Inter Faith Learning,Dialogue and Cooperation:

Next Steps

Published 2016 by the Inter Faith Networkfor the UK

ISBN 1 902906 66 7

©Inter Faith Network for the UK

The Inter Faith Network for the UKRegistered charity no 1068934Company limited by guarantee no 3443823 Registered in England

2 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH

ifnet@interfaith.org.uk

www.interfaith.org.uk

www.twitter.com/IFNetUK

www.facebook.com/IFNetUK

The work of the Inter Faith Network for theUK is supported by faith communities,trusts, other donors and the Department forCommunities and Local Government.

Front cover photo: Launch of Faiths WorkingTogether Toolkit, Near Neighbours and theIFN (Photo: IFN)

Back cover photo: Workshop discussion atan IFN National Meeting (Photo: IFN)

Design: Tattersall Hammarling & Silk Ltd

The Inter Faith Network for the UK

The Inter Faith Network for the UK (IFN) was founded in 1987 to“advance public knowledge and mutual understanding of theteachings, traditions and practices of the different faith communitiesin Britain, including an awareness both of their distinctive featuresand their common ground and to promote good relations betweenpersons of different faiths.”

IFN’s role is unique: linking national faith community representativebodies, local, regional and national inter faith organisations, andacademic and educational bodies with a focus on inter faith or multi-faith issues and working with them to deepen inter faithunderstanding and cooperation. One of IFN’s best known programmesis Inter Faith Week.

IFN carries out its work through raising awareness within widersociety of the importance of inter faith issues, creatingopportunities for linking and sharing good practice, and providingadvice and information to help the development of new inter faithinitiatives and the strengthening of existing ones. Working with itsnearly 200 member bodies is an important part of this. Each ofthose makes its own contribution to inter faith understanding andcooperation in the UK.

IFN works for the public benefit and its work is wide ranging, touchingthe lives of many thousands of people directly, and through theorganisations and initiatives with which it engages.

To find out more or to support IFN’s work of promoting inter faithunderstanding and cooperation, please visit www.interfaith.org.uk.

Inter Faith Learning, Dialogue and Cooperation:

Next Steps

4

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Using this booklet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Ways to get involved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7How do I...? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Events and projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Online resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Getting involved locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Faith organisations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Making use of centres, national initiatives and educational resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Social action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Youth inter faith engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Women and inter faith engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22For organisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Inter Faith Week. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Contacts and resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27National Faith Community Representative Bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Local Inter Faith Organisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

National and Regional Inter Faith Organisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Educational and Academic Bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Chart: Inter faith opportunities provided by National and Regional Inter Faith, Educational and Academic Bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Building good relations – principles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

List of resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Contents

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The increasing religious diversity of the UK and ourinterconnected lives here and globally mean thatinter faith understanding and cooperation arebecoming ever more important. They are a vital partof living together well and developing as aharmonious and integrated society.

Inter faith discussion and learning is also importantfor those within religious traditions and those of non-religious beliefs because it is part of coming to anunderstanding about how our own teachings,practices and understandings of truth may relate tothose of others.

If you are reading this booklet you may be someonewhose experiences have prompted you to getinvolved, or further involved, in inter faith learning,discussion or practical cooperation.

The booklet is designed to help you along the way. Itis not an exhaustive resource and cannot captureeverything but aims to offer pointers to assist. We aregrateful to the member bodies of IFN for theirassistance in its development. In its pages you willfind out about how you can become more involvedand the opportunities for conversation, explorationand cooperation. Although it is primarily aimed atindividuals there is a page for organisations and theIFN office will be glad to assist with further queries.

We hope that you will find this resource a useful andpractical way of getting involved in the vital processof creating bonds of friendship, understanding, trustand cooperation between people of differentbackgrounds across the UK.

The Trustees of the Inter Faith Network for the UKNovember 2016

Foreword

Rt Revd Richard Atkinson and Jatinder Singh Birdi, Co-Chairs, Inter Faith Network (Photo: Myles Fisher for IFN)

“Understanding and cooperation between people ofdifferent faiths and beliefs are vital for our societyand all have a part to play in this.”

The Co-ChaIrs oF The INTer FaITh NeTworK

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TerminologyIn this short booklet the term ‘inter faith’ is used. Itdescribes interactions or learning between people ofdifferent faiths, and in some cases between those ofreligious and non-religious beliefs. The term ‘multifaith’ is used here for ‘side-by-side’ engagement.

‘Inter faith’ discussion often seeks to establishareas of agreement but the term ‘inter faith’ is notused here to imply lessening the distinctivenessof traditions.

At some points in the booklet the term ‘dialogue’ is used. This term is used here to refer toconversation which is a mutually respectfulexploration of views with the hoped for outcome of greater understanding.

The contents of this bookletThe first section provides information about variousways in which you might get involved in inter faithconversation, learning or multi faith social action, aswell as the kinds of bodies that might be helpful tocontact, and the activities and resources they arelikely to provide.

A list of IFN’s National Faith CommunityRespresentative member bodies, and their webaddresses, is included in the final section, along withshort profiles and contact details for its memberNational and Regional Inter Faith Organisations andEducational and Academic Bodies. The over 250 local

inter faith organisations are too numerous to list hereand so details on how to find and contact these areprovided through the local inter faith locator on IFN’s website.

At the back there is a chart providing an at a glanceoverview of aspects of inter faith activity covered byIFN’s member National and Regional Inter FaithOrganisations and Educational and AcademicBodies, to help the reader find out who to contactdepending on their interests.

The story of this resourceThis resource has been developed in the context ofInter Faith Week. Every year thousands of peoplemeet and take part in projects with people ofdifferent faiths and beliefs – many for the first time.This resource points to the ‘next steps’ that peoplecan take after Inter Faith Week – or at any time – ifthey are interested in inter faith dialogue, learningand multi faith cooperation.

Using this booklet

Attendees in dialogue at an IFN meeting (Photo: Myles Fisher for IFN)

Ways to get involved❉

How do I...?

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The Inter Faith Network office receives enquiriesfrom a wide variety of people about inter faithengagement and learning. For example:

I’m an active member of my local faith•community but I’ve never really thought muchabout how my faith relates to other people’s.How can I explore this?

Inter faith groups were mentioned on the radio the•other day. How do I get involved with one in myarea? Is there one?

I don’t consider myself religious but I would like to•find out more about different religions and beliefs

Our mosque is thinking about what it can do to •get involved in building links with other faithcommunities locally. What might be some helpfulsteps to take?

I’m particularly interested in dialogue with other•women. Is there an opportunity for this where I live?

I would like to know more about dialogue•between the non-Abrahamic traditions – howmight I do that?

I am particularly interested in a specific form of•dialogue – are there programmes for this?

I want to study inter faith issues in an •educational or academic context – how do I findout about courses?

IFN staff member (Photo: IFN)

Ways to get involved❉

Events and projects

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“I am interested just in occasionalopportunities to attend events or join inprojects. What might I do?”

Find out what inter faith events are going on in yourarea. Check out the following places where listingscan be found:

The website of the Inter Faith Network for the UK•www.interfaith.org.uk and IFN’s e-bulletinwww.interfaith.org.uk/e-bulletin

The Inter Faith Week website – for a wide range of•events each November www.interfaithweek.org

The website of the nearest local inter faith group to•you – see the local inter faith locator atwww.interfaith.org.uk/locator

Websites such as Eventbrite, where an increasing•number of inter faith events are listed:www.eventbrite.co.uk

The internet – search ‘inter faith’, ‘interfaith’,•‘interreligious’ and ‘inter religious’ and similar terms

Twitter and Facebook•

The website of your local radio station – it may•have a regular faith-related weekly programme.Many often carry inter faith stories and publicity forforthcoming inter faith events. These can often bedownloaded for ease of listening.

