"Houston is one of the most religiously diverse cities in the country. IMGH helps faith communities work together — especially when disaster strikes — and creates spaces where neighbors from different backgrounds can learn about each other's beliefs. Programs like ILEAD give young people tools to lead across difference, while adult programs open doors for honest, friendly conversation."
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston connects faith communities in Houston and Harris County with emergency services during disasters and recovery efforts. It also runs ILEAD, a youth leadership program for high school students from 11 faith traditions, and adult programs like Dinner Dialogues — interfaith conversations held in homes and group settings — and the Gershenson Lecture Series, which brings speakers together to explore religious dialogue, ethics, and peace.
Information about this center is no longer updated. This data was last updated on 2 June 2016.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Response facilitates communication on behalf of Houston’s faith communities during relief and recovery efforts. This office seeks to build connections between faith communities and emergency management and response services, be they civic, like the City of Houston or Harris County, or non-profits such as Catholic Charities or Red Cross. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Response also helps to coordinate recovery responses, provide trainings, and disseminate information.
ILEAD Interfaith Youth Leadership Program is primarily active during the school year. Last year, during the program’s third iteration, twenty-five high school students (sophomores, juniors, seniors) from 11 different faith traditions participated. ILEAD emphasizes peer learning and helps students learn more about what it means to be a person of faith and engaging with other religions (or no religion at all). The program’s mission is to cultivate confident, respectful, and engaged leaders who embrace their own faith traditions and embody effective multicultural leadership skills in their personal and professional lives.
Adult-Focused Programs include IMGH’s signature Dinner Dialogues, a model that has been replicated in cities across the country. The Dinner Dialogues encourage interfaith conversation in private homes and group settings so that participants can learn about the practices and faiths of others. The dinner is moderated by a representative of IMGH and provides and intimate forum to engage in discussion. Other programs include The Gershenson Lecture Series, in which diverse speakers from around the country are invited to give lectures that explore religious dialogue, ethics, and peace.
Houston
Interfaith
Religious Centers (Archive)
- Call IMGH at 713-533-4900 to ask about current programs and schedules
- Email info@imgh.org to learn how to join or host a Dinner Dialogue
- Ask about ILEAD if you know a high school student interested in interfaith leadership
- Contact the Disaster Preparedness office if your faith community wants to connect with emergency response networks
- Visit IMGH's website directly for the most up-to-date information (the archive profile is from 2016)
