Interfaith week 2009
- Promoting good inter faith relations
- Highlighting the contribution of faiths to building community
- Increasing understanding between faiths and wider society
England had its first ever Interfaith Week, 15–21 November 2009 consisting of activities designed to strengthen good inter faith relations at all levels and to encourage local faith groups and communities to reach out to each other and build stronger bonds of understanding and cooperation. The aim was to increase awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK, with a particular focus on the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society, to increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs and to encourage the development of new partnerships within local communities and by faith communities with statutory and third sector partners. The Week was facilitated by the Inter Faith Network for the UK, working with its member bodies (which include the East of England Faiths Council), in partnership with the Department for Communities and Local Government, in consultation with the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Local Government Association and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Archbishop and faith leaders launch Inter Faith Week
Events held
(Reports of events will be added as they become available)Sunday 15 November
Invitation to the Friends' Meeting House in Handside Lane organised by
Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group.
Sunday 15 November
A Harvest of People An Inter Faith Celebration at The Cathedral Church of St James and St Edmund, Bury
St Edmunds
This county launch of the week was attended by around 50 people from various faiths – Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian,
Hindu, Jew, Muslim and Sikh, by Cathedral Staff, by representation from Churches Together in Suffolk and by Faith
Representatives of three Suffolk LSPs along with the Strategic Board of Suffolk Community Cohesion and Inclusion Partnership,
St. Edmundsbury Borough Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Constabulary. It was a very
informative event in an informal style, which gave people the opportunity to introduce themselves, their communities and
their roles in an atmosphere which encouraged closer personal encounter and dialogue. It was also an occasion to celebrate
the development of inter-faith work in Bury under the leadership of Liz Pichon. The event concluded with a shared
recitation of passages from “Mental Fight” by Ben Okri, a poem which celebrates the “diverse genius of the human race,
its rich tapestry of difference” and challenges individuals to “remake their mental and spiritual world” if they are to
participate in positive ways to the creation of a new world order. After tea, some of the attendees stayed on to join
the Cathedral Community for Evensong in the Cathedral. The service included prayers for deeper understanding and closer
co-operation between faiths.
Sunday 15 November
After torrential rain the day before, the skies cleared for the Interfaith Pilgrimage
organised by Watford Interfaith to five places of worship in the Town Centre. Starting at the Watford and District
Synagogue in Nascot Road Jeremy Roberts gave a very interesting talk and showed everyone the Torah Scrolls
in the Ark and unrolled one for all to see the hand written Hebrew text. Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, patron of WIFA,
spoke of how Watford is a town of people of many faiths and none. She walked along with pilgrims as they headed for
St Mary’s Parish Church. Churchwarden John Way greeted the group and talked about the historic 12th century building
and the ways of worship there. From here the pilgrims passed to the Jamia Central Mosque, a lovely light, purpose built
mosque where Mr Salim spoke about aspects of Islam and showed golden pages of the Holy Q’ran. A short walk from here
pilgrims visited Holy Rood Catholic Church. Stuart Seaton extolled the virtues of the architecture and decoration in the
church and invited pilgrims to look in the confessional. Another short walk and the Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara was reached.
With shoes off and heads covered, pilgrims mounted the stairs to the temple. The priest sat with his lamb’s wool whisk
keeping the pages of the Guru Granth Sahib free of dust while Harjit Singh explained a little of Sikhism. The pilgrims
were invited to take refreshments which were very welcome after such an interesting and diverse afternoon.
Sunday 15 November
The Celebration of Faiths hosted by Hertsmere Forum of Faiths and held at Borehamwood Village Hall drew over 200 people. Borehamwood Muslims, the Churches, two Synagogues and the Krishna Consciousness Society (Hindu) had stalls as well as Hertfordshire County Council who were undertaking a survey on inter-faith issues in the county. There were four stage events: 'The Shul of Rock (a youth band from Elstree Liberal Synagogue), a Christian Music Group singing worship songs old and new, the local imam chanting the opening verses of the Koran and translating and an opportunity to blow the shofar (Jewish ceremonial rams horns).
Sunday 15 November
Faith & Creation discussion organised by Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group.
Monday 16 November
An Inter-faith Social Morning held in the SIFRE Centre.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Ipswich, Councillor David and Mrs Sue Goldsmith, were welcomed to an Open Day in the
SIFRE Centre.
Monday 16 November
All Faiths Conference hosted by Huntingdonshire District Council and the Bishop of Huntingdon.
