The Ecumenical Institute for Jewish-Christian Studies

To accomplish the above mission statement, the Ecumenical Institute for Jewish-Christian Studies does the following things:

1. Sponsor neighborhood Interfaith Circles type dialogue groups for Christian and Jewish lay people and clergy in order to understand each other’s religious and cultural differences and similarities.

2. Provide speakers for youth, civic, church, synagogue and clergy groups in order to help Jews and Christians challenge historic stereotypes, to correct areas of false teachings and to teach new tools of interpretation that promote respect for the other.

3. Publish articles, booklets and a Web page to promote more understanding and appreciation of one another’s beliefs, values and practices.

4. Maintain a library and media center as a resource offering a comprehensive collection of Jewish and Christian books, publications and audio-visual materials.

5. Lead ecumenical study tours to the Middle East and Europe for lay people and clergy, including educational classes before, during and after the trips.

6. Present programs on radio and television that foster greater understanding and a climate of mutual respect between Christians and Jews.

7. Teach Bible studies that incorporate the more accurate historical perspectives and other lessons that are a product of the Christian-Jewish dialogue.

8. Promote a speakers bureau to provide speakers for Jewish and Christian groups as well as public lectures on interfaith issues, the Holocaust, persecution of Christians and Jews, Israel and the Middle East and other contemporary concerns of Jews and Christians.

9. Conduct public meetings or forums to combat theological and social antisemitism or deal with other interfaith issues, either independently or in cooperation with other organizations.

10. Cooperate with and offer assistance to the leaders and members of local, national and international organizations, media and educational institutions.

11. Host colloquiums for scholars to present their current research or writings and get feedback from colleagues or to discuss new fields of historical and religious research in the area of Jewish-Christian studies.