Center for Interfaith Cooperation Inc.

The Center for Interfaith Cooperation Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 with the mission of providing safe environments, resources, and opportunities for service to increase religious literacy, build empathy between faiths, and facilitate interfaith encounters. It is an outgrowth and extension of several earlier interfaith initiatives in Central Indiana, including the Interfaith Alliance of Indianapolis and the International Interfaith Initiative[3].

History

The organization's roots can be traced back to the International Interfaith Initiative, which was established in 2006 by Charlie Wiles under the Peace Learning Center. This initiative evolved over time and eventually formed the basis of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation in 2011[1][3]. Since its inception, CIC has expanded its network of partnerships with faith congregations, colleges, universities, and community organizations across Central Indiana[3].

Programs and Events

Center for Interfaith Cooperation organizes several key programs and events to promote interfaith understanding and community service:

• Festival of Faiths: This is one of the Midwest's largest one-day celebrations of religious diversity, featuring over 100 congregations and community organizations. It provides an opportunity for people from diverse faith backgrounds to learn, interact, and develop relationships[2][3].
• Interfaith Banquet: This annual event honors an Interfaith Ambassador of the Year and brings together civic, educational, philanthropic, and religious leaders to celebrate interfaith contributions and raise funds for CIC[3].
• Interfaith Enrichment Corps: Part of the AmeriCorps program, this initiative connects service members with cultural services, faith communities, and community resources to build interfaith relationships and develop workforce skills[2].
• Religious Diversity Training and A New View Film Series: These programs focus on increasing religious literacy and promoting understanding through film and educational workshops[3].

Mission and Values

The organization's vision is to create a community that pursues peace through interfaith understanding and cooperation. CIC values diversity, respect, transparency, active listening, and hospitality, working to ensure equitable experiences for all members of the community[3]. Despite its focus on education and service, CIC is not an advocacy organization but seeks equity, diversity, and inclusion in its collaborations[3].