Stories of Local Activism #10
Multi-Faith Neighbors Network
Building Bridges Across Faith Traditions
Dallas, Texas, nationwide and globally
Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN) builds mutual trust and respect among faith leaders through civic engagement, authentic relationships, and honest dialogue, aiming to help communities become more resilient in the face of hate, violence, and polarization.
The Multi-Faith Neighbors Network initiative begins at the local level, in carefully selected cities and towns across the United States and the world, based on polling data and the willingness of faith leaders and congregations to participate in this initiative.
Founded by Pastor Bob Roberts, Jr., Imam Mohamed Magid, and Rabbi David Saperstein, MFNN coordinates grassroots movements across faith traditions while emphasizing that participants need not sacrifice their distinct theological identities to build deep bonds and serve together.
Mission
MFNN builds mutual trust and respect among faith leaders through civic engagement, authentic relationships, and honest dialogue, leading to resilient, compassionate, and flourishing communities.
The MFNN Story
Source: MFNN
What They Do
MFNN’s work focuses on making “multi-faith” practical, moving from dialogue to durable relationships and joint community service.
1. Multi-faith relationship-building among clergy
MFNN convenes faith leaders across traditions to build trust, learn from one another, and model cooperation for their congregations, especially across theological and political divides.
2. Local grassroots “focus city” organizing
MFNN starts at the local level in carefully targeted cities/towns (in the U.S. and internationally), building networks among leaders, families, congregations, and communities to create a base of social trust that can withstand moments of crisis.
3. Women’s relationship-building through INSPIRE
Through INSPIRE, MFNN supports Christian, Jewish, and Muslim women in building deep, lasting relationships that can translate into community impact in focus cities.
4. International bridge-building and peacebuilding case work
MFNN documents and supports multi-faith engagement in multiple countries.
How They Do It
-
Three-day clergy retreats (core model): MFNN’s approach centers on immersive retreats designed to foster deep relational bonds; post-retreat, leaders commit to concrete relationship and service actions (shared meals, mixers, joint service projects, solidarity during crises, recruiting additional leaders).
-
A “multi-faith” (not just “interfaith”) stance: MFNN emphasizes relationships and shared civic service engagement while allowing each faith community to retain its distinct theological identity.
-
Partnership approach: MFNN positions itself as credible with religious and governmental actors for peacemaking, bridge-building, and religious freedom, often working through local partners and country/city-level coalitions (e.g., Bangladesh and Sudan workshops convening leaders for action-oriented initiatives).
Listen to Their Leaders
Source: MFNN
Theory of Change
Trusting Relationships + Shared Action in the Public Square →
Resilient and Less Polarized Communities
MFNN’s theory is based on the premise that when faith leaders build real relationships across differences and mobilize congregations toward shared service, they reduce fear, increase understanding, and strengthen community resilience against hate, violence, and polarization.
IMPACT
Snapshots
-
Clergy Retreats: MFNN has been organizing multi-faith clergy retreats for a decade in 20 cities across America.
-
Public recognition: MFNN co-founders received a White House “Uniter” award at a bipartisan summit for efforts to build unity and prevent hate-fueled violence.
-
International convening: MFNN organized a multi-faith workshop in Dhaka, Bangladesh, (Feb 10–11, 2025) emphasizing action beyond dialogue and the creation of structures for national multi-faith collaboration.
Take Action
-
Share this story with your network.
-
Partner or collaborate: MFNN invites organizations and leaders to partner in its multi-faith bridge-building approach.
-
Connect with Multi-Faith Neighbors Network
Website: https://mfnn.org/
Instagram: @mfnnetwork
Facebook: @mfnnetwork
X (Twitter): @mfnnetwork
Contact MFNN Team: info@mfnn.org
