The Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley State University hosted the Made-in-Michigan Interfaith Leadership Lab (MIMIL) Friday and Saturday, bringing college students from across the state together for breakout sessions, guest speakers and hands-on activities focused on interfaith engagement.
The conference, first founded in 2016, included plenary sessions, small-group discussions and interactive workshops. Interfaith engagement refers to intentional efforts to build understanding, relationships and cooperation among people of different religious, spiritual and secular identities. Rather than debating beliefs, interfaith work emphasizes dialogue, shared values and collaboration. It is a constructive process that helps participants navigate differences with respect while working together on common goals within their communities.
Friday’s activities began with registration and a meet-and-mingle, followed by dinner and welcome remarks. The night concluded with an opening plenary featuring guest facilitators Sasa Aakil, artist and writer, and Tina Grace, program manager of Interfaith America, alongside a Q&A session…