Mall  Area  Religious  Council  (MARC)
Provide an Interfaith Presence at Mall of America in promoting mutual recognition and understanding among all peoples and religions, while fostering cooperation, meaning, compassion and peace in our conflicted world.
Mall of America, 1992-2008
Bloomington, MN USA
42 Million Visitors Annually


 

Being in the presence of a world religion other than one's own can have a transforming effect.

In moments of personal contact, each may come to better appreciate

their own unique spiritual tradition.

 

MARC is a gathering of world religion congregations who choose to move beyond tolerance into mutual respect though

Personal contact

Willingness to listen

Recognitions of profound differences

Courage to recognize agreements

 

 

For over 200 years religious communities have been welcoming people in the Upper Midwest of the American continent. Native American spirituality has been here for centuries; Christian presence for several hundred years; and in recent times most world religions have come to be represented in this spiritual community.

From forest and prairie living to technology, tourist and global economic activity, people have adjusted to changes. This approach includes personal contact; recognition of mutual interest and differences; and a willingness to listen.

Member congregations include: Episcopal, Unity, Hindu, United Methodist, Jewish, United Church of Christ, Orthodox, Unitarian Universalist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Muslim, Lutheran, Reformed, Eckankar, Christian Science, Non-Denominational, Catholic, Buddhist, Baptist, Baha'i and Assemblies of God.  Other World Religions, Native American, cultures, beliefs, practices also involved on a consultation basis. Congregations are located in the Minnesota metropolitan area.

A council of representatives of member groups governs MARC. The council elects a Board of Directors. All officers and members take part on a volunteer, non-paid basis. MARC is a 501-c-3 nonprofit religious organization. MARC is a member of the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN).

 

One World Many Faiths

 

MARC programs at this time include the following:

Where to Worship Sign boards

The Where to Worship Signboards has placards giving the times of service and location for the congregations

who are Mall Area Religious Council members.

Visitors to the Mall take placards and many come to worship with the congregations.

Two signboards directing Mall visitors to Local Places of Worship were recently relocated.  
One is now placed just inside the third floor MOA East entrance. 

The second signboard is located just inside the first floor MOA West entrance.

 

Interfaith Center

In cooperation with Mall of America management and the faith leaders of Minnesota, a center for information

about world religions is under conversation.

In 2000, a five month Oasis Kiosk at the Mall proved the interest of mall visitors in spiritual presence.

 

ElderExpo /  Holy Days

Holy Days Holidays display is a three-day presentation of inter faith presence in November or December.

 


      Holidays Display

The annual ElderExpo brings together mall visitors of many faiths to experience entertainment and learning.

 

 

 Contact MARC at:
Executive Director, John Chell
305 East 77th St
Richfield MN 55423
952-851-0788
jchell@manrol.com 
    

 

Update on March 5, 2008
Return to Mall Area Religious Council Home Page