Monday 16 November
The performance by the Com.unity Choir hosted by Hertsmere Forum of Faiths was the first recital given in Potters Bar by the 30 strong Borehamwood based choir and was a rousing performance of spiritual and uplifting songs from secular, Christian and Jewish sources.
Monday 16 November
Illustrated Jewish Shabbat Service organised by Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group.
Tuesday 17 November
East meets West, The Diversity Game
Tuesday and Wednesday gave opportunities to people to participate in “East West Dialogue” in Hadleigh Library,
Debenham Community Centre and Pettistree Village Hall. The Hadleigh event brought together a member of the
Safer Neighbourhood Team, the LSP Faith Representative, the LEA Advisor for Religious Education, Humanist and
Muslim representatives on Suffolk SACRE, together with Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Jewish SIFRE tutors for a very
fruitful discussion stimulated by various challenges emerging from Diversity.
Tuesday 17 November
Bring and Share Supper organised by Welwyn Hatfield InterFaith Group.
Wednesday 18 November
A Shared Faith's Response to the Credit Crunch at Wat Tyler Country Park.
Wednesday 18 November
Inter-Faith Exhibition organised by the Greater Peterborough Partnership at Peterborough Town Hall.
Wednesday 18 November
Waveney Inter-Faith Exhibition at Lowestoft College.
The Exhibition was supported by members of local faith groups which generated much positive interaction with
students and staff.
Wednesday 18 November
The Faith in the Region networking event for inter faith groups, public sector officers and support organisations was hosted by the East of England Faiths Council at the Cambridge Union Society.
Ciara Wells from the Cohesion and Faiths Division of CLG gave a brief welcome to delegates who were able to visit and talk with a wide variety of exhibitors that ranged from regional BBC to local Volunteer Centres.
this was followed by:
Cambridge Union Debate hosted by The East of England Faiths Council and the Cambridge Union Society. The debate attracted some high profile speakers and lively exchanges on the motion: ‘This House believes that faith has an essential role in democratic debate.’ An audience of about 200 people, comprising student members of the Society and guests of the East of England Faiths Council, took part in the discussion, which concluded with a vote.
The proposition was put by Shayk Ibrahim Mogra, Assistant Secretary General of The Muslim Council of Britain, who spoke eloquently of the value he placed on being able to practice his faith freely; a faith that requires him to do the best for society as a whole, treating all justly as equals. While not claiming that faith is superior to ‘non-faith’, or wishing to monopolise public space he believed its contribution was unique, and that it was an essential component of democratic deliberation.
Dr Peter Cave, Chair of the British Humanist Association’s Humanist Philosophers’ Group, suggested that Shayk Mogra painted a very rosy picture of faith. In fact, it attempted to tell society how to behave, ‘like a kangaroo’ it leaps away from humanity and jumps to conclusions, based on very little evidence, and then associates such false assumptions, authoritarian texts and oppressive views. For these reasons, far from adding to democratic debate, faith stifles it: ‘Democratic debate requires openness to reason, evidence and fellow-feeling. Those of faith often have eyes closed to such openness.’ He concluded by drawing the analogy of the desirable democratic state as a ringmaster, not an orchestral conductor: imposing an element of order, but not dictating how individual parts fit together nor controlling the overall performance.
Vivian Wineman, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, responded with a review of the value that faith ‘in its highest form’ brings to society. Modern science may appear to have undermined some of the propositions on which the Abrahamic faiths were originally based, but ‘The presence of faiths still plays a critical role; they give a sense of belonging that secular society does not.’ The values of the Enlightenment may have been opposed by religious leaders of their time, but in fact the Bible is very subversive. The statement that ‘all people are made in the image of God’ has been the inspiration for the great social justice movements that have transformed society – bringing to an end both slavery and Apartheid.
Speaking second for the opposition, Samantha Stein, founder and director of secular summer camp CampQuest UK, argued that faith is not grounded in fact, and therefore its inclusion hinders democratic debate, as adherents to a religion cannot by definition be open to the possibility of rational argument and change that is the only prerequisite of debate. If Governments listen to faiths as a group, and to their component members as individuals through the ballot box, then in effect faith is making a ‘double input’, and receiving unjustified preferential treatment.
A lively discussion followed the first four presentations, questioning whether politics should be based on compassion or logic, whether faith and reason can co-exist, whether religion is ‘male-centric’, and the nature and terminology of the proposition.