“In Wales, our inter faith engagement has alwayshad a strong quality of relationality.Understanding and cooperation flourish when wedevelop these through encounter, conversationand friendship. For anyone wanting to becomemore involved, finding places and people to sharethe journey and the conversation and to worktogether is very important.”

INTer FaITh CoUNCIL For waLes

Inter faith picnic, Altrincham (Photo: Carolyn Jones)

Launch of Inter Faith Week in Wales at the historic Yr Hen Gapel,Llwynrhydowen, Pontsian, Llandysul, Ceredigion (Photo:Unitarians Wales)

Ways to get involved❉

Online resources

9

There are a number of helpful online resourcesthat can help you to find out about the aspects ofinter faith engagement before you take yourinterests further.

A good place to start is the IFN website:www.interfaith.org.uk. Here you will find numerousresources, guides and information on inter faithdialogue, including reports from our events,national meetings and the IFN code on BuildingGood Relations.

If you are interested in resources provided by IFN’smember bodies, contact details for these can befound at www.interfaith.org.uk/members.

In addition, most of IFN’s member bodies have anactive presence on social media, and this can be agood way to get involved in inter faith activity for thefirst time. You can find Facebook and Twitter pagesfor our member bodies through IFN’s Facebook pageat www.facebook.com/ifnetuk or our Twitter feed@IFNetUK. If you are a Twitter user, you can find a listof our member bodies with a Twitter feed by visiting@IFNetUK and clicking on ‘Lists’.

If you are in Scotland, visit the Interfaith Scotlandwebsite, which has a page dedicated to onlineresources: www.interfaithscotland.org/resources

The website of the Northern Ireland Inter-FaithForum also carries some resources:www.niinterfaithforum.org

‘ToughtoTalk?’

Report on the2014 National

Meeting

Inter FaithNetwork day event forlocal inter faithpractitionersA SHORT REPORTThursday 26 March 2015St Mary’s Conference Centre, Sheffield

Inter Faith Network onlinewww.interfaith.org.ukwww.facebook.com/IFNetUKwww.twitter.com/IFNetUK

Ways to get involved❉

Getting involved locally

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A good place to find out more and get involved ininter faith activity may be your local inter faith group.There are now over 250 of these in the UK. They playa very important role in creating opportunities forlearning and cooperation in their local communities.

Local inter faith organisations usually have a diversemembership drawn from their areas. All welcomeenquirers and offer a variety of ways that people canget involved, from attending meetings tovolunteering and helping with aspects of their work.

Local inter faith organisations vary in their activities.They may:

Hold discussions and talks where participants can•learn about different faith perspectives and discusstopics from faith to social issues

Provide information to people about inter faith•activity in their areas, advertise events andconnect people

Arrange visits to local places of worship where•people of different faiths can learn about eachother’s beliefs, practices and communities

Put on special events such as ‘faith walks’ to•different places of worship in their areas

Work to help tackle tensions and hate incidents•and educate against prejudice

Help with civic events and ceremonies for events•and programmes such as Remembrance Sunday orInter Faith Week

Take part in or run social action projects to help•the local community – for example where peopleof different faiths help provide meals or shelter forthe homeless

Hold social events•

Provide speakers for schools•

Act as a consultation point for the local authority•and other public agencies on matters relating tofaith communities, alongside direct consultationby these bodies with individual communities

Arrange programmes or events with and/or for•young people or women

To get in touch with your local inter faith group or tofind out more, visit the Local Inter Faith Locator onIFN’s website at www.interfaith.org.uk/locator,where you will be able to find the group closest towhere you live. Alternatively, call the IFN office on020 7730 0410, or email ifnet@interfaith.org.uk,where someone will be happy to help.

If you live in Scotland, visit the local inter faith page of Interfaith Scotland atwww.interfaithscotland.org/interfaith-groups.

If there is not a local inter faith group withinyour area, perhaps you can help set one up. The Local Inter Faith Guide contains helpfulguidance. It can be downloaded fromwww.interfaith.org.uk/lifguide

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“Local inter faith groups bring people from differentfaiths and cultures together, often for the first time,to celebrate the positive work faith groups bring toour communities. It is so important for inter faithgroups to provide these safe spaces for people tomeet and grow to know and understand othersfrom different backgrounds, communities andfaiths, as well as doing good in their communities.”

NorThampToN INTer FaITh ForUm

“Local inter faith groups carry the enthusiasm ofpeople wanting to understand their own faithbetter as well as know the faith of others better.Over time such people become true friends andcreate the social glue that builds relations acrossdifference. They make society a good place in whichto live well together.”

DevoN FaITh aND BeLIeF ForUm

visiting places of worshipMany local inter faith groups organise visits to localplaces of worship, and this can be a good way ofgetting involved in inter faith activity for the firsttime. This either takes the form of specific visits toindividual places of worship, or can be undertaken aspart of a ‘faith trail’, where many places of worshipare visited in a single day. Visiting a place of worshipallows those interested to talk to people of otherfaiths and beliefs in their own environment. Yourlocal inter faith group will be happy to help you findout how to arrange a visit to a local place of worship.

Barnet Multi Faith Forum and Faiths Forum for London practionerstalking together about hate crime at IFN local practitioner meeting(Photo: IFN)

Inter Faith Bike Ride and Picnic – Faiths Together in Croydon (Photo: Faiths Together in Croydon)

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“It is incredibly important for people of all faiths andnone to get to understand and respect the beliefs ofothers. Respecting others helps in building a societywhere everyone is valued. The first step in thisprocess is meeting people or visiting a place ofworship and seeing and hearing how others try tofind God and how their beliefs and practices areincredibly precious to them.”

LaNCashIre ForUm oF FaIThs

“When the Northern Ireland Inter-Faith Forumstarted up in the early 1990s, one of the first thingswe did was to visit each other’s places of worship asa group. Such visits were very rare in NorthernIreland at that time, but it helped to cement thegroup and build personal and communalrelationships. Some 20 years later we repeated theexercise, in a programme that lasted just over ayear, drawing in some new members and sharingperspectives on our faiths. On both occasions webroke through some of the barriers and mystiquearound our different traditions and practices.”

NorTherN IreLaND INTer FaITh ForUm Encountering Hinduism in Southampton (Photo: Vedic SocietyTemple, Southampton)

York Interfaith visit, with the Dean of York Minster, to York Mosqueduring Inter Faith Week (Photo: York Interfaith)

Ways to get involved❉

Faith organisations

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If you are already an active member of a faithcommunity or are affiliated to a faith community, youmay be interested to know what your community isdoing at a local or national level and to becomeinvolved. Many local faith organisations and placesof worship, and the national bodies that representthem, actively engage with other faith groups tofurther good inter faith relations. The best way to findout about what is happening at a local level is tospeak to someone in your own community.

National Faith community bodies in each of thenations of the UK offer another important resource.

The ways in which these bodies engage with interfaith dialogue differs depending on theirperspectives on the issues and, on the resources theyhave available and their type of structure. They may:

Have a programme or division which handles inter•faith issues

Support or advise their local bodies on these matters•

Offer advice and give contact details for those that•will be of further help

Provide information on relevant publications and•other resources

Organise occasional relevant meetings for•interested members of their community

Liaise with their international community•structures on inter faith issues

To get in touch with the relevant national body ofyour faith community, ask at your place of worship orin your community which one is most relevant andhow best to contact them. Or you can contact IFNand its office may be able to assist.

