SPIN is an informal network of individuals, which works to establish a culture of engaged interfaith dialogue, respect and understanding among different faith traditions in the St. Paul area. SPIN is hosted and supported by the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches, and directed by a volunteer Planning Group (additional volunteers welcome). SPIN has five objectives:

• Members of congregations, faith communities and related people and organizations have increased contact with, education about and dialogue with people of other traditions.

• Clergy and leaders of faith communities are familiar with religious pluralism, have acquaintances or friends from other traditions, and understand best practices for building bridges and leading congregations in a pluralistic context.

• Youth are educated about and have experiences with various religious traditions so they can develop positive interfaith relationships.

• More advanced, deeper interfaith and intra-faith conversations occur, including difficult dialogue across differences, as well as theological and philosophical discussions.

• Faith communities are active in making institutional changes to express positive religious pluralism.

Current regular activities of SPIN include monthly, mid-day interfaith dialogue sessions for clergy and lay leaders/volunteers of faith communities in the area, monthly Interfaith Conversation Café dialogue sessions (in two locations), annual, fall interfaith dialogue series for the public, and annual interfaith Seder and Iftar meal/programs.

 SPIN is a member of the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN), is represented in the Twin Cities Interfaith Network, and frequently collaborates with other local religious groups doing interfaith relationship-building work. SPIN enlists many congregations and religious organizations to be supporting co-sponsors of its events, so that the events in turn serve their constituencies.