________________
Development of Interfaith Prayer and the Discussion
may be a simple symbolic act, such as the lighting of candles or offering of flowers to each other.
3. Interfaith gatherings with a united order of service. These are what the Bangalore consultation called interreligious prayer and what the American Presbyterian report called 'alternating worship and observation'. Others describe them as 'praying together'.
These services are planned as a unity. The order of readings may be to bring out the theme. All participants may be asked to join in a prayer, or an affirmation or perhaps a hymn. There is likely also to be a symbolic act to express the sense of unity.
Mention has also been made of personal occasions, such as a wedding involving partners who belong to different religions. Because such occasions raise particular questions, they are not discussed in detail here although some of the general considerations are relevant. These considerations are also relevant to School Assemblies if they are of a multifaith character, although there are also legal issues and educational questions arising about collective worship as part of the school day.
The form that multi-faith prayer takes depends upon the participants and their particular situation. It will also reflect their intention for the event and perhaps also their view about the relationship of religions to each other.
- 25
