What began more than two decades ago as one woman's heartfelt prayers and desire to follow the Spirit has blossomed into a thriving network of bridges across faith traditions in Corvallis, Oregon.

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In January 2002, Marcia Pecaut Moersch of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, inspired by a model from neighboring Eugene, gathered a founding group — including a Catholic priest, a Presbyterian minister, a representative from Self-Realization Fellowship, and members of Jewish, Muslim, Bahá'í, and Christian Science communities — to listen together for God's direction.

Formed in the wake of September 11, 2001, this emerging interfaith community centered on storytelling, prayer, music, and personal testimony, fostering mutual respect and deep connection.

Over the years, the format evolved into monthly potlucks hosted by local churches and spiritual centers, deepening relationships through more intimate dialogue. In 2019, inspired by the Big Question Forum of the Rossmoor Interfaith Council in California, the group began exploring spiritual discussions around a central question — and a new name emerged: the Corvallis Interfaith Network.

When the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted in-person gatherings in 2020, the community adapted again, moving to monthly interfaith cafés on Zoom built around universal values such as peace, love, compassion, and unity.

Following the return to in-person meetings, these cafés evolved into what are now called spiritual conversations — listening circles dedicated to understanding rather than debate, with Spirit as the common denominator.

Today, the Corvallis Interfaith Network continues this mission: creating safe, welcoming spaces where people of all faiths can engage in respectful dialogue, deepen friendships, and strengthen unity in diversity. The Network is non-political and non-proselytizing, committed to building bridges of understanding and nurturing confidence in the Universal Power of Love.

Please join us. Your perspective is needed at our interfaith table.

All are welcome.