Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council

We are building the most welcoming community for all people.

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Council History

The Kansas City Interfaith Council was formed in 1989 by the Rev. Dr. Vern Barnet, D.Min. It was Vern’s dream that the Council would bring awareness of the rich diversity of faiths that constitute our community.  The Council was hosted by the Center for Religious Experience and Study (CRES) for the first 15 years of its existence.  During this time the Council was involved in many ways in our community, from the ground-breaking two-day 2001 Gifts of Pluralism conference to the first 9/11 Anniversary observance which featured a brass ensemble from the Kansas City Symphony and an elaborate water pouring ceremony.

 

January 1, 2005 marked a turning point for the Council. The Council evolved from being hosted by CRES to become its own 501(c)(3) organization. Fortunately for the Council, it received a grant funded by the Rockefeller Foundation from Religions for Peace USA to help with this transition process.  Three of the leading interfaith experts in the world, Rev. Bud Heckman, Rev. Clark Lobenstein, and Rev. Sam Myskens, flew to Kansas City on January 8, 2005, for an all-day strategic planning meeting.  The Council elected officers, looked at structure, and developed committees to address planning, funding, programming, and other issues.  Over the months, the Council added several new At-Large members and added Christian-Orthodox and Vedanta to its ranks.  Although the Council has always served the greater metropolitan area, the Kansas City Interfaith Council added Greater to its name in order to emphasize its inclusive nature.  The consensus model was adopted for decision-making, and the Council revised its mission and goals.

 

The Council participated in the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN), through the membership of its convener, Dr. David Nelson. NAIN is an organization that seeks to build communication and mutual understanding among interfaith organizations and diverse religious groups throughout North America.  In August 2005, the Council sent a representative to Connect 2005, a joint meeting of United Religions Initiative and NAIN, where other interfaith organizations from as far away as Mexico and Canada shared their goals and activities.  It was reported that interfaith work across America is on the rise, and that because of this, the virtues of peace, hospitality, and gratitude are filling our cities.

 

On November 10, 2005, the Council held its first Table of Faiths Celebration and honored Dr. Vern Barnet for his founding of the Council in 1989.

 

 

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