Interfaith Week 2010 took place across England and Wales from 21 to 27 November. (Click here for a pdf of the report.) The aims of the Week were to strengthen good inter faith relations at all levels; to increase awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK, in particular celebrating and building on the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society; and to increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious belief. This was the second time that such a Week has taken place in England and Wales. It builds on the very successful pattern of events held in November 2009 which ranged from social action events, to discussions and dialogues, inter faith football matches, meals, inter faith walks and pilgrimages, festivals and celebrations, tree plantings, exhibitions, concerts, film festivals, activities in schools and in FE and HE and other institutions. See Interfaith Week 2009 for reports of events held.
Co-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK, Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern and Dr Girdari Lal Bhan, said “Inter Faith Week offers a tremendous opportunity for shared learning, making new connections and deepening inter faith understanding.” Faith communities across the country took part, alongside schools, colleges, universities, local authorities, health care organisations, and many others.
The Week was led by the Inter Faith Network for the UK, working with its member bodies, in consultation with the Department for Communities and Local Government, and also with the Local Government Association and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2010
In Hemel Hempstead there was a Haj Pilgrimage Talk and Eid Party
Held as part of Dacorum Interfaith Week promoting good interfaith relations.
Lowestoft at St Margaret’s Church Dinner and Diversity, Lowestoft and Waveney SIFRE Circle hosted a social evening at to mark the eve
of Interfaith Week
The Mayor, Councillor Dack and Mrs Dack, and Peter Aldous, constituency MP along with about 20 members shared a meal and entertainment in
the form of the SIFRE originated board game, Diversity, afterwards.
This very successful event was attended by people from many different faiths, and some no particular allegiance, and everyone
took part in mixed groups sharing and learning about our various traditions and practices.
It was felt to have been a very interesting evening and The Mayor was particularly pleased to see and hear about so many different
faith groups and he remarked, “You hear about all these different faiths, you don’t often get a chance to learn about them”.
SIFRE Circle members hosted a memorable evening, which enabled communication on important matters, the opportunity for
this kind of discussion does not often present itself for such a mixed group to engage in conversation.
Thanks to Captain Paul and St Margaret’s for use of their facilities.
SUNDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2010
In Welwyn Garden City there was an 'Open Door' day
Organised by Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group, 'Open Door' gave the opportunity to visit places of worship within the Christian faith
communities. Information was posted at each of the participating churches and advertised in the library.
In Harlow a visit to the Shelter for the Homeless was organised
The visit was arranged by the Jewish Community of Harlow for Mitzvah Day.
In Welwyn Garden City, an invitation to a Quaker Meeting
Organised by Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group, this gave visitors the opportunity to join the Sunday Meeting at the Friends' Meeting House.
In Welwyn Garden City a Tour of Synagogue and Anne Frank Exhibition
Organised by Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group, the Synagogue was opened and the Anne Frank Exhibition installed. About 40 attendees
were present and were deeply affected by the exhibition. A tour of the synagogue also took place and included explanations of customs and Judaica.
In Watford there was an Interfaith Pilgrimage
On the occasion of National Interfaith Week, Watford Interfaith Association organised a very well attended and successful
interfaith pilgrimage on Sunday 21 November. People from various faith traditions participated and followed the pilgrimage to
five places of worship around Watford, starting at the Watford District Synagogue, St Mary’s Parish Church, the Central Mosque,
Holy Rood Catholic Church and ending at the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha. We counted over 80 people, a great increase compared to last year.
Every place of worship we visited went to a great length to accommodate us. We were overwhelmed by the warm welcome we received everywhere.
Pictures from the Watford Interfaith Pilgrimage can be seen by clicking on this link or pasting it into your browser
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisboff/sets/72157625336262593/
In Cambridge there was an Inter-Faith Fair and Celebration of Community
Under the title of ‘Faith and Prayer’, the 10th Cambridge Civic Celebration of Community was held on Sunday 21 November,
to mark Inter Faith Week 2010 in the region. The event, attended by the Mayor, Councillor Sheila Stuart, was arranged by
Cambridge Inter-Faith Group with the assistance of Cambridge City Council's Community Development Section.
There were contributions and stall holders from many Faith Communities from around the City.