This was picked up by the final proposer Dr Jonathan Chaplin, Director of the Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics at the University of Cambridge who brought the proposition back to the question of proper discourse in democracy, accusing the opposition of demonstrating a real scarcity of knowledge in its arguments. They would privatise faith and secularise society on the basis of three main myths. He then proceeded to rebut these myths, being: that law would impose faith-based views; that faith-based arguments are inaccessible; and that religious faith is irrational. Firstly, laws by their nature impose and as the content of most laws is not morally neutral, individuals will find themselves imposed upon from time to time. It is intolerant and inconsistent with the liberal position to banish faith from the debate. Secondly, the majority of people believe in a transcendent God, and the language and culture of this belief is more part of our society than is secular language. Neither faith-based language nor arguments are inaccessible to most people. Thirdly, the argument that religious faith is irrational is very weak: ‘Secular humanism rests on a faith commitment just like traditional religions. But it is in denial about its dependence on assumptions that cannot be rationally demonstrated.’
Sir David Blatherwick, a diplomat and former British ambassador to Egypt, concluded the opposition. He explored the nature of religions as hierarchies with their interests in power and control, and examined the meaning of ‘essential’ in the context of the proposition, concluding that its intention was to secure a guaranteed or privileged position for faith in democratic debate. He argued that while religion can contribute to moral values, moral values do not stem from religion, which has nothing unique to contribute.
The vote then took place, with the proposal winning the day by a majority of 22 votes.
Wedneday 18 November
Let's talk about faith an open discussion hosted by Hertsmere Forum of Faiths
Wednesday 18 November
An Introduction to Methodism organised by Welwyn Hatfield InterFaith Group
Wednesday 18 November
Judaism and Interfaith talk hosted by Wisbech Interfaith Forum.
Over 60 people crowded into the Rosmini Centre to enjoy a buffet supper and hear Mr Reynold Rosenberg speak on Judaism and the the Interfaith Journey. Much of the food for the buffet was not only prepared but sourced and grown locally. The speaker, who was accompanied by his wife, gave a powerpoint presentation which traced the history of the Jewish people ending with Judaism contribution to the present Interfaith Scene. Among the guests were the Mayor of Wisbech, Councillor Yvonne Lawrence, her consort Robert and members of the executive of Peterborough Interfaith, led by their chair Mr Jaspal Singh. Mr Rosenberg talked about the importance of family values to the Jewish faith. It is a family orientated religion in which the various stages of a person’s life are marked by celebrations. According to the speaker, Judaism does not seek to recruit new members. When someone expresses an interest in the faith they are exhaustively tested to ensure that they know what they are joining. His, at times witty and learned presentation went down very well with his audience and may explain why there were no murmurs of dissent when he talked about the tolerance of Judaism towards others. The speaker held his audience’s attention throughout the whole of his presentation. Bob Lawrence, the mayors consort was heard to say that he could have gone on listening for another hour, a sentiment echoed by several others. In her vote of thanks the mayor stated "A nations’ greatest asset is its people. Anything that helps to cement a society together is good and will reap a rich dividend for the future" she went on to comment on "how we had got two for the price of one" referring to Hilary Rosenberg’s helpful interventions. The mayor was at pains to state how pleased she was to be invited and at what she had heard. Included in the audience was arguably Wisbech's oldest churchgoer, Mrs Mary Doyle. At 98 Mary was able to hear clearly and enjoy the speaker’s words. Mary commented on the changes she has seen in the building in which the event was held stating "this hall was the old St. Mary’s School founded by Fr. Salmon, a former, well known parish priest."
Wednesday 18 November
Faiths of the Middle East Symposium hosted by Bishop David Gillett.
Before retiring to Norfolk, Bishop David Gillett was the Archbishop of Canterbury’s
adviser on Christian and Muslim relations. Politicians and media often set people of different faiths against each other.
This meeting of Norwich InterFaith Link showed how people of every faith yearn for peace, security, and a respect for the
right of everyone to practice their religion in freedom. Also represented was Judaism, Islam - a Shiite and a Sunni
Muslim, Christianity, and Baha’i.
Thursday 19 November
Working Together in Braintree District organised by Braintree District Council
Friday 20 November
Muslim Friday Prayers organised by Welwyn Hatfield InterFaith Group.
Friday 20 November
Annual Inter-Faith Celebration and Official Opening of the Multi-Faith Garden
Ipswich Hospital Multi-Faith Chaplaincy held its annual service of Celebration attended by the Mayor and Mayoress.
Members of staff, both medical and administrative, as well as Chaplaincy team,
volunteers and supporters attended and contributed to the Celebration on the theme of Light. Readings and music from
various faiths helped to create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere for all. This was followed by the dedication
of the new Multi-faith garden, beautifully laid out in an oriental style, including a labyrinth, and watched over by a
Buddha figure.
