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Interfaith is not a religion, and does not advocate the blending of all religions into one. Rather Interfaith is a spiritual philosophy which honors the validity of all religious paths and does not proselytize or promote a particular faith or tradition. Interfaith ministry is a grass-roots movement that ministers to all people. Most Interfaith clergy are devout followers of a particular path. Some do serve congregations. But for the most part, they serve as Community Ministers.
Rev. Kathryn Rayner, founder of IMGV, sees her work as being synonymous with the work of a Community Minister. Her chief purpose is to offer services to and to create bridges between faith communities and community-based organizations. With the combined effort of the religious communities, it is Kathryn's hope that the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of all peoples of Gallatin Valley will be addressed. |
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Rev. Kathryn Rayner graduated from The New Seminary and was ordained as an Interfaith Minister in June 2006. The ordination ceremony occurred at the Synod House located on the grounds of The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. The New Seminary, founded in 1981, is the oldest interfaith seminary in the country. It celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2006.
With this ordination, Rev. Rayner is legally recognized as practicing clergy in Montana, New York and throughout the United States.
In 2006, she also became a certified PREPARE/ENRICH Counselor. The Life Innovations, Inc. PREPARE/ENRICH program is a great tool for pre-marital preparation and marriage enrichment!
She is currently a member of the Gallatin Valley Interfaith Association, United Communities of Spirit, and Spiritual Directors International; and an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Practitioner.
As part of her ministry, she volunteers for Family Promise of Gallatin Valley, Amos House (HIS Soup) and at The Network Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse. |
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The IMGV logo consists of a nsoroma, the earth and seven religious symbols.
The nsoroma (the blue star-like symbol) originates from Ghana. It is a symbol for the sun and means, "Like the stars, I am one of the children of the Highest One and rest in God, trusting not only in myself."
The six outer symbols, beginning from the top and going around clock-wise represent the following religions: Christianity, Islam, Native American, Taoism. Buddhism, and Judaism.
The inner symbol, consists of a circle enveloped by the earth. A circle signifies the human spirit. It is a general symbol for the "eternal", "the endless", that which is "without beginning or end", and "all possibilities". Thus, with the earth, it signifies all paths followed and lived by humanity.
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