About Us

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Why Interfaith?


Some of the most creative work in spirituality, theology and ethics is happening at the intersection of belief systems. And in a world where denominational loyalties are often entwined with racial, ethnic or nationality groups, and where religious faith is often used (or misused) in the quest for political and military objectives, interfaith dialogue is essential for peace and racial/ethnic harmony worldwide. Interfaith Voices is integral to work for justice and peace in our world.

In addition, the United States is now the most religiously diverse nation on earth. We now have sizeable groups of Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus side by side with Jews and Christians. In addition, there are hundreds of faith traditions represented in smaller numbers. Our American tradition of religious tolerance requires that we understand and respect such traditions. 

Interfaith Voices is an important vehicle for doing just that. 

Our Mission


Interfaith Voices provides engaging and informative discussion on the key public issues of our day through the lenses of many different faith perspectives. We foster religious tolerance and educate our listeners on the broad diversity of religious traditions and viewpoints in the United States.

Our purpose is to promote interfaith understanding through dialogue.  We do not proselytize.

We deal with a wide range of issues where theology intersects with public policy, including social justice, war and peace, electoral politics, separation of church (synagogue/mosque, etc.) and state, human rights, sexual and reproductive issues, racial/ethnic discrimination, women's rights and many more.  We frequently interview authors of significant books, and we often highlight a faith tradition little known in the United States (e.g., Buddhism, Islam, Haitian Vodou, Sikhism, etc.) 

From the beginning, we have aired voices and viewpoints seldom heard in other media.

Meet Interfaith Voices

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Maureen Fiedler

Host

Maureen Fiedler is the host and creator of Interfaith Voices, which debuted in 2002. She has a long history of working with interfaith coalitions on human rights, social justice, women’s rights and peace. She holds a Ph.D. in Government from Georgetown University.

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Laura Kwerel

Producer

Laura Kwerel comes to Interfaith Voices after a cold year in Chicago, where she earned a Master’s degree in journalism at Northwestern University, and worked as a freelance producer for WBEZ.  Before her days in Chicago, she could be found spending late nights in an editing booth at WBUR.  

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Katie Jones

Assistant Producer

Katie Jones comes to the show as a Loretto Volunteer.  A graduate of Pomona College, she never thought her liberal-artsy religious studies degree would ever come in handy.  Her passion for the quirky intricacies of contemporary religions is matched only by her fascination for the quirky intricacies of public radio.

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David Castro

Assistant Producer and Engineer

David Castro came onboard as a physical scientist-turned audio producer.  A University of Maryland graduate, he has explored his creative side through previous work with CBS Radio.  As a musician, he recently placed 3rd in the Annual Billboard Songwriting Contest's rock category. He lends us his musical ear to help mix and produce the show.