Churches across the world are gearing up for the first ‘Pluralism Sunday’.

Taking place at the end of May, and the initiative of a number of groups in the US, Christians taking part will dedicate their worship to a celebration of religious diversity.

Organisers say it will help Christians grow closer to God and deeper in compassion, as they understand their own traditions better, through a greater awareness of the world’s religions.

It is also being billed as an opportunity for Christians to share their faith with those of other religions – particularly to reach some of the many people who are turned off by Christianity because of the ‘wild claims’ some Christians make about their faith.

Sponsored by The Center for Progressive Christianity, Pluralism Sunday, initiated by The Center for Progressive Christianity and co-sponsored by The Institute for Progressive Christianity/CrossLeft, CrossWalkAmerica, and The Network of Spiritual Progressives, will be promoted through church networks in the US.

Resources for Pluralism Sunday are also being produced, including worship and preaching ideas, and Bible studies.

Pluralism Sunday takes place on 27th May, when churches around the world celebrate Pentecost.

The fiftieth day after Easter Sunday, it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Jesus, as described in the Biblical Book of Acts.

According to the story, all those in the crowd heard Jesus’ disciples speaking in their own language.