Amid rising polarization, social fragmentation, and religiously charged rhetoric in the United States, cultivating authentic interfaith relationships has never been more essential. Recent years have seen a surge in religious tension, amplified by political division and cultural conflict. Evangelical Christians, in particular, have often been portrayed as disengaged from interfaith initiatives, despite representing a significant portion of the American religious landscape. In this increasingly pluralistic society, fostering dialogue alone is insufficient. What is urgently needed are sustained, trust-based relationships that enable communities to move from dialogue to meaningful collaboration.
The Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN) has emerged as a national leader in this domain, leveraging a proven model of intensive relationship-building among Muslim, Jewish, and Christian leaders to advance interfaith understanding and joint civic engagement. With nearly a decade of experience across the United States and abroad, MFNN has consistently demonstrated that durable interfaith partnerships are not only possible but transformative—serving as catalysts for peacebuilding, community service, and mutual support.
The heart of MFNN’s model is a three-day clergy retreat designed to foster deep relational bonds across theological and political divides. Rather than focusing solely on interreligious dialogue, these retreats emphasize shared experience, empathy, and service. Following each retreat, clergy participants commit to a set of tangible objectives: sharing meals in one another’s homes, co-hosting congregation mixers, collaborating on service projects, recruiting additional faith leaders to the network, and standing in solidarity during times of crisis. These relational commitments extend beyond symbolic acts, building the social capital necessary for sustained interfaith engagement at both the congregational and community levels.
A vivid illustration of this model’s effectiveness occurred shortly after the outbreak of renewed violence in Israel and Palestine. In a context where many feared confrontation, MFNN convened Evangelical pastors, rabbis, and imams—many of them Palestinian—in a retreat setting. Instead of exacerbating tensions, the gathering provided a space for honest, empathetic exchange, culminating in plans for joint meals, community collaboration, and mutual support. This outcome not only reflected MFNN’s intentional facilitation but underscored the capacity of faith leaders to lead amidst conflict when equipped with trust-based relationships.
In 2024, AVDF awarded MFNN a $278,197 grant to expand its work into five U.S. cities: Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Chicago, and one additional site to be finalized. Each city implementation begins with a vision meeting for local clergy, followed by a multi-day retreat, and culminates in the formation of an “Inspire Group”—a locally organized network of participating congregations committed to ongoing interfaith collaboration and service.
“By fostering genuine relationships among Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders—and equipping them to serve their cities together—MFNN models the kind of trust, empathy, and shared purpose that our country urgently needs. AVDF is proud to support this initiative, which not only bridges divides but builds the civic strength and mutual understanding that sustain a healthy democracy,” said AVDF President and CEO Michael Murray.
The impact of the grant to MFNN is already visible. In Atlanta, 32 faith leaders gathered for a retreat hosted at a Catholic retreat center, where excitement and cross-tradition engagement were particularly strong. The Atlanta Inspire Group completed its first project—assembling and distributing 200 hygiene kits and handwritten notes for incarcerated women at a local detention facility. In Dallas/Fort Worth, 20 participants from Muslim and Christian communities have begun executing their post-retreat objectives. Meanwhile, in Chicago, the retreat welcomed 29 participants, including members of the Orthodox Jewish community—marking a milestone for MFNN in extending its reach to more conservative religious constituencies. Inspire Groups have also launched in Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth and are currently planning or executing collaborative service initiatives.
As of early 2025, MFNN had completed three of its five scheduled retreats and launched three Inspire Groups. Preparations are underway for retreats in Las Vegas and one additional city. Each local cohort is expected to engage at least 39 clergy across 30 congregations, reaching approximately 150 congregations overall. Based on average congregation sizes, this initiative will likely touch more than 45,000 individuals directly, not including those impacted through service projects.
MFNN’s impact is amplified by its leadership. Co-founded by three prominent faith leaders—Imam Mohamed Magid, Rabbi David Saperstein, and Pastor Bob Roberts—MFNN benefits from a leadership team with deep credibility, broad networks, and a shared commitment to bridging religious divides. Their approach affirms that interfaith engagement does not require doctrinal compromise. Rather, it is rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to the common good.
Moreover, MFNN’s model is not geographically or theologically constrained. It has been adapted successfully in over a dozen U.S. cities and globally in contexts such as Sudan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan. Whether organizing youth camps, supporting first responders, or mobilizing congregations for food relief, MFNN consistently demonstrates the societal value of interfaith coalitions.
As the United States continues to navigate an era of social uncertainty and religious tension, MFNN offers a replicable, scalable model for healing division through relationships that are personal, practical, and public. By building bridges where others see barriers, the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network is an exemplar of how cooperation among faith communities is not only possible—but also essential for a more just, peaceful, and unified society.
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