Programs
Summary of the Work
Program Brochures
Brochure 2021
Brochure 2020
Brochure 2017
Brochure 2013
InterFaith Connections
The InterFaith Connections Program, begun in 2006 by Tom Bonacci, is a home and local-based education program designed to help participants cope with inherited stereotypes, innocent misunderstandings, embarrassing questions, or general knowledge of the many faith traditions of humankind. These offerings are for “groups” of one or more in homes, community rooms, hotel conference rooms, or meeting halls. The objective is to open hearts and change minds. We welcome all faiths to our programs.
>Learn More
>Brochure
Dialogue with Interfaith Friends
The Dialogues with Interfaith Friends was founded in 2007 by Rev. Margaretmary Staller and Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P. Following the August 12, 2007 burning of the Islamic Center of the East Bay in Antioch CA, The Interfaith Peace Project invited area residents to meet at St. Ignatius Church to establish a dialogue for greater understanding and support. The meeting brought together 150 people from a variety of faiths, and created new connections and friendships of all ages.
Currently, we engage in on-going conversations with individuals from all ranks of life who are deeply committed to fostering interfaith peace through mutual understanding. We are deeply influenced by thse important dialogues and the wisdom they provide for the ongoing development of our work.
>Learn More
>Dialogue with Interfaith Leaders Brochure
Sacred Visits
The Sacred Visits Project began in 2009 by Rev. Andrea Goodman, President of the Board.
Sacred Visits are guided experieces to locally diverse places of worship reflecting the beauty and sacredness of the world faith traditions. These visits are designed to promote peace and unity through better understanding of other faith traditions.
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>Sacred Visits Brochure
The IntraFaith Project
Participants engage in a series of meetings, conversations, projects and experiments in the pursuit of developing a deeper knowledge of what might constitute the essential elements of an authentic Interfaith Spirituality. This program offers a powerful preparation for engaging in conversations with people of differing faith traditions.
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The InterPath Project
We discover the vital interconnection, interrelationship, and interdependence of all Beings and Nature in our own self-awareness born of love, compassion, empathy and radical openness. The “Interpath Journey” sees the World through the eyes of another.
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Creating Interfaith Home Centers
We offer consultation on how to set up and dedicate your home, apartment or room as an interfaith center of peace.
The International Day of Peace
The Interfaith Peace Project co-sponors various activities commenorating The United Nations International Day of Peace each September 21st .
“If we can keep peace for twenty-four hours, we can be peaceful for a lifetime!”
– George De Angelo, Ph.D., founder of the International Day of Peace in 1982.
>International Day of Peace Newsletters and Brochures:
September 2017
Fr. Tom’s Letter September 2017
November 2016
September 2016
Fr Tom’s Letter September 2016
October 2015
September 2015
Fr. Tom’s Letter September 2015
November 2014
September 2014
December 2013
September 2013
January 2013
September 2012
September 2011
March 2011
International Women’s Day
The observance of the International Women’s Day, March 8, provides for us an opportunity to celebrate the achievements women have made for the benefit of humankind. The day also brings attention to the continued inequality, injustice, and harm women face in the pursuit of their freedom and human dignity. The Interfaith Peace Project recognizes and respects women’s voice in ancient times and contemporary society. We believe the rise of women’s voice in recent time is facilitating major change and development in human awareness and consciousness.
The first observance of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2015, marked a turning point in our work here at The Interfaith Peace Project. Our celebration involved many dedicated people who sang and danced their way into our hearts. We have decided to integrate the wisdom and challenge of that initial observance into our daily life, work and consciousness.
>2018 Observance
>2017 Observance
>2016 Observance
>2015 Observance:
>2015 Brochure
>2015 Celebration on March 8
>Letter Introducing International Women’s Day
>Circle of Women Brochure
>Study Guide
>Printable Study Guide
>Feedback Form
>Biographies to Consider- Self
>Biographies to Consider – Family
>Biographies to Consider – Community
>Biographies to Consider – Country
>Biographies to Consider – Care of the Earth
>Videos and Articles on Women’s Issues
Peace Pole Initiative
We are committed to the long held tradition of establishing Peace Poles in communities and homes to raise peacemaking consciousness among as many people as possible.
Lonnie Bristow, M.D., a member of the Board of Directors, established the Peace Pole Initiative. The Peace Pole Project was founded in 1955 by Masahisa Goi in Japan after the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima. The Interfaith Peace Project planted our Peace Pole on September 1, 2009.and we are promoting The Peace Pole Project in homes and communities in Contra Costa County. Lonnie is an award-winning physician and is a former President of the American Medical Association.
The “O” Street Project
The “O Street” Project is a simple, humble outreach to persons who are the victims of homelessness. We provide a sack lunch, personal greeting, and support to people who live on the streets. The men, women, and children we meet are from diverse communities of faith. Their gratitude transforms our work helping us to realize how important it is for people of faith to be people of justice.
Interfaith Prayer Services
We offer interfaith prayer services at various loctaions. We can also help you establish a personal interfaith prayer practice.
Rev. Patrick Davis, a member of the Board of Directors, began organizing The Interfaith Prayer Outreach Services in 2008 for both adults and teenagers. In 2009, we began Interfaith Prayer Services at the IAntioch nterfaith Resource Center. Patrick is a founder and the Executive Director of the Bay Area Alliance for Youth & Family Services, a youth home ministry to homeless youth.
Interfaith Spiritual Direction
Several persons trained in spiritual diretion provide opportunities for you to explore the depth of your soul. We also provide programs for spiritual directors who desire an introduction to the faith traditions of the world. These programs are available for the individual or groups.
Interfaith Spiritual Direction is available with Fr. Tom Bonacci, Rev. Margaretmary Staller, June Kirk, or Rev. Andrea Goodman.
Interfaith Reading Rooms
We help establish Interfaith Reading Rooms in various loctions enabling visitors to appreciate and access the Faith Traditions of the World. Our Centers also provide Reading Rooms arranged with books and appropriate artifacts for personal reflection and study.
>Antioch Library and Center
Books in the Antioch Library
Dialogue with Interfaith Teens and Young Adults
We stand with the World Interfaith Community seeking practical means by which our teens and young adults can claim the right to live in peace and harmony. We offer various opportunities, in a safe environment, for them to discuss their interfaith inquiry and wisdom and be respectfully heard. We will become more and more attentive to the voice of our teens and young adults whose insights and wisdom will bless us all.
Ministerial Support Outreach
We offer practical reviews of life and ministry for participants who desire to realize the scope and significance of their interfaith and peacemaking involvement.
The Recovery of Women’s Voice in Ancient Text and Contemporary Society
The recovery of the voice of the feminine makes possible the recognition of the dignity of both men and women as together we struggle to bless our world with peace, compassion, and healing justice. We seek to discover, hear, and celebrate the voice of women in ancient texts and contemporary society.
The Study of Religion and Violence
Religion is often misused in the pursuit of prejudice, stereotyping, and violence. Our on-going study explores the causes of such misuse as we seek remedies that are practical and immediate. We are especially concerned with “sacred” writings that are used to support the domination of women and children. Our Institute seeks to empower people to take charge of their lives in the pursuit of their human dignity.
The Parliament of the World’s Religions
Rev. Thomas P. Bonacci and Rev. Andrea Goodman will present the program, “A New Model of Interfaith Peace”, at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 2015. The handout for their presentation can be found here.
Spiritual Companionship
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