Many National Faith Community RepresentativeBodies are in membership of IFN. Their websitedetails can be found at the back of this booklet andon the IFN website at www.interfaith.org.uk/nfcrbs.

Ways to get involved❉

Making use of centres, national initiativesand educational resources

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There are a number of national and regional interfaith organisations as well as educational andacademic bodies with an inter faith focus that offerways for individuals to get involved in their activities.

Centres and places to visitSome inter faith and multi faith bodies havecentres that are open to those who would like tovisit. If you are interested, check the chart at theback of this booklet to see which may be in yourarea. Some of these centres include libraries andother useful resources.

opportunities for learningAn increasing number of bodies now run coursesabout dialogue and about faiths and social issues,working together with people of different faiths andbeliefs. These might include training sessions aboutconflict resolution, or more informal discussionsbetween members of different faiths. The chart at theback of this booklet will give you an idea of which IFNmember bodies provide these courses. Alternatively,many Educational and Academic member bodiesproduce resources about inter faith dialogue andactivity, and these can often be found online fordownload. The chart at the end of the book indicateswhich IFN member bodies provide these.

Bilateral dialogueIf you are interested in inter faith activity anddialogue between members of two specific faiths,then a number of IFN’s member bodies may be ableto help. This is sometimes referred to as ‘bilateral’dialogue. A number of IFN’s member bodies have thisas their primary focus or a very important part oftheir work. The chart at the end of the book givesmore detail.

“Bilateral dialogue is particularly important inallowing those from two initial perspectives toexplore together issues either of special relevanceor in greater depth than wider conversations allow.”

CoUNCIL oF ChrIsTIaNs aND Jews

multi faith dialogueSome organisations encourage and support dialogueinvolving many traditions, either by focusing on aspecific set of issues or working to promote theiraims through dialogue and campaigning. If you areinterested in this kind of multi faith dialogue, anumber of IFN’s member organisations may be ofinterest to you. Member organisations involved inmulti faith dialogue can be found in the chart at theback of this booklet.

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For further details look at the websites of theorganisations identified as having individualmembership at the back of this guide and contactthem to explore what they have to offer. You can finda full list of IFN’s member National and Regional InterFaith Organisations and Educational and Academicbodies towards the back of this resource or on ourwebsite at www.interfaith.org.uk/members.Alternatively, call the IFN Office on 020 7730 0410 oremail ifnet@interfaith.org.uk where someone will behappy to help.

academic study of religionIf you are interested in studying religions, includinginter faith relations, in an academic context, manyinstitutions of higher education provide courses.

“It is vital that we better understand the challengesand complexities surrounding religion and beliefboth within and between faith communities. Assuch, it is hard to think of a time when the academicstudy of inter faith understanding and inter faithdialogue has been more important for our societyand collective futures.”

wooLF INsTITUTe

A Scriptural Reasoning session at the British Museum (Photo:Cambridge Inter-faith Programme)

Bedouin meeting tent at the St Ethelburga’s Centre forReconciliation and Peace (Photo: St Ethelburga’s Centre forReconciliation and Peace)

Ways to get involved❉

Social action

16

Serving others is an imperative of the teachings of allfaith communities as well as the principles of manywith non-religious ethical beliefs.

Faith communities run many social actionprogrammes and make a major difference throughvolunteering in their communities.

Often different faith groups work together onsocial action projects. Taking part in such projectscan be a great way to help the local communityand at the same time get to know people ofdifferent backgrounds.

Here are some of the ways that faiths work together,sometimes through local inter faith bodies, on localsocial action projects:

Improving public spaces, for example by cleaning•graffiti, litter-picking in a local park or tree-planting

Working together to tackle hate crime or other•social problems affecting people in localcommunities

Organising a support network to help refugees and•migrants in need

Joining with healthcare professionals to run health•awareness days

Organising fundraisers for local, national or•international causes

Collaborating locally or nationally as part of larger,•coordinated campaigns relating to humanitarianissues, such as famine relief or debt reduction

Holding a joint event on an issue currently affecting•the local community

If you are interested in such initiatives, you couldcontact your local faith or inter faith organisation,or organisations and programmes whichencourage and support cross-faith communitysocial action projects.

Three special days‘Mitzvah Day’ (www.mitzvahday.org.uk) is a•Jewish-led day of social action whichencourages inter faith involvement. Theobjective is to encourage people to give theirtime, rather than their money, to worthwhilelocal causes, whilst also creating deeperlinkages within communities and supportingcharities.

Sadaqa Day (www.mysadaqaday.org) is a day•of social action led by the Muslim communityfor individuals, community groups, mosques,women’s groups, schools and families.Organisations and individuals from other faithshave also joined in.

Sewa Day (www.sewaday.org) is an•international day of social action where peoplecome together to do good in their communities.The term ‘sewa’ is rooted in the dharmictraditions; the involvement is wider.

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The Near Neighbours programme, an initiative of•the Church Urban Fund with the Archbishops’Council, with support from the Department forCommunities and Local Government, helps bringtogether people from diverse communities toimprove their neighbourhoods and administers agrant programme which supports this

Faith Action is a network of faith-based and•community organisations serving theircommunities by delivering public services

The Faith Based Regeneration Network is a•network for community development, socialaction, community organising and regeneration ina multi faith context

Citizens UK organises communities to act together•for social justice and the common good anddescribes itself as the “home of communityorganising in the UK, with diverse civil society”

“Sewa loosely translates to ‘selfless service’. OnSewa Day people of different backgrounds cometogether to volunteer to make a difference in localcommunities – for example, helping in old people’shomes, homeless shelters, and schools indisadvantaged areas, and in environmentalprojects such as canal cleaning. It’s open to anyoneto volunteer and it is a great way to get to knowpeople of different faiths while contributing to thewellbeing of others.”

sewa Day

Mitzvah Day poster (Photo: Mitzvah Day)

Social action during Inter Faith Week (Photo: Leicester City Counci)

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“To work together means understanding eachother’s beliefs which we do by discussion anddialogue. This must be done in safety without fear ofbeing forced to accept the beliefs as your faith. Interfaith encounter is the vehicle to do this. It is usuallylocal – city, borough – and seeks to encourageconversation between faiths in an enclosed or publicenvironment. In this scenario, friendships are madeand the group often turns outward into thecommunity to address our challenges.”

weLwyN haTFIeLD INTer FaITh GroUp

If you are interested in getting involved in socialaction in an inter faith or multi faith context, thenthere are a number of things that you can do. Youmay find helpful a short toolkit produced by NearNeighbours with the Inter Faith Network all aboutgetting involved in and starting local inter faith socialaction projects www.cuf.org.uk/nn-resources

Contact Near Neighbours, FaithAction, the Faith-based Regeneration Network or Citizens UK(www.cuf.org.uk/near-neighbours;www.faithaction.net; www.fbrn.org.uk;www.citizensuk.org) to get involved in national socialaction projects.

To see what is happening in your local area, contactyour local inter faith group, which can be found onthe IFN website at www.interfaith.org.uk/locator.Alternatively contact the IFN Office on 020 7730 0410or email ifnet@interfaith.org.uk, where someone willbe happy to help.

“The challenges we face today have to be tackled byworking together – no individual group canaccomplish this without the help of others. Socialaction is a great way for people of different faiths tocome together and cooperate, including those thathave not been involved in inter faith activity before.By helping others in the community, we can createlasting partnerships and come to appreciate that amulti faith society is an asset.”