The culmination of the event was the following Inter Faith Act of Commitment
“Leader: In a world scarred by the evils of war, racism, injustice and poverty, I invite us all to say together this joint
Act of Commitment as we look to our shared future.
All: We commit ourselves, as peoples of many faiths, to work together for the common good, uniting to build a better society,
grounded in values and ideals we share: community, personal integrity, a sense of right and wrong, learning, wisdom and love of truth,
care and compassion, justice and peace, respect for one another, for the earth and its creatures. We commit ourselves, in a spirit of friendship and
co-operation, to work together alongside all who share our values and ideals, to help bring about a better world now and for generations to come.”
In Welwyn Garden City, a meeting and Christian 'Permission to Speak' discussion
Organised by Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group, the theme 'On being a Christian in our Contemporary Society' was explored in depth.
MONDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2010
At Hatfield Girls' School, an Assembly was held
As part of Interfaith Week, this was organised with Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group.
In Ipswich the Suffolk County Launch of Interfaith Week
For Interfaith Week 2010 in Suffolk SIFRE organised an exhibition to include displays of school children's work in the RE Hospital Multi-Faith Chaplaincy, Police custody multi-faith provision and the work of LSP Faith Representatives.
In Cambridge the East of England Regional Launch
The East of England Faiths Council organised an Afternoon Exhibition including the Presentation of Local Inter Faith Awards. The winners were: Bedford Council of Faiths, Luton Council of Faiths and Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group. Braintree (B-Diff) were highly commended.
In Ipswich there was a talk 'A Jewish Perspective - the Book of Exodus'
The Speaker was Rabbi Elkan Levy, Director of Small Communities. Ipswich.
At Bury Park in Luton, there was an Exhibition of Photographs open from 22 - 26 November
The photographs were taken by guided walk participants in July. Luton Culture organised the event.
In Ipswich, the County Launch if Inter-Faith Week at Endeavour House
At a well attended event, which was open to the public, Inter-Faith Week in Suffolk was formally launched by the Suffolk County Council
portfolio holder for Sport, Culture, Diversity, Health and Wellbeing.
Faith groups and schools, Suffolk Police, Suffolk Prisons, Suffolk Hospital Chaplaincies and faith representatives on
Local Strategic Partnerships contributed to an exhibition of their inter-faith work set in the County Council headquarters in Suffolk.
There were displays of RE in from a wide range of schools, both rural and urban from the area.
The children enjoyed the opportunity to be dressed in saris or turbans, and to talk to the people on the faiths stalls as well as
launching paper aeroplanes from the top balcony of the building!
A mixed age children’s choir of Latter-day Saints performed in a short concert which was also much enjoyed.
The special display of the work of LSP Faith Representatives moved around the county during the week to venues linking up with the other events.
TUESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2010
In Colchester a community event 'Celebrating Faith and Diversity'
The event was held by The North East Essex Faiths Forum (NEEFF) and included panel discussions, display stands and contributions from a local school and college.
In Needham Market an Exhibition of the Work of LSP Faith Representatives took place
This exhibition was organised by SIFRE.
In Welwyn Garden City there was 'Story Telling by the Wartime Refugees'
Organised by Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group, the experiences of wartime Jewish refugees and the Quakers who helped them escape from Germany were told to an audience of 50. Afterwards survivors and audience and all retired next door to the Synagogue for refreshments.
In Peterborough there was an Interfaith Celebration of UN Day
This UN Children's Day event took place at Peterborough Cathedral and brought together members of different faith communities in the City.
In Luton, 'Declaration Toward a Global Ethic - Local Implications for Faith Communities'
Luton Council of Faiths organised this event at the London Luton Airport Chaplaincy, to address the crises faced by the world today, in the global economy, the global ecology and global politics. The misuse of religion often used in justifying excluding and condemning others, looking at the real or perceived anxieties.
WEDNESDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2010
In Peterborough there was an Interfaith Exhibition - Science and Religion
Organised by The Greater Peterborough Partnership Cohesion Team with support from local faith groups, to promote understanding amongst faith groups and wider society.
In Bury St Edmunds there was Exhibition of the Work of LSP Faith Respresentatives
Organised by SIFRE.
