"Eternal and merciful God, who alone can work wonders and give in a measure that exceeds our thoughts and desires, grant to us all one love in renewal and forgiveness, that together we may accomplish the work which you have entrusted to us, that united we may be at peace with one another, also your agents of renewal and peace through the Lord and Peacemaker for us all; Amen."

Organization and Leaders:

Interfaith Communications (ICI) is an independent organization (with 501-c-3 tax-exempt classification from the IRS), founded in 1976 in Denver, Colo. by William H. Mackintosh (Th.B. Eastern Univ., M.Div. Yale Univ., M.A. Pennsylvania Univ., D.Phil. Oxford Univ., England), Professor, Broadcaster, Author, and Retired Presbyterian Minister, now serving as Interfaith Coordinator and Consultant with the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Interfaith Communications Inc. is registered with the Secretaries of State in Colorado and Louisiana. It is administered by a President, Board of Directors, and an Assembly of Members and Friends. The main office is at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in New Orleans, and an International office at 2104 State St., 70118, also in New Orleans. Officers for the Board are Dr. Mackintosh, President & Chairman; Very Rev. Patrick Collum (Pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel), Bursar; Mrs. Ruth Goliwas, Vice President; and Ms. Joyce Kleinfeldt Secretary; Rev. Fr. Youstos Ghaly (St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church) Archivist; Dr. Everett Williams (St. Henry's Catholic Church) Grants Advisor.

ICI is supported by liberal, conservative, and evangelical Churches. Its Board is comprised of 5 Roman Catholics, 2 Eastern Orthodox, 1 Baptist, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Lutheran, 1 Methodist, 1 Episcopalian, and 1 United Church of Christ. It has supporters in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, also in Scotland and England of the United Kingdom.

Purpose and Goals:

The Constitution and By-Laws of ICI, embracing Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox Church constituents, presents the following purpose and goals:

(1) to reunify and integrate these branches of Christendom;
(2) to emphasize their similarities in theology and worship;
(3) to heal the pain and anger in the ecclesiastical divisions of the past.
(4) To resist the Media caricatures of leaders and beliefs of different faiths.

We pray for the third new Millennium to bring a "New Reformation" to Christianity. The "Great Splits" between the Western Church at Rome and the Eastern Church at Constantinople in the 11th century, also between the Protestants and the Catholics in the 16th century, can be bridged in a new era of acceptance and unity led by the Holy Spirit. Real reconciliation is urgent.

The assault in our culture upon Christian beliefs and upon the spiritual values taught by Jesus is widespread. Aggressive, extravagant, and over-indulgent life-styles prevail. Modern Mass Media has a power that dwarfs the influence of established education, law enforcement, and spiritual guidance. The preoccupation with death in TV and Movies is rampant. The sanctity of human life, of marriages, of sexuality in the spiritual discipline is compromised. More and more people are experimenting with their own rules. Standards of right and wrong in traditional faiths show signs of weakening. Christians therefore need to unite to communicate strategies to stem the tides of moral and ethical decay sweeping society today.

Programs and Expressions:

(1) Inter-denominational and ecumenical services of prayer and worship that open opportunities for private discussions on germane theological issues;
(2) Ecumenical training sessions for Clergy and their congregations to overcome common prejudices toward other Church denominations.
(3) Classes on conflict resolution, addressing violence and anger over injustices to persons and to religious groups;
(4) Dialogue on common ideals and peacemaking with the other major world religions -- e.g. Judaism, Hinduism, Baha'i, Islam, Buddhism;
(5) Public Media opportunities for advancing these programs, and networking with other helpful communication sources.

Information and Participation:

If you are sympathetic with these Interfaith perspectives and wish to offer a contribution, you may become a member of ICI, and receive its new-letters, reports, and invitations to its special gatherings.

Phone (504.486.8911) or E-mail (whmackin@juno.com) your request for a membership card and information to be sent to you. Upon receipt, kindly send any amount you wish to contribute (tax-deductible) to 1322 Moss St. New Orleans. LA, 70119. Thank you.

The after-hours phone and fax number of ICI is 504.899.2200. This website address is www.interfaithcommunications.com.