Many Names for God

Leading the Long Island Council of Churches for seventeen years, Thomas Goodhue worked on interreligious responses to bias incidents, recovery efforts after the 9/11 attacks, and immigration reform advocacy during a time of national division. He has spoken and written widely about living in a multicultural, multifaith world in churches, synagogues, mosques, and secular organizations. A United Methodist pastor, he serves on the board of the Interfaith Institute of Long Island, reviews regularly for The Journal of Interreligious Studies, and blogs at A Lotus in the Mud. He’s won awards from the Educational Press Association, Catholic Book Association, and the New York Public Library. He lives in New York, NY.

“As we experience growing division as a country, Goodhue’s book proposes increasing understanding as a way of moving forward. He uses language that brings together rather than divides, sees through positive eyes that seek to add clarity, and includes practical solutions to build positive relationships, all of which should enhance current multifaith efforts as well as understanding, offering a valuable contribution where education is greatly needed.” —Marie McNair, secretary, Baha’i Council of the Northeastern States

“The concluding chapters offer practical guidance for everyday interfaith living: how to welcome a new neighbor, how to host a dinner mindful of religious dietary practices, how families can celebrate holidays together, and how parents in public schools can navigate sensitive issues—including LGBTQ topics—with mutual respect. His suggestions on grieving within a multifaith community are compassionate and useful. My sincere thanks to Rev. Tom Goodhue for offering a rich, engaging, and practical window into the diversity of faith traditions and the lessons they offer. I highly recommend this book to all interfaith participants and anyone committed to building bridges of understanding.” —Professor Faroque A. Khan, chairman and founder, Interfaith Institute of Long Island