NewCasTLe CoUNCIL oF FaIThs

Toolkit produced by Near Neighbours with IFN

Ways to get involved❉

Youth inter faith engagement

19

If you are a young person, there are a number of waysto begin getting involved in inter faith activity thatmay be of interest.

There are a wide variety of initiatives that focus oninter faith engagement between young people.Young people are engaging in inter faith activityamongst themselves, and some national and localinter faith organisations are actively engaging withyoung people and providing spaces for them to talkin an inter faith context.

Here are some pointers for getting involved:

If you are at university or in further education,•contact your Student Union, faith or belief society,or chaplaincy

If you already active in a faith community, find out•more about their programmes for young peopleboth locally and nationally. Some national faithcommunities will have programmes and activitiesdedicated to young people, and some of these mayhave an inter faith dimension

Contact your local inter faith group. Some have•dedicated youth programmes that are activelyengaging young people in inter faith dialogue andactivity. Find your local inter faith group atwww.interfaith.org.uk/locator

Offer to volunteer for a local or national inter faith•organisation and explore internships if you want togo even further

Get involved through other youth organisations•you are involved with, such as the Scouts orGirlguiding

The National Union of Students encourages studentunions to become involved in building good relationson campus: www.nusconnect.org.uk/strong-students-unions/faith-and-belief/good-campus-relations

Many Student Unions encourage inter faithengagement, as well as aiming to support theneeds of the students from different faithbackgrounds. Faith or belief societies areincreasingly involved in inter faith activity,dialogue and social action on campus.Chaplaincies often support students in interfaith dialogue and joint social action projects. 3FF Inter Faith Summit (Photo: Beatrice Forchetti for 3FF)

20

If you are still in secondary education there are alsoopportunities to meet and learn about people ofdifferent faiths and to encounter them. For mostyoung people their first awareness of different faithtraditions is through religious education (RE) as partof the school’s curriculum. Most RE departments insecondary schools invite people from different faithcommunities to come and talk to classes. In primaryschools this may happen as part of collective worshipas well as RE.

Here are some things you could do:

Ask your teacher to invite people from different•backgrounds to come and speak about what theirfaith means to them and/or about the inter faithwork that they do and the dialogues that theyparticipate in

See if there is an opportunity to start an inter faith•group in your school

If you belong to a faith community see what inter•faith dialogue they are involved in and see if youcan meet people of your own age from other faithcommunities in your area

To find out more about inter faith activity for youngpeople, go to youth.interfaith.org.uk

A number of organisations that encourage andsupport young people to get involved in inter faithactivity are Religions for Peace UK(www.religionsforpeace.org.uk), 3FF (www.3ff.org.uk)and the Inter Faith Youth Trust

(www.ifyouthtrust.org.uk). There are also somewhich are rooted in a particular faith tradition butwork more broadly, such as the Feast(thefeast.org.uk) and the Catalyst programme of theNear Neighbours Programme(www.cuf.org.uk/catalyst). The National CitizensService (NCS) (www.ncsyes.co.uk) also providesopportunities for inter faith engagement.

If you are in Scotland, contact Interfaith Scotlandwhich has a number of opportunities for youthengagement, and also runs occasional events foryoung people: www.interfaithscotland.org/our-activities/young-people. For Wales and NorthenIreland, contact ni.interfaith@gmail.com andpost@cytun.cymru, respectively.

RE Young Ambassadors with Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth at IFNNational Meeting (Photo: Myles Fisher for IFN)

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If you would like to discuss these or other options,the IFN office will be happy to talk with you.

“Opportunities to engage with people from otherbackgrounds mostly end for many young peoplewhen they leave school. Getting involved in interfaith events and projects provides newopportunities for those who are still curious aboutthe world to learn about others, but with thematurity that going to university or joining theworking world can bring. It is vital that youngpeople have inter faith spaces that allow them tolearn and share, especially in the current context ofmedia portrayals of faith and to make their veryimportant contribution to inter faith cooperation.”

3FF

“As like-minded people working in Bolton, it is ofparamount importance that we include, value andengage young people in inter faith activity. Youngpeople play a vital part in supporting our ethos ofworking for peace and harmony, and building trustand respect between all our communities. OurYoung Ambassadors project has given us a platformto do this work. We receive amazing and rewardingresponses from our young members which make usall proud to be associated with them.”

BoLToN INTerFaITh CoUNCIL

Jewish Lads and Girls Brigade inter faith National Citizens Service(Photo: IFN, with permission from Citizens Service Powered by JLGB)

Participants at Young Voices, Young Agents for Change event(Photo: Myles Fisher for IFN)

Ways to get involved❉

Women and inter faith engagement

22

Women are involved at all levels of inter faithengagement in single and mixed gender contexts.

If you are seeking involvement in women-led interfaith activity or inter faith activity specifically forwomen, there are a number of ways to get involved.

Over the last two decades, a number of women’sinter faith initiatives have come into being, mostlydeveloped by and for women. Some of these areshort term programmes, special conversations orprojects, whilst others are ongoing groups ororganisations.

If you consider that women’s inter faith activity mightbe the best space for your needs and interests, andwish to get involved, you might:

Contact your local inter faith group. Some local•inter faith groups have dedicated women’s groupsor meetings

If you are already active in a faith community,•find out more about their programmes forwomen – many national faith communities willhave dedicated women’s programmes, projectsand groups, some of which may have an interfaith dimension

Find out whether there is a group or branch of the•Women’s Interfaith Network near you

Set up a local women’s group with members of•other faiths to discuss issues that affect women offaith and generate friendship and understanding

If you belong to a branch of a national women’s•organisation, such as the Women’s Institute, youmay wish to organise an inter faith event

To find out more about women’s inter faith activitycontact the Women’s Interfaith Network, one of IFN’smember bodies, at info@wominet.org.uk. They run avariety of programmes and local groups dedicated toimproving inter faith relations among women.

Another initiative that is encouraging women ofdifferent backgrounds to get involved in theircommunities and in inter faith engagement is theReligions for Peace UK Women of Faith Network(www.religionsforpeace.org.uk/about/uk-women-of-faith-network).

There are also a number of new bilateral women’sinitiatives emerging, such as the Nisa-Nashim(www.nisanashim.org) group for Jewish-Muslimwomen’s inter faith engagement.

The IFN office may also be able to assist withinformation on local women’s iniatives. Call 020 7730 0410, or email ifnet@interfaith.org.uk,where someone will be happy to help.

If you are in Scotland, contact Interfaith Scotlandwhich runs seminars, organises groups andencourages dialogue between women of faith, atadmin@interfaithscotland.org.

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“Engaging with women from different faiths gaveme a whole new family with whom I could share lifeexperiences, grow spiritually and made mestronger in my own faith. We became a voice for thevoiceless, friends for the lonely and advocates forissues concerning women. Getting involved in interfaith engagement was truly an enlighteningexperience and one that I would highly recommend.”