In Ipswich, an event Celebrating Faiths in Health Care
Ipswich Hospital Chaplaincy oranised this event which took place at The Post Graduate Centre, Ipswich Hospital.
In Elstree and Borehamwood there was 'A Celebration of Faith'
The Mayor of Hertsmere welcomed visitors to this event organised by Hertsmere Forum of Faiths
In Bedford there was a Mental Wellbeing and Spirituality Debate
Working with the
University of Bedfordshire,
Bedford Council of Faiths (BCoF)
partnered with two departments within the University Student Services - Chaplaincy and Mental Wellbeing for a panel debate
and discussion, entitled "Is there a place for spirituality in an holistic approach to mental well being?”.
The event was chaired by Professor David Barrett - Dean of Partnerships and the panel consisted of 5 speakers -
a Muslim, Pagan, Atheist, Christian and Nirankari. Each gave their own personal and in some cases professional view on the topic.
The audience of 40 drawn from the university, BCoF and the general public then participated in a lively discussion of the issue.
The event was the culmination of a series of events focussing on mental well being.
In Bury St Edmunds Forum of Faiths
Organised by SIFRE, this Forum of Faiths focussed on 'Where are we now?'. There was also a report on 'Islam and Democracy - recent soundings'.
In Hatfield there was an Inter Faith Group Road Show
Organised by Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group.
In Hemel Hempstead - Question Time and Debate
Sharing of Faiths Dacorum invited people of different faith and belief to join in this topical debate - 'Religious belief is bankrupt and
has nothing more to offer society'.
In Ipswich - HospitalReflections
An inter-faith act of worship based on the work of the multi-faith chaplaincy at Ipswich Hospital.
In Bury St Edmunds at the Friends’ Meeting House
Organised by the Forum of Faiths
“Where are we now?” – Amadee Turner presented his report on “Islam and Democracy” – recent soundings” summarising the Muslim/Christian round table
discussions he has been co-ordinating internationally (including a series in Ipswich and in Bury St. Edmunds).
In Lowestoft at the Town Hall
Organised by the Forum of Faiths “What can we offer the community?” Members of the Waveney SIFRE Circle shared some key principles of their faiths.
THURSDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2010
A youth conference in Luton, Faith in Harmony in Schools
This Youth Conference was hosted by Luton Council of Faiths in partnership with Luton SACRE and the Cardinal Newman Catholic High School.
In Wisbech there was a conference 'All Together Now!'
The first Wisbech Interfaith Conference was held during Inter Faith Weekd 2010 at the Boathouse in Wisbech. The conference was
organised jointly by Wisbech Interfaith Forum and Cambridgeshire County Council. It was supported by
Cambridgeshire County Council,
Fenland District Council and Faiths in Action.
It was well attended by 65 delegates, including the organisers and the guest speakers. The Conference was officially opened by Councillor Alan Melton.
The keynote address, followed by questions, was by Dr Edward Kessler of the
Woolf Institute, at Cambridge University.
On behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council, Sandy Willatt spoke to the conference about 'community cohesion and the issues facing Wisbech'
Following the presentations, the delegates divided into 6 working discussion groups, each with a facilitator, with the remit: what can we do together to improve community relations in Wisbech?
Between them the 6 working groups identified 36 specific ideas for consideration. These ideas were voted upon and the 3 that gained the most votes
are those that will be taken forward by the Wisbech Interfaith Forum. There was some overlap and where this occurred points were amalgamated.
At the end of the discussion and after the feedback session the 3 points, voted on as the most important to take forward were:
In Lowestoft there was an Exhibition of the Work of LSP Faith Respresentatives
This exhibition organised by SIFRE.
In Lowestoft there was a Forum of Faiths
Organised by SIFRE,to focus on 'What can we offer the community?'.
In Welwyn Garden city there was 'Bring & Share' Meal
Organised by Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group, the Bring & Share Supper was held at the Focolare Centre for Unity.
The Muslim community catered this meal with vegetarian options and the Jewish Community contributed a Kosher Table.
Nearly 80 people came, ate, talked about topics suggested in a discussion menu and enjoyed a multi-faith talk on Hair and Hats in Religion. The evening ended with a Baha’i singer.
In Hemel Hempstