Interfaith Engagement

CRC’s interfaith programs bring together people from different faith traditions—as well as those who do not identify with a tradition—to learn from one another in a spirit of openness and respect. Through thoughtful conversation and shared experiences, participants gain a clearer sense of how others see the world and what they hold sacred. These moments help build trust, encourage understanding, and reflect our belief that every person deserves to be approached with dignity and goodwill.

Scriptural Reasoning

Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is an approach to interfaith conversation that began at Cambridge University, London, England, and is now practiced in many communities around the world. In SR, people from different faith traditions—and those who may not identify with a tradition—sit together to read short passages from the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and the Qur’an.

The gathering is simple in format but rich in conversation, giving participants a steady space each month to listen, reflect, and learn from one another through the lens of scripture.

The goal is not to reach agreement or compare beliefs, but to look closely at the texts and hear how others understand them. This often leads to thoughtful discussion, moments of insight, and a clearer sense of how people from different backgrounds read and think.

Everyone is invited to speak from their own perspective, whether or not the scripture being read is part of their tradition.

CRC hosts SR in partnership with the Pocono Interfaith Council and East Stroudsburg Presbyterian Church.

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A Scriptural Reasoning session at Chestnut Retreat Center

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Experiential Worship House Visits

Our Experiential Worship House Visits offer a simple way to learn about the faith traditions of our neighbors. Each month, a group from CRC visits a different worship space—a church, synagogue, temple, or another community gathering place—and is welcomed by the local faith leaders.

St. Luke's Catholic Church in Stroudsburg

During the visit, hosts often share the story of their congregation, introduce the meaning behind their practices, and explain the symbols and architecture of their space.

When possible, we attend part of a service to observe how worship is expressed in that tradition. Afterward, we usually sit together for open conversation, where people can ask questions, reflect on what they noticed, and get to know one another in a relaxed setting.

These visits are not lectures or debates; they are opportunities to see how others live out their faith and how they serve the wider community.

The experience is grounded in curiosity, respect, and the simple act of learning from those who welcome us into their sacred space.

Music and congregational singing during a worship service at Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church

Ms. Christina Chen introducing visitors to the grounds and the symbolic elements of the JinYin Temple

Visitors gathered around the baptismal font during a visit to St. Luke's Church listening to Prof. Stevens-Arroyo's explanations

Interfaith Prayer Services

As a member of the Pocono Interfaith Council, CRC takes part in prayer services and gatherings hosted by faith communities throughout the region. These events include the National Day of Prayer, interfaith Thanksgiving services in Stroudsburg, and occasional vigils or prayer programs organized by our partner congregations.

Our role is simple: we join when invited, stand alongside our neighbors, and share moments of reflection that bring people of different backgrounds into the same space. These gatherings offer a quiet, respectful way to meet others, hear their hopes and concerns, and support the spirit of unity that guides interfaith life in the Poconos.

Stop the Hate Vigil at St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish in Pocono Pines

Interfaith Celebration of the National Day of Prayer in Stroudsburg

Annual Interfaith Retreat

Held each May, the Annual Interfaith Retreat brings together lay members from a range of faith communities across the region. The gathering offers time to reflect on shared concerns in our local area, hear what different congregations are working on, and exchange practical ideas for supporting one another.

The retreat centers on open conversation rather than formal presentations.

People sit together in small groups, speak from their own experience, and listen to how others see the issues facing our region.

The time also allows participants to share what they are working on in their own communities and talk about where simple forms of collaboration might be possible in the months ahead.

Ramadan Iftar Dinners

Ramadan is a month when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, using the time to reflect, pray, and practice gratitude.

At sunset, families and friends come together to break the fast, a tradition often shared with neighbors and community partners.

At CRC, our iftar dinners bring together the friends, neighbors, and partner organizations we invite each year.

Alongside the shared meal, the evenings often include a brief keynote reflection and elements of art or music that help set a reflective and welcoming tone.

These evenings offer a simple and meaningful way to sit together, share a meal, and learn a bit about the spirit of Ramadan in a warm, welcoming setting.

Because Ramadan follows a lunar calendar, it moves about 10–11 days earlier each year. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin around February 18 and end around March 19.

Iftar Gatherings with Community Partners

A tradition in many Muslim communities, Ramadan iftars are moments of joy, gratitude, and togetherness.

Each year during the month of Ramadan, CRC comes together with local faith organizations, universities, and community organizations to share an iftar meal and reflect on the meaning of the month. At these gatherings, we briefly share who we are and what Ramadan represents in Muslim life, providing context for the evening and inviting guests into the spirit of the month.

These dinners bring friends and neighbors to the same table, offering a warm setting for conversation, learning, and connection. Rather than large public events, the gatherings are smaller in scale, allowing for genuine interaction and a shared appreciation of Ramadan’s spirit—its emphasis on generosity, self-reflection, and care for others.