Monthly Archives: October 2022

by Brian Grim

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte, in partnership with the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, launched a dialogue on Oct. 4 where people of different faiths, beliefs and convictions came together to discuss how faith is a dimension of diversity.

The “way” that this very diverse group of 80 business and community leaders came together was in support of each other’s right to hold their deeply held beliefs and live according to them without necessarily extending moral equivalency to the other’s beliefs. An approach we refer to as Covenantal Pluralism (see video).

The opening of this dialogue is certainly in line with the mission of the YMCA, which is “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”

So, how is it that such a dialogue fits in with the Christian principles of the YMCA? Two teachings of Jesus referenced during the dialogue give the answer:

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

These words of Jesus from Matthew 7:12 are referred to as the Golden Rule and are reflected in many religious traditions. And, when asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus replied,

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matt. 22:37-40).

In an age of polarization, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte is demonstrating “love of neighbor” as the way forward. As Nancy Fisher from the YMCA said, “I look forward to talking with attendees and hearing how they will spread what was learned in their businesses and organizations of influence.”

I look forward to this as well. If your organization would like to host a similar event, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s initiative is one to replicate in cities and towns across the country. Our next event will be November 11 in Lehi, Utah. Hope to see you there!

For leaders and members of faith-oriented ERGs in business, knowledge of the latest trends in religion is valuable. It helps companies better understand the religious contexts they operate within as well as ERGs discover better ways to engage.

The Religious Freedom & Business Foundation’s partner, the Faith & Media Initiative, just released the results of the first-ever Faith & Media Index.

On Monday, Oct. 3, 12-12:30pm ET, Brook Zaugg, vice president of the Faith & Media Initiative, and I hosted this briefing for businesses on the study’s findings and their relevance for corporate communications.

Google it? See how Google’s faith-friendly workplaces help make googling more enjoyable.

By Brian Grim

Google has taken steps to make their workplaces more faith-friendly through their Inter Belief Network (IBN) employee resource group (ERG). This allows them to better connect with their billions of users, the majority of whom are also people of faith.

Naomi Kraus, Google Senior Content Strategist & Global Chair of IBN, introduced the above video at our Dare to Overcome conference this past May, showing an example of how this faith-friendly approach impacts one of their products.

So, now, back to the question. Where do you go when you want to learn about something religious? For many people, the first thing they do is “google it.” With Yom Kippur coming up this coming week, click below to see what you find.

And, btw, as someone who has attended three different theological seminaries and has a doctorate in the sociology of religion, I admit, I googled it. 🙂