Friday 20 November
Annual Inter Faiths Service in Peterborough Cathedral.
Friday 20 November
An evening of jokes from across faiths and cultures hosted by Luton Council of Faiths.
Friday 20 November
Inter-Faith Devotional Meeting hosted by the Baha'i Community of Cambridge.
Saturday 21 November
Open Day at the Buddhist Centre in Friars Bridge Road, Ipswich.
This was a great opportunity to see round the new premises and to listen to a series of
introductory talks on the Origins of Buddhism, Buddhist Principles and Ethics, Meditation and so on.
Saturday 21 November
Luton Faith Map launched by Luton Council of Faiths at the Dallow Learning and Community Centre. Amidst the spiritually uplifting chords and melodious singing by members of the Baha'i Choir (from Northamptonshire) the Deputy Mayoress, Cllr Morel Bernard unwrapped the neatly tied ribbon on copies of the Faith Map and launched it with her words of encouragement. Seeing their details on the map people felt affirmed and valued. Whilst it is recognised this is not a complete Faith Map work will continue, subject to funding very kindly assured by the Luton Borough Council and it will become available online enhanced as a virtual tour of different places of worship in Luton.
Saturday 21 November
Dinner and Diversity event hosted by Waveney SIFRE Circle.
The SIFRE circle decided to mark the special week with an evening of hospitality and an opportunity for invited
guests to try their hand at playing The Diversity Game devised by the co-founder of SIFRE. The game is a board game,
along the lines of Monopoly, but instead of acquiring properties, the players acquire knowledge and insight into the
beliefs and customs of others. Lowestoft’s Mayor, Councillor Malcolm Cherry and his wife, Yvonne, were guests of honour
at this event and several police members of Safer Neighbourhood teams also took part, along with representatives of
Lowestoft International Support Group and players from a wide range of faith backgrounds. Lively conversation during
the shared hot supper beforehand created a very warm and open atmosphere for the game and encouraged people to share
their understandings about some of the deepest and most important aspects of life. Mayor Cherry commented that he was
pleased to have learned that interfaith activities promote understanding within a faith as well as between faiths.
This became apparent when the Buddhist player explained that her branch of Buddhism was not the one described in the game.
It is taken for granted that Christianity takes many outward forms in the different denominations around the town but it
may not be so obvious that other faiths have their variations too. These differences need not be a source of discord or
difficulty, but are reflections of the culture and history of individual’s lives. For many of us they are fascinating,
as they touch on the things that matter most - family life and values, and how we view illness and the end of life. The
common core of all the major faiths was evident in the series of posters around the hall, illustrating some of the many
versions of the Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do to you.
Saturday 21 November
Any Questions? co-hosted by Southend Faith Forum and Southend and District Reform Synagogue.
Rabbi Warren Elf hosted the ‘Any Questions’ evening. There were Christians and a Moslem on the panel and a Jewish
questionmaster who also added his answer. 35 people attended. A significant occasion to promote
dialogue between faiths.
Saturday 21 November
Baha'i evening of Music & Reflection organised by Welwyn Hatfield InterFaith Group
Saturday 21 November
The Debate - Faith schools promote religious intolerance hosted by the Bushey Interfaith Forum was attended by 70-80 people and was well argued by the distinguished proponents on both sides. There was no shortage of contributions from the floor.
Background to the week
In July 2008 the Department for Communities and Local Government published Face to Face and Side by Side — a Framework for Partnership in our Multi Faith Society. This report presented the Government’s strategy for encouraging the further development of inter faith activity in England. It set out how faith communities, Government and wider society can work together, at all levels, to bring people with different religions and beliefs together.
The framework drew on research and on the responses to a three-month public consultation, and contained examples of effective practice, practical suggestions for communities and local authorities and links to further sources of support and guidance.
Face to Face and Side by Side contained a number of undertakings by Government. One of these was to work in partnership with the Inter Faith Network for the UK to organise an Inter Faith Week in 2009. The Inter Faith Network links national faith community representative bodies; national, regional and local inter faith bodies and educational and academic bodies with an interest in inter faith issues.
The Inter Faith Network’s involvement springs from the aims, shared by its over 160 member bodies, of promoting greater understanding between people of different faiths in the UK. In its response to the consultation for Face to Face and Side by Side it proposed an Inter Faith Week, drawing from experience of a successful Week of this kind held in Scotland.
The Week was held on a “one off” basis, and the option to hold a similar Week in future years is being considered.