Divine speaks to each individual in the manner which has meaning to him or her.  At the heart of Interfaith and at the heart of all the world's wisdom traditions is Unconditional Love.

what is an interfaith minister?

An Interfaith Minister seeks to promote understanding, harmony, and love among people by emphasizing what is universal in the teachings of the wisdom/faith traditions.  Interfaith Ministers serve people from all faiths and traditions as well as those who follow no particular spiritual path.  While honoring the validity of all religious paths, many Interfaith Ministers are followers of a particular path.

to what vows of service did you commit as an interfaith minister?

I have vowed to minister to all those who seek my counsel, help, and guidance, regardless of race, age, gender, religious affiliation, ethnic background, or sexual orientation.  In addition, I have vowed to deepen my spiritual practice and connection with God, to be fully present with myself and all my relations, and to be of loving and compassionate service for the greatest good.  I have promised to abide by the One Spirit Interfaith Seminary Code of Ethics and to do all these things to the best of my ability.

what spiritual path do you follow as an interfaith minister?

While Christianity is the faith tradition of my roots and following the teachings of Jesus is my primary spiritual path, I have also experienced God in Native American/Earth based ceremonies (see Earthtribe.com), Buddhist mindfulness meditation, sitting in nature, Hindu chants, and more.  I most often refer to the Divine as God, Beloved, Sacred Mystery or Spirit, and believe in the Oneness of all creation.

For more information please contact Julie today!

"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.  Without them, humanity cannot survive."

~ The Dalai Lama

"God is like a mirror.  The mirror never changes, but everyone who looks at it sees a different face."

~Jewish teaching