Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians, Jews, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a certain topic. Facilitated by a study leader, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s own scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities.

               Scriptural Reasoning – Introduction                         Reading Material: Covenant

This Month’s Study Leader

Rev. Richard L. Tafel is a transformative leader in the areas of faith, politics, and social impact. Tafel is also pastor of Church of the Holy City in Washington DC, where he is launching one of the first spiritual entrepreneur hubs. He represents the Swedenborgian Church of North America on the governing board of the National Council of Churches where he leads the annual Christian Muslim dialogue. Rich is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and served as Assistant Minister at the Memorial Church at Harvard University.

Rich is also the Managing Director of Raffa Social Capital Advisors where he matches impact investors to vetted social ventures. Partnering with investors his team provides back-office support, public policy, and strategic coaching to social ventures. He launched the first state-wide social entrepreneur competition in the USA in Michigan in 2014.

Rich is also the Director of the American Project at Pepperdine School of Public Policy in Malibu CA. This project is sponsored by the Democracy Fund bringing together leading thinkers to imagine new, center-right solutions to America’s broken political system. Tafel has a long history of fighting for civil rights. He has appeared on most major political programs. Before moving to Washington DC, Tafel was Adolescent Health Director for the State of MA.

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