inclusive approach to global issues. faith, values and community one world week asks people to draw...
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Inclusive approach to global issues
Faith, values and community• One World Week asks people to draw upon
their own values
• To take action on a global issue we must start at a local level
• Community spirit that
crosses boundaries
• Interfaith events are already happening up and down the country
Aim of the session
• Why is interfaith work important and necessary?
• What do we mean when we talk about interfaith?
• What can be realistically achieved through holding an interfaith event?
Why is an inclusive approach important?
• Opportunity to meet new people
• Opportunity to learn about the experiences of others
• Opportunity to show a unified approach to world issues
So what is an interfaith event?
• It is not about pretending we all hold the same beliefs, because we do not.
• It is not about watering down one’s faith.
• It is not about converting someone to one’s own viewpoint.
A space where everyone feels...
• Welcome
• Included
• Comfortable to be themselves
• These are the foundation blocks of any good interfaith event
Being a neighbour
• People have to feel that the event is ‘for them’
• To be authentically interfaith, representatives of all faiths embraced should be involved in the planning and organising where possible.
• A spirit of neighbourliness – an act of unity.
Global issues – shared values
In order to strive towards alleviating hunger, slowing down climate change, campaigning for fair trade and creating peaceful societies...
....we must work together
Global issues – shared values
• The responses from major world faiths to the aforementioned global issues are incredibly similar
• This gives a good, solid base for holding an event which can draw upon shared values
Interfaith? Single faith? No faith?
• An interfaith event does not necessarily have to replace existing single faith or secular events
• Interfaith social events alongside annual worship service
• Interfaith worship events are difficult to hold
Previous events• Interfaith events do not have to centre around faith
• Bring and share lunches• Talks with an expert speaker from a faith community on a global
issue• Discussion forums led by members of the local community• Topical films or documentaries with discussion• Interfaith prayer and reflection sessions• Family fun days
• Children’s workshops• Storytelling• Music and performance from a range of cultural traditions• Interfaith walks• Fair Trade coffee mornings
Practical advise – OWW website• See the following pages: ‘interfaith guidelines’
‘working together’ ‘Building Bridges Together to Address
Shared Global Concerns’ ‘Involving new people and forming a local
OWW group’‘Ten Top Tips’ (general events planning
advice)
• In groups of 3 - 4 , discuss how you would advise each of the people
who gave the following responses – advising them on how to move forward in interfaith planning given their individual circumstances.
‘Minehead has no non-Christian places of worship or faith groups that are identifiable’
‘no plans at present’
‘Bridport is a mainly white community – not really possible’
‘focus was climate change rather than interfaith relations’
‘we need to think about something outside Sunday services!’
‘Open a dialogue with the Muslim community. No other communities present’.
‘Try a joint service with Sikhs/Hindus/ Muslims’
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