The Change Engine
Intercultural Center for Justice & Peace
To dismantle religious bias and bigotry, ICJS builds learning communities where religious difference becomes a powerful force for good. Upcoming Events A Conversation with David M. Rubenstein The 2026 Manekin-Clark Forum features David M. Rubenstein—financier, philanthropist, author, historian, and Orioles owner—in conversation with ICJS’ Heather Miller Rubens as they explore religion and democracy in the
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To dismantle religious bias and bigotry, ICJS builds learning communities where religious difference becomes a powerful force for good. Upcoming Events A Conversation with David M. Rubenstein The 2026 Manekin-Clark Forum features David M. Rubenstein—financier, philanthropist, author, historian, and Orioles owner—in conversation with ICJS’ Heather Miller Rubens as they explore religion and democracy in the
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8Interfaith Programs for Religious LeadersICJS helps clergy and religious leaders from different faiths work together better. They offer programs where Muslim, Christian, and Jewish leaders can meet, learn about each other's religions, and build friendships. Programs include Common Ground (yearly meetings for clergy), intro workshops on interfaith work, book clubs, and special groups for women leaders. These programs help religious leaders understand other faiths and work together in their communities.
ICJS Fellowship for TeachersA one-year program for Baltimore area teachers to learn about different religions and how to teach about them in their classrooms. Teachers meet with other educators and experts to build confidence in religious literacy. They create lesson plans they can use with their students and think deeply about how to teach these important topics. The program helps teachers become better at helping students understand different faiths and cultures in our diverse world.
Higher Ed Faculty ProgramsICJS offers special programs for college and university teachers who want to learn about different religions and how they work together. The main programs are the Silber-Obrecht Lecture, which brings famous speakers to talk about interfaith topics, and the Faculty Seminar, a week-long training in Baltimore where teachers study together and learn new ways to teach about religion. These programs help teachers bring interfaith education back to their own schools.
ICJS Faculty SeminarA week-long training program in Baltimore where college teachers learn how to teach about different religions working together. The 2025 seminar ran August 3-7 and focused on religious experiments in society.
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Chaplain & Spiritual Care Training ProgramsICJS helps chaplains and spiritual caregivers learn how to support people from different religions and backgrounds. They offer free monthly online groups, book studies, workshops, and training webinars. Chaplains work in hospitals, prisons, schools, and military bases. These programs help them give better spiritual care to everyone, no matter what they believe. The groups meet on Zoom and help chaplains connect with other spiritual caregivers. They also give small grants up to $1,000 to help organizations expand their chaplain services.
Religious Leaders Training ProgramA week-long summer program for students training to become Christian, Jewish, and Muslim religious leaders. Students live together and learn about different faiths through classes, discussions, and activities. The program helps future religious leaders understand other religions and build friendships across faiths. All costs including travel, food, and housing are covered. Students may earn college credit. The program runs for 5 days at a retreat center in Maryland.
Online Learning Resources for Interfaith UnderstandingFree online learning materials to help people understand different religions and have better conversations about faith. The center offers short videos you can watch in 15-20 minutes, discussion guides for groups, longer courses with multiple sessions, and articles on topics like Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and current events. You can learn about dialogue skills, religious history, and how to talk about difficult topics. Everything is designed for people to use in classrooms, religious groups, or personal study. Materials are organized by topic like Israel/Gaza, justice issues, and fighting prejudice against different religions.
Leadership Training ProgramsICJS trains people to become leaders who fight religious bias and promote understanding between different faiths. They offer programs for religious leaders, community leaders, teachers, and future clergy. The programs help people learn about different religions, build relationships across faiths, and create positive change in their communities. Programs include fellowships and intensive training sessions.
Smile, breathe, and go slowly.
Thich Nhat Hanh