In The Press
What is an Interfaith Minister?
Interfaith is a cultural movement of cooperative interaction that honors and celebrates the wisdom of all spiritual traditions. Interfaith strives to promote understanding and respect between all diverse paths to the Divine. It is neither a religion nor does it seek to homogenize traditions. As an Interfaith Minister, I believe that there are many paths to Truth, all are valid and worthy of respect. Interfaith ministers are trained to provide spiritual guidance to people of all faiths and beliefs.
Getting to Know Me
Hi! I’m Rvnd. Mary-Rose Engle, a graduate of the New Seminary, the first Interfaith Seminary in the world. Ordained as an Interfaith Minister in 2009 at Riverside Church in New York City, I work mostly as a Hospital Chaplain and Wedding Officiant. Inclusion, empathy and compassion are at the core of every service I offer. Collectively my studies and practices include but are not limited to Christianity (40+ years), Buddhism (16+ years), Islam (4+ years), Hinduism (22+ years) and Tribal Indigenous (4+ years). Deeply concerned about extreme poverty and its impact on women and children, I also work with Tripura Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to eradicating poverty operating in the US, India and Mexico as the foundation’s Representative to the United Nations.
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I believe that to truly minister to people of various traditions it is essential to go beyond book learning and actively participate in their community.
I love to travel the world making friends and learning about their cultural and religious heritage. I have seen time and again that as we deepen our understanding of another’s religion, we deepen our own. My intercultural experiences include: Tibetan Monastery Ground Breaking Ceremony in Nepal, Hindu Fire Ceremonies in India, observing Ramadan in Egypt, walking the Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem, meditating in the Great Pyramids of Giza and at the foot of the great Sphinx, weddings in Bermuda, Vision Quests in Sedona and Mt. Shasta, receiving esoteric teachings in the Anza Borrego Desert, climbing the pyramids of Chitzen Itza, praying in the Yeni Cami Mosque in Turkey, and the list continues.
Prior to becoming a minister, I spent the majority of the previous 15 years working as an software development consultant on Wall Street for organizations such as Goldman Sachs, ABN AMRO, Merrill Lynch, Investment Dealers’ Digest, ING Barrings, Chase, The American Stock Exchange, The New York Stock Exchange, and Morgan Stanley. Having worked my way from first level DBA to developer to Business Analyst and Project Manager by 2008 I was burnt out, stressed out and physically ill. But I wouldn’t trade my corporate experience for anything. Because of it, I understand firsthand the complexities and challenges of balancing career, family, relationships, and spirituality. I know what it is like to sit in a cubical wondering if there is more to life, or if you’re living your true purpose. Thankfully, I know and believe in the transformative power of love and want to share it with you.
I want to hear about you, your hopes and dreams, your loves and losses, what makes your spirit soar.
Intimate Holiday Ceremony
I’ve walked by the Metropolitan Club on the corner of 5th Avenue and 60th Street maybe a hundred times. A few times I paused in front of the unmistakable wrought iron gate and peered in wondering just how beautiful the interior must be. Never did it cross my mind that one day I’d officiate a wedding at this 125-year-old private club.
Special Thanks to These Contributing Photographers
Photo of Rvnd. Mary-Rose speaking with newlyweds: Chris Collado Photo of Rvnd. Mary-Rose on park bench: Kelly Williams Photographer