Interpreting the Spirit of Assisi Challenges to Interfaith Dialogue in a Pluralistic World Edited by Maria Diemling and Thomas J. Herbst Pope John Paul II convened the Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi on 27 October 1986. It brought together believers from Christian denominations and representatives from many other religions to pray for peace. Some regard it as one of the most important religious events of modern times. This book presents the proceedings of a conference held in Canterbury commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Popes ground-breaking initiative. The contributions reflect on the legacy of this meeting and appraise its significance, explore the radically changed religious landscape since 9/11 and engage with interfaith encounters from historical perspectives. The first part of the book examines the Assisi meeting within the ecclesiological context following the Second Vatican Council. In the second part, scholars offer historical perspectives on interfaith engagement from a specifically Franciscan point of view. Part three looks at theological challenges in interfaith dialogue both from contemporary and historical perspectives. Reflecting John Paul IIs invocation to Pray for Peace, the final part of the book deals with prayer and spirituality.The volume includes contributions by Gavin D Costa, Christopher Dyczek OFM, Martin R. Ganeri OP, Thomas J.Herbst OFM, John Hind, Kevin McDonald, Seamus Mulholland OFM, Ralph Norman, Marc Saperstein, Reza Shah-Kazemi, Bridget Tighe FMDM, Monica Tobon and Jeremy Worthen. Maria Diemling (Dr. Phil. University of Vienna) is Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University.Thomas J. Herbst OFM (D.Phil. Oxford University) is Senior Lecturer in Systematic Theology and Church History and Course Director of the BA/MA Theology at the Franciscan International Study Center.