The CRLMC Faith & Trust Cohort: A Model for Developing Future Interfaith Leadership

Like many communities, Chicago is experiencing a crisis of civic trust. Faith communities can help people find common ground beyond their own traditions and to rebuild public trust, but local faith leaders often lack opportunities for interreligious encounters and collaboration with their peers. To meet this need, the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago formed and led the Faith and Trust Future Interfaith Leadership Cohort, a year-long initiative supported by the Chicago Community Trust. The cohort was composed of faith leaders from ten faith traditions in Chicago who all were under the age 45. The cohort met together monthly with CRLMC. The cohort also planned and led a half-day introductory program for their peers. This session features members of the Faith & Trust cohort discussing their experiences. The cohort offers a promising model for preparing emerging faith leaders for interreligious dialogue, collaboration, and leadership development.