Scriptural Reasoning is a communal practice of reading the sacred texts of the three Abrahamic faiths. Muslims, Christians and Jews come together to read and study texts from their sacred scriptures (the Qur'an, Bible and Tenakh). The group select a theme such as justice or worship; or a particular figure or story through which to explore the scriptures.

The practice has been developing for over fifteen years in an academic context through the University of Virginia in the USA and has its roots in the meeting of Jewish text scholars and philosophers. They were later joined by Christians and Muslims, inspired by what they learned from the practice of co-reading and who found that study together across the Abrahamic traditions allows for surprising moments of encounter. SR gives the remarkable opportunity for people to see their particular scriptures read and reflected back to them by believers of the other traditions.

Over the past three years Scriptural Reasoning has been developing as a civic practice through St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. Groups meet to read the scriptures that lie at the core of their tradition and explore the possibilities they unearth for the transformation and repair of society.

We supported the creation of scripturalreasoning.org, a new website, which gives advice and information on the practice. Our Tools 4 Trialogue™ programme was developed from the practice Scriptural Reasoning, a way for younger people to explore sacred texts.