Interfaith Fellowship of Religious Life Community Statement of Purpose

Our Mission: As a member of the Simpson Religious Life Community, we seek to grow in our own faith and religious traditions, help other community members grow in theirs, and grow in our understanding of each other's tradition.

Vision and Values of the Interfaith Fellowship of the Religious Life Community

Our Vision: The Interfaith Fellowship of the Religious Life Community strives to create an environment of religious understanding on the Simpson Campus and in the greater world community.

Our Core Values:  We value helping people become faithful in their traditions while respectful toward those  of other traditions.  We value educating others about our various faiths through word, deed and genuine relationships.  We value fun, fellowship and creativity in our program.  We value our  brothers' and sisters' lives, opinions, gifts and preferences and seek to provide opportunities for their growth and fulfillment in their religious traditions.  We value outreach to people and interaction with groups beyond the Religious Life Community.  We value out connection with local religious organizations and communities.  We value hospitality as an expression of our love for our neighbor.  We value living out our faith through discipleship, worship and service.  We value being a community of individuals that challenges and supports each other through respectful dialogue and intentional listening.  We value stewardship of the environment and awareness of our use of natural resources.  We value the integration of faith and reason and the growth that comes through doubting and questioning.  We value growing in our understanding of various denominations and  religious tradition through study and relationships with persons  from those  traditions.

Interfaith Council

The Interfaith Council coordinates creative educational displays and events for the Simpson Community.  The displays and events highlight topics such as various religious holidays, minority contributions to religious history, and include field trips to locations of religious significance.

Contacts and Resources

The Indianola area offers resources and community connections for many faith traditions:

Beth El Jacob Synagogue
274-1551        954 Cummins Pkwy., Des Moines

Chabd Lubavitch JRC of Iowa 
277-1718        943 Cummins Pkwy., Des Moines

Temple B'Nai Jeshunin
274-4679         5101 Grand Ave., Des Moines

Tifereth Israel Synagogue
255-1137         924 Polk Blvd., Des Moines

Jewish Federations of Greater Des Moines
277-4069         910 Polk Blvd., Des Moines

Ancient Ways 
280-3375        1700 Woodland Ave., Des Moines

Islamic Center of Des Moines 
255-0212        6201 Franklin Ave., Des Moines

Des Moines Area Religious Council 
277-6969        3816 36th St., Des Moines

Watlao Buddhavath 
282-1801        1824 Park Ave., Des Moines

Vietnamese Buddist Assoc. Hong an Temple
288-6944        1419 MLK Jr. Pkwy., Des Moines