In this Sunday’s gospel Jesus assures followers that “in my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” In an initiative designed to counter religious intolerance, rights groups are asking U.S. churches to make room for Jewish and Muslim clergy to read from sacred texts in their sanctuaries next month.

The June 26 effort, called "Faith Shared: Uniting in Prayer and Understanding," is cosponsored by the Interfaith Alliance and Human Rights First. Leaders of the two Washington-based groups said the event is designed to demonstrate respect among Christians for other religious traditions, particularly in the wake of Quran burnings in recent months.

"As a Christian minister who is a pastor in a local congregation, it is important to me for our nation and our world to know that not all Christians promote hate, attack religions different from their own, and seek to desecrate the scripture of others," said Rev. Welton Gaddy, president of the Interfaith Alliance.

Tad Stahnke, director of policy and programs for Human Rights First, said he hopes the initiative will draw attention to religious freedom and counter negative stereotypes of Christian leaders making anti-Muslim statements. "We want to send a message to the world that Americans do respect religious differences and reject religious bigotry and the demonization of Islam or any other religion," he said.

Source: An article by Adelle M. Banks for Religion News Service