ChaIr oF reLIGIoNs For peaCe UK womeN oF FaITh NeTworK

“I became involved with women’s interfaith becauseI wanted to find out more about non-Muslim,especially Christian and Jewish, women. I cannotexpress how far my expectations were exceeded.My involvement has led to lasting friendships thathave enriched my life. I would recommend allwomen of faith to become involved in women’sinterfaith dialogue.”

mUsLIm memBer oF womeN’s INTerFaITh NeTworK

Women’s event, Hounslow (Photo: Hounslow Friends of Faith)

Women in dialogue at Northampton Inter Faith Forum event(Photo: Lisa Bedi)

Two IFN Faith Communities Forum Members (Photo: IFN)

Ways to get involved❉

For organisations

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Organisations often approach the Inter FaithNetwork and inter faith groups with questions aboutengaging with people of faith, for example:

I’m a university student. On my campus we want to•develop new dialogues involving the different faithsocieties. Are there organisations out there thatcan be helpful?

My national faith organisation has not been very•involved in inter faith engagement to this point.What might we do?

I work for a local authority and we are keen to see•more opportunities for positive inter faithencounter in our area. What might that involve?

Our business has a very diverse staff. Might it be•worth starting a staff inter faith network?

The IFN office is contacted regularly by organisationsthat are thinking about how they can engage with faithand belief groups and encourage positive inter faithinteraction. Some of the reasons they make contactare:

To find helpful ways to ensure that the services•they provide are meeting the needs of people offaith and their communities

As part of promoting community cohesion and•working for safe, resilient, just and harmoniouscommunities

In the context of staff welfare and ensuring •good handling of religion and belief issues in the workplace

For assistance on events or projects designed to•build inter faith engagement into their work

Within this short booklet, it is not possible to go indetail into how organisations can take forward theseissues but the IFN office will be happy to have aninitial phone conversation and to offer suggestionsfor other useful contacts: 020 7730 0410 or emailifnet@interfaith.org.uk.

Faith in the workplace event (Photo: Christian Muslim Forum)

Northampton Inter Faith Forum in discussion with its local policeforce (Photo: Lisa Bedi)

Ways to get involved❉

Inter Faith Week

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Many people become interested in getting moreinvolved after taking part in an Inter Faith Week event.

Inter Faith Week began in 2009, and has now grownto include hundreds of events all over England,Northern Ireland and Wales. It is now one of themajor ways that people get involved in inter faithactivity for the first time.

Scottish Interfaith Week has been running since2004, visit their website for more details:www.interfaithscotland.org/scottish-interfaith-week

Why not think about developing your own event fornext year’s Inter Faith Week? The Inter Faith WeekToolkit – Developing successful activities is a helpfulresource. It can be found at:www.interfaithweek.org/toolkit. The toolkit sets outsome of the basic considerations you may wish totake into account when organising an Inter FaithWeek event as well as giving many illustratedexamples.

Inter Faith Week Events are held by many differenttypes of organisations such as:

Local faith communities•Local inter faith groups•National faith communities•Non-religious belief groups•National and regional inter faith organisations•Universities and Colleges of Further Education•Schools•Youth organisations•Cultural organisations•Sports organisations•Workplaces and businesses•Local Authorities•Emergency Services•

Inter Faith Week takes place every year inNovember, usually the third week. It offersmany opportunities to take part. On the InterFaith Week website, www.interfaithweek.orgyou can find information, resources andmuch more.

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“Inter Faith Week is a terrific way for people to learnfrom one another and celebrate the tremendousamount we have in common.”

LorD BoUrNe oF aBerysTwyTh,  DeparTmeNT For CommUNITIesaND LoCaL GoverNmeNT

“Inter Faith Week provides an excellent opportunityto get involved in inter faith activity. Manythousands of people for the first time will encounterexciting and interactive engagements where theycan learn about the diversity which enriches thelives of communities across the nation. Activitiesare available for all ages ranging from visitingplaces of worship to faith festivals. Inter Faith Weekis now a permanent fixture in the diversity diary ofthe UK.”

sT phILIp’s CeNTre, LeICesTer

Bradford University Chaplaincy and students celebrate Inter FaithWeek (Photo: Bradford University Chaplaincy)

Caldmore Faith Walk (Photo: Walsall Faiths Together)

Inter Faith week onlinewww.interfaithweek.orgwww.facebook.com/IFWeekwww.twitter.com/IFWeek

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A regularly updated list of National Faith CommunityRepresentative Bodies in membership of IFN can befound at: www.interfaith.org.uk/nfcrbs

Baha’i Community of the UKwww.bahai.org.uk

BAPS Swaminarayan Sansthalondonmandir.baps.org

Board of Deputies of British Jewswww.bod.org.uk

British Muslim Forumwww.britishmuslimforum.co.uk

Buddhist Societywww.thebuddhistsociety.org

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Waleswww.cbcew.org.uk

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints(Great Britain)www.mormonnewsroom.org.uk

Churches Together in Britain and Irelandwww.ctbi.org.uk

Churches Together in Englandwww.cte.org.uk

Council of African and Afro-Caribbean Churches (UK)www.cte.org.uk/Groups/234690/Home/About/Membership_of_CTE/Member_Churches_of/Member_Churches_of.aspx

Druid Networkwww.druidnetwork.org

General Assembly of Unitarian and Free ChristianChurcheswww.unitarian.org.uk

Hindu Council (UK)www.hinducouncil.net

Hindu Forum of Britainwww.hfb.org.uk

Inter Faith Working Group of the Baptist Union ofGreat Britainwww.baptist.org.uk

Islamic Cultural Centrewww.iccuk.org

Jain Networkwww.jainnetwork.com

Jain Samaj Europewww.jaincentreleicester.com

Jamiat-e-Ulama Britain (Association of MuslimScholars)www.jamiat.co.uk

Methodist Church in Britainwww.methodist.org.uk

Mosques and Imams National Advisory Boardwww.minab.org.uk

Contacts and resources

National Faith Community Representative Bodies

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Muslim Council of Britainwww.mcb.org.uk

National Council of Hindu Temples (UK)www.nchtuk.org

Network of Buddhist Organisations (UK)www.nbo.org.uk

Network of Sikh Organisations (UK)www.nsouk.co.uk

Pagan Federationwww.paganfed.org

Quaker Committee for Christian and InterfaithRelationswww.quaker.org.uk/our-organisation/our-structures/quaker-committee-for-christian-and-interfaith-relations

Spiritualists’ National Unionwww.snu.org.uk

Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha of GBwww.londonbuddhistvihara.org

United Reformed Church in the UKwww.urc.org.uk

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (UK)www.vhp.org.uk/vhpuk

World Ahlul-Bayt Islamic Leaguewww.wabil.com

World Islamic Mission (UK)www.wimuk.com

Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europewww.ztfe.com

Members of IFN’s Faith Communities Forum in discussion (Photo: IFN)

Members of National Faith Community Representative MemberBodies in dialogue (Photo:IFN)

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There are many multi faith local inter faith groupsacross the United Kingdom.

Multi faith local inter faith groups are allindependent bodies, including those that aremembers of the Inter Faith Network for the UK. Allbodies known to the Inter Faith Network can befound listed at: www.interfaith.org.uk/locator

Interfaith Scotland is the best source for anyadditional information required on local groups in Scotland, www.interfaithscotland.org. TheInter Faith Council for Wales,www.cytun.org.uk/interfaithwales/interfaith_eng_home.html and the Northern Ireland Inter FaithForum, www.niinterfaithforum.org, are likewiseable to provide further information about localinitiatives in Wales and Northern Ireland Inter-FaithForum, respectively.

Branches of UK or national bodiesThere are also some bodies which are branches orgroups of national bodies. These include branches ofthe Council of Christians and Jews and groups of theWomen’s Interfaith Network. The chart at the back ofthe book indicated which of the listed bodies say thatthey have branches.

For local branches of the Council of Christians andJews, there is a map on their website and the officecan put you in touch.

