Oomoto is a small religion as mesured by the number of its followers, but since its founding in 1892 it has played a role far in excess of its size in influencing inter-religious dialogue in Japan and abroad.

The reasons are to be found in Oomoto's history. For Oomoto, inter-religious work is a central part of its divine mission. Joint worship and exchanges with other religions have not been merely a side business, something which a religion needs to do to keep up harmonious relations with others. According to the teachings of its founders, inter-religious work is what God created Oomoto to do.