About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote bridge-building efforts through education and service at the intersection of culture and faith.

Our Story

We are a network who believes in the value of friendship with people from different ethnic and national backgrounds, valuing each person with dignity and respect. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds with the love of God. We promote opportunities to learn and share, deepening understanding and strengthening relationships. This includes helping one another, especially those new to the United States. We desire that the programs we offer will help serve the well-being of each individual and family involved.

Our Distinctives

Over half of the world’s population today identifies as being either Christian or Muslim. The long history between those who call themselves Christians and those who call themselves Muslims reveals both times of conflict and war and also times of living together in peace and mutual respect.

Unfortunately today, misunderstandings and hostility still exist between some who identify themselves within these two faith traditions.

We have the opportunity and obligation to change this destructive pattern of mistrust and hostility and to model the best practices of our faiths to each other and the rest of the world. Together we must face and overcome our fears and prejudices.

We seek to do this by intentionally loving our Christian and Muslim neighbors, especially those who have been forced from their homelands and have come to San Diego as refugees or asylum-seekers. Our programs are designed to build relationships and meet practical needs while also being culturally diverse and trauma-informed.

Trauma-Informed

We understand the impact of trauma on many aspects of the lives of refugees, especially in learning and relationships, and seek to create safe spaces for healing.

Culturally-Diverse

We celebrate the joy of diversity when multiple cultures come together with curiosity and respect. We seek to learn as much as we share, and to have space for everyone.

Long-Term Relationships

We value building relationships that last. We seek to foster these relationships through mutual responsibility and trust.

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Bridge Builder Network Meaning

Our name is rooted in the concept of fostering understanding and cooperation between diverse communities. These communities often are separate and even hostile to one another initially, however, when we “build a bridge” and meet in the middle, a new integrated community is formed. When we see community members establishing new safe spaces and relationships with one another, we consider this another bridge built.

We frequently see BBN participants and volunteers go on to pursue various roles in building bridges with others. These include teaching, social work, community organizing, leading support groups and initiatives, serving and advocacy.

Matthew 5:9 Message