Contacts and resources

Local Inter Faith Organisations

Redbridge Faith Forum participants at All Party ParliamentaryInterfaith Group session on local inter faith activity as part of InterFaith Week 2016 (Photo: IFN)

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Interfaith scotlandLinking inter faith activityand developing goodrelations between people of different faithsin Scotland.www.interfaithscotland.orgadmin@interfaithscotland.org0141 558 0778Flemington House (2nd Floor),110 Flemington Street, Glasgow G21 4BF

Inter Faith Council forwalesBuilding trust and respectbetween people of all faithsthroughout Waleswww.cytun.org.uk/interfaithwales/interfaith_eng_home.html post@cytun.cymru 02920 464375c/o Cytun, 58 Richmond Road, CardiffCF24 3UR

Northern Ireland InterFaith Forum Promoting friendship andmutual understanding across thespectrum of religious and ethnic life inNorthern Ireland.www.niinterfaithforum.orgni.interfaith@gmail.com

028 9038 4328c/o Clonard Monastery, 1 Clonard Gardens,Belfast BT13 2RL

3FFBuilding friendship, goodwilland understanding between Muslims,Christians and Jews through dialogue andaction.www.3ff.org.uk info@3ff.org.uk 020 7482 9549Star House, 104 Grafton Road, LondonNW5 4BA

all Faiths Network forthe United KingdomOur aim is the furtherance ofmutual respect.  We welcome membershipfrom people of every faith and belief.www.allfaithsnetwork.org.ukmartin@allfaithsnetwork.org.uk 0203 411 7596Office 7, 35-37 Ludgate Hill, LondonEC4M 7JN

Children of abraham(Imams and rabbisCouncil of the UnitedKingdom)Working to build dialogue and co-operation between Jewish and Muslimcommunities.www.childrenofabraham.org.uk enquiries@childrenofabraham.org.uk 020 7193 7943PO Box 67481, London NW3 9RN

Christian muslimForumCreating a safe space whereChristians and Muslims can meet, learnand understand about each other.www.christianmuslimforum.org info@christianmuslimforum.org 020 7631 4433Collaboration House, 77 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4PW

Christians awareBuilding understanding, mutual trust andrespect between people of different faiths.www.christiansaware.co.uk barbarabutler@christiansaware.co.uk 0116 25407702 Saxby Street, Leicester LE2 0ND

IFN’s National and Regional Inter Faith member organisations provide a wide variety of ways to get involved in interfaith activity. Some engage in bilateral dialogue, between two particular faiths, whilst others engage in multi faithdialogue, between more than two faiths. Contact details and a short profile of each can be found below. A list ofIFN’s National and Regional member bodies can also be found at www.interfaith.org.uk/nrifos and contact detailsthere are regularly updated.

Contacts and resources

National and Regional Inter Faith MemberOrganisations

Coexist FoundationPromoting betterunderstanding between Jews, Christiansand Muslims, and between people of thesefaiths and others, through education,dialogue and research. www.coexist.orginfo@coexistfoundation.org07584993996c/o Collaboration House, 77-79 CharlotteStreet, London W1T 4PW

Council of Christiansand JewsThe leading nationwideforum for Christian – Jewish engagementwww.ccj.org.ukdirector@ccj.org.uk 0203 515 3003The Council of Christians and Jews,Collaboration House, 77-79 CharlotteStreet, London W1T 4PW

Council of DharmicFaithsUniting the spirit of the fivedharmic faiths, Hinduism, Jainism,Buddhism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism.www.councilofdharmicfaithsuk.cominfo@dharmicfaiths.org020 8200 0828Jain Centre, 64-68 Colindale Avenue,London NW9 5DR

east of englandFaiths agency CICSupporting and strengthening localinter faith, faith and public sector work inthe region.www.eefa.netoffice@eefa.net01379678615

The Inter Faith Centre, Brightspace, 160Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0HH

Faiths Forum forLondonThe Faiths Forum for London empowersreligious communities to work together fora better London. www.faithsforum4london.orginfo@faithsforum4london.org020 7569 9098Collaboration House, 77-79 CharlotteStreet, London, W1T 4PW

hindu ChristianForum Hindus and Christiansworking together with mutual respect tostrengthen relationships, understandingand learning of each other’s faiths.www.hinduchristianforum.co.ukrobin.thomson@southasianconcern.org156 Cromwell Road, London SW7 4EF

Interfaith alliance UK Family of people united infriendship, from diverseprogressive and liberal faith communities,working together to promote the love ofthe One Same God.www.interfaithalliance.org.uk/enquiries@interfaithalliance.org.uk020 7193 7943145-157 St John Street, London EC1V 4PW

Internationalassociation forreligious Freedom(British Chapter)Campaigning for freedom of religion andbelief as a basis for human rights andintegrity. www.iarf.net

luke@iarf.netEssex Hall, 106 Essex Street, LondonWC2R 3HY

InternationalInterfaith CentrePromoting international inter religiousunderstanding and cooperation betweenpeople for a just and harmonious world. www.iicao.org27 Ouseley Close, Marston, Oxford OX3 0JS.

Joseph InterfaithFoundation Fostering constructive andrealistic dialogue betweenthe Muslim and Jewish communities in theUK. www.josephinterfaithfoundation.orginfo@josephinterfaithfoundation.org020 8458 908175 North End Road, London NW11 7RL

Lokahi FoundationEnabling sustainable, diversecommunities – a dynamic,resilient society wherereligious difference is a source of strengthand creativity. www.lokahi.org.ukenquiries@lokahi.org.uk020 7795 419023 Kensington Square, London, W8 5HN

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London BoroughsFaiths Network Connecting localpractitioners and public agencies acrossthe capital. www.lbfn.orgconvener@lbfn.orgTelephone: 020 8674 461077–79 Collaboration House, CharlotteStreet, London W1T 4PW

London Inter FaithCentre London Inter Faith Centre isa Christian centre whichseeks to engage with the reality ofindividuals and communities “LivingTogether in a Multi Faith Society”. www.londoninterfaith.org.ukinfo@londoninterfaith.org.uk07801286819125 Salusbury Road , London NW6 6RG

London society of Jews andChristiansIncreasing religious understanding andgood will between Jews and Christians andcombating religious intolerance.www.ljs.org/a-place-of-meeting/clubs-and-societies/83/london-society-of-jews-christians/ marklsolomon@btinternet.com 020 7580 166328 St. John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA

maimonidesInterfaith Foundation Promoting understandingand respect betweenpeople from the three Abrahamic faithsthrough the power of art, creativity,intercultural dialogue and education. www.maimonides-foundation.org

enquiries@maimonides-foundation.org020 7287 3830Nour House, 2 Old Burlington Street,London W1S 3AP

multi Faith Centre atthe University ofDerbyPromoting mutual understanding betweenpeople of different faiths/beliefs and noneand building respect between people asfellow human beings across cultures. www.multifaithcentre.orgmfc@derby.ac.uk01332 591285The University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, Derbyshire DE22 1GB

North eastregionalFaiths Network The North East Regional Faiths Network is anetwork of groups, networks andorganisations concerned with promotinggood inter-faith relations andunderstanding in the region. www.nerfn.orginfo@nerfn.org07710404716URC Northern Synod Office, 4 College Lane,Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8JJ

religions forpeace UK The world’s religious communitiescooperate effectively for peace. www.religionsforpeace.org.uksecretary@religionsforpeace.org.ukTelephone: 0776210538718 Little Acres, Ware, HertfordshireSG12 9JW

scripturalreasoning By reading together, we seek to understandbetter and respect each other’s importantdifferences of belief, and to work togetherin building our shared civic life in Britain. www.scripturalreasoning.org.ukenquiries@scripturalreasoning.org.uk020 7193 7943PO Box 67481, London NW3 9RN

south east englandFaiths Forum SEEFF Supports andbrings together the interests of faithcommunities, non-faith organisations andregional bodies, to promote mutual faithunderstanding and engagement for thebenefit of the whole community. seeffchair@gmail.comcontact@se-faithforum.net01865 512126 Guildford URC, 83 Portsmouth Road,Guildford GU2 4BS

st ethelburga’s We help peoplebuild relationships across divisions ofconflict, culture and religion.www.stethelburgas.org enquiries@stethelburgas.org 020 7496 161078 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AG.

st philip’sCentreThe St Philip’s Centre’s main aim is toenable people to learn to live well together.We have a Christian foundation, and workwith people of all faiths and no faith. www.stphilipscentre.co.uk admin@stphilipscentre.co.uk 0116 273 3459St Philips Centre

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United religionsInitiativeOur purpose is to build bridges linkingdifferent faiths, in order to protect themost fragile and disadvantaged areas ofour society from religious intoleranceand bigotry.www.uri.org/cooperation_circles/detail/uk info@uri.org

westminsterInterfaithThe agency of the Roman Catholic Dioceseof Westminster for Interreligious Dialoguewww.westminsterinterfaith.org.uk/ westminsterinterfaith@rcdow.org.uk 020 7931 6028Vaughan House, Francis Street, LondonSW1P 1QN

women’sInterfaithNetworkPromoting Friendship, EmbracingDifferencewww.wominet.org.ukinfo@wominet.org.uk0203 515 2786Suite 13, Collaboration House, 77-79Charlotte Street, London W1T 4PW

world Congress ofFaithsPromoting and sharing thepersonal values and publicvalue of spiritual life.www.worldfaiths.orgenquiries@worldfaiths.org 01935 864055Collaboration House, 77-79 CharlotteStreet, London W1T 4PW

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Participants at an Inter Faith Week event organised by Council ofChristians and Jews Student Leader at the LSE (Photo: CCJ)

Participants at meeting of the national inter faith linking bodies ofthe devolved nations with IFN in Belfast (Photo: IFN)

Cambridge InterFaith programme(CIp)Dedicated to learning about, learning from,and learning between religions as theyinteract with a secular and religious world.www.interfaith.cam.ac.ukteam@interfaith.cam.ac.uk01223 763 013Faculty of Divinity, West Road, CambridgeCB3 9BS

Community religions project,University of LeedsConducting empirical research on religionand religions ‘near at hand’ in the cities ofLeeds and Bradford and beyond. www.arts.leeds.ac.uk/crpm.j.prideaux@leeds.ac.uk0113 3430461Dept of Theology and Religious Studies,Hopewell House, Leeds, LS2 9JT

Institute of JainologyPromoting Jainism and itsvalues through art, culture and education.www.jainology.org info@jainology.org 020 8997 2300

Unit 18, Silicon Business Centre,26/28 Wadsworth Road, Greenford,Middlesex UB6 7JZ

Islamic FoundationStriving towards building bridgesbetween the Muslim communityand the rest of society by creating abetter understanding betweencommunities through greater awarenessabout each otherwww.islamic-foundation.org.ukataullah@islamic-foundation.org.uk 01530 244944Markfield Conference Centre, Ratby Lane,Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9SY

Nationalassociation ofsaCresStrengthening the work of local SACREsand supporting them in carrying out alltheir responsibilities.www.nasacre.org.uksecretary@nasacre.org.uk 01785 600260CAN Mezzanine, 49-51 East Road,London N1 6AH

religiouseducation Councilof england and walesRepresenting the collective interests of awide variety of professional associationsand faith communities in deepening andstrengthening provision for ReligiousEducation.religiouseducationcouncil.org.ukinfo@religiouseducationcouncil.org.uk 0207 250 8166Religious Education Council, CANMezzanine, 49-51 East Road, LondonN1 6AH

shap working party onworld religions ineducationBroadening the basis of education at alllevels by encouraging the study andteaching of world religions by producingaccurate information and resources forthose involved with religious educationand religious studies.www.shapworkingparty.org.uksecretary@shapworkingparty.org.uk 07973 541427 CAN Mezzanine, 49-51 East Road, LondonN1 6AH

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Contacts and resources

Educational and Academic Member BodiesIf your interest in inter faith activity is educational or academic, then a number of IFN’s member bodies will be ableto help you get involved. Many publish resources, and organise lectures, conferences and seminars. Below are shortprofiles and contact details for these. Details can also be found at www.interfaith.org.uk/eabs where they areregularly updated.

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sion Centre for Dialogueand encounter Providing a safe environmentwhere people of different faiths can meettogether to learn, exchange and grow inunderstanding of each other. sioncentre.orgsioncde@yahoo.co.uk 020 7313 828634 Chepstow Villas, London W11 2QZ

The woolf Institute Studying relations betweenJews, Christians and Muslims. www.woolf.cam.ac.ukenquiries@woolf.cam.ac.uk01223 741 04812-14 Grange Road, Cambridge CB3 9DU

wales association ofsaCres (wasaCre) A forum for presenting,discussing and responding toissues of relevance to religious educationand collective worship in Wales. www.wasacre.org.uklibby.jones@glyndwr.ac.uk4 Patten Close, Hawarden, DeesideCH5 3TH

Overleaf you will find a chartcontaining information onrelevant activities of IFN’s Nationaland Regional Inter FaithOrganisations and Educationaland Academic member bodies. Itis aimed at answering thefollowing kinds of readerquestion:

Who do you work with?•

What resources can I access?•

What can I attend/take part in?•

What can I do?•

The accuracy of informationprovided is the responsibility ofthe bodies included.

WHO DO YOU WORK WITH?

Mainly two faiths in

dialogue (bilateral)

Multi Faith (three or m

ore

faiths in dialogue)

Faith groups in dialogue

with non-religious belief

groups

Interfaith Scotland � �

Inter-faith Council for Wales �

Northern Ireland Interfaith Forum �

3FF, Three Faiths Forum � �

Cambridge Inter-faith Programme �

Children of Abraham (Imams and Rabbis Council of the United Kingdom) Islam, JudaismChristian Muslim Forum Christianity, IslamCouncil of Christians and Jews Christianity, JudaismCouncil of Dharmic Faiths

�Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism andZoroastriaism

East of England Faiths Agency CIC � �

Faith Awareness – the interfaith programme of Christians Aware �

Faiths Forum for London �

Hindu Christian Forum Christianity, Hinduism Institute of Jainology �

International Association for Religious Freedom (British Chapter) � �

International Interfaith Centre, Oxford � �

Islamic Foundation � Christianity, IslamJoseph Interfaith Foundation Islam, Judaism London Boroughs Faiths Network � �

London Interfaith Centre �

London Society of Jews and Christians Christianity, JudaismMaimonides Interfaith Foundation �

Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby � �

National Association of SACRE’s (NASACRE) �

North East Regional Faiths Network � �

Religions For Peace (UK) � �

Religious Education Council of England and Wales � �

Scriptural Reasoning �

Shap Working Party on World Religions in EducationSion Centre for Dialogue & Encounter Christianity, JudaismSouth East England Faiths Forum � �

St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace �

St Philip’s Centre, Leicester � �

Wales Association of SACRE’s (WASACRE) �

Westminster Interfaith � �

Woolf Institute �

Women’s Interfaith Network �

World Congress of Faiths �

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Inter faith opportunities provided by National andregional Inter Faith, educational and academic memberBodies of IFNThis chart gives an at a glance view of some of the ways that thesebodies may be able to assist you. Information is as provided inNovember 2016.

WHAT RESOURCES CAN I ACCESS? WHAT CAN I ATTEND/TAKE PART IN? WHAT CAN I DO?

Advice and inform

ation

service

Newsletter/e

-bulletin

Online resources

Speakers

A sta)ed o)ice open to the

public (by a

ppointment)

Conferences/ Sem

inars/

Workshops

Training on inter faith

issues/skills

Training on dialogue

Training on conflict

resolution

Anti extrem

ism workshops

Educational program

mes

Programmes with

academ

ic accreditation

Social action projects

Young people’s

programmes

Wom

en’s programmes

An Inter Fa ith Week event

Follow you on social media

Become a

mem

ber

Join a local branch

Volunteer

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37

Contacts and resources

Building good relations – principles

38

Building Good relations with people ofDifferent Faiths and BeliefsIn Britain today, people of many different faiths andbeliefs live side by side. The opportunity lies beforeus to work together to build a society rooted in thevalues we treasure. But this society can only be builton a sure foundation of mutual respect, opennessand trust. This means finding ways to live our lives offaith with integrity, and allowing others to do so too.Our different religious traditions offer us manyresources for this and teach us the importance ofgood relationships characterised by honesty,compassion and generosity of spirit. The Inter FaithNetwork offers the following code of conduct forencouraging and strengthening these relationships.

As members of the human family, we should showeach other respect and courtesy. In our dealings withpeople of other faiths and beliefs, this meansexercising good will and:

Respecting other people’s freedom within the law•to express their beliefs and convictions

Learning to understand what others actually•believe and value, and letting them express this intheir own terms

Respecting the convictions of others about food,•dress and social etiquette and not behaving inways which cause needless offence

Recognising that all of us at times fall short of the•ideals of our own traditions and never comparingour own ideals with other people’s practices

Working to prevent disagreement from leading•to conflict

Always seeking to avoid violence in our•relationships

When we talk about matters of faith with oneanother, we need to do so with sensitivity, honestyand straightforwardness. This means:

Recognising that listening as well as speaking is•necessary for a genuine conversation

Being honest about our beliefs and religious•allegiances

The following principles for inter faithengagement, ‘Building Good Relations withPeople of Different Faiths and Beliefs’ weredeveloped by the Inter Faith Network for the UK,with its member bodies, in 1993 and continue tobe widely used both in the UK and beyond.

A printable copy of the ‘code’ can bedownloaded from the IFN website atwww.interfaith.org.uk/code and it is alsoreproduced here.

39

Not misrepresenting or disparaging other people’s•beliefs and practices

Correcting misunderstanding or•misrepresentations not only of our own but also ofother faiths whenever we come across them

Being straightforward about our intentions•

Accepting that in formal inter faith meetings there•is a particular responsibility to ensure that thereligious commitment of all those who are presentwill be respected

All of us want others to understand and respect ourviews. Some people will also want to persuadeothers to join their faith. In a multi faith society wherethis is permitted, the attempt should always becharacterised by self-restraint and a concern for theother’s freedom and dignity. This means:

Respecting another person’s expressed wish to be•left alone

Avoiding imposing ourselves and our views on•individuals or communities who are in vulnerablesituations in ways which exploit these

Being sensitive and courteous•

Avoiding violent action or language, threats,•manipulation, improper inducements, or themisuse of any kind of power

Respecting the right of others to disagree with us•

Living and working together is not always easy.Religion harnesses deep emotions which cansometimes take destructive forms. Where thishappens, we must draw on our faith to bring aboutreconciliation and understanding. The truest fruits ofreligion are healing and positive. We have a greatdeal to learn from one another which can enrich uswithout undermining our own identities. Together,listening and responding with openness and respect,we can move forward to work in ways thatacknowledge genuine differences but build onshared hopes and values.

Dialogue at an IFN Meeting (Photo: Myles Fisher for IFN)

Contacts and resources

List of resources

40

Below are some helpful resources published by theInter Faith Network for the UK or to which it hascontributed as a partner. There are, of course, manyother resources produced by IFN’s member bodiesand others.

Building Good relationsIFN works to build good relations between people ofdifferent faiths and beliefs, promoting mutualrespect and understanding. In 1993, it developed, inconsultation with its member bodies, guidance onBuilding Good Relations with People of DifferentFaiths and Beliefs. All member bodies subscribe tothis guidance, and it has also come to be used by anumber of inter faith organisations around theworld. The guidance, sometimes referred as IFN’s‘code’, was first issued as part of a consultativedocument Mission, Dialogue and Inter ReligiousEncounter published by IFN in 1993. It is reproducedin full on the previous page.

www.interfaith.org.uk/code

The Local Inter Faith GuideA guide to setting up and running a local inter faithinitiative. Published by the Inter Faith Network for theUK in association with the Inner Cities ReligiousCouncil of the then Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

www.interfaith.org.uk/lifguide

Faiths working Together Toolkit (Inpartnership with Near Neighbours)The toolkit includes practical pointers for makingcontact and for planning and publicising joint socialaction initiatives, as well as advice on key principlesto consider, such as the importance of looking forshared values and experiences while working wellwith difference.

www.interfaith.org.uk/fwttoolkit

The Inter Faith week ToolkitThis short guide is packed with suggestions formarking the Week and examples and illustrationsdrawn from the many successful activities held forthe Week to date. It also includes practical guidanceand links to further information.

www.interfaithweek.org/toolkit

Participants at the launch of the Inter Faith Week Toolkit (Photo: IFN)

Connect: Different Faiths shared values A 28 page full-colour inter faith action and resourceguide for young people aged 16-25. Connectencourages young people to get involved with interfaith activity and bridge building betweencommunities. More than ever young people arebecoming aware of the importance of working tocreate better understanding between people ofdifferent cultures and religions. Connect aims toprovide ideas and inspiration for you to get involvedand begin your own initiatives.

www.interfaith.org.uk/connect

In addition, Interfaith Scotland have produced thefollowing resource:

Interfaith scotland – Belief in Dialogue: aGood practice GuideInterfaith Scotland worked with the ScottishGovernment to produce the following resource,published by the Scottish Government, which is alsovery helpful in the UK inter faith context.

‘Belief in Dialogue: A Good Practice Guide’ providesguidance on building good relations among andbetween religious and belief communities andindividuals. It encourages people to listen to thosewhose beliefs are different from their own, to try tounderstand and appreciate them.

www.interfaithscotland.org/resources/publications/belief-in-dialogue

“The need for people within diverse communities tobuild strong bonds of friendship is becoming evermore critical in a world that is becoming morefractured and interfaith engagement is one of themost effective ways of building those bonds.Genuine, deep engagement challenges ourprejudices and stereotypes while at the same timeis life-enhancing and educative making it worthevery effort to engage with people.”

INTerFaITh sCoTLaND

41

Interfaith Glasgow presenters at All Party Parliamentary InterfaithGroup and IFN session on local inter faith activity (Photo: IFN)

Published 2016 by the Inter Faith Network for the UKRegistered charity no 1068934 Company limited by guarantee no 3443823 Registered in England

ISBN 1 902906 66 7

The work of IFN is supported by faithcommunities, trusts, other donors and the Department for Communities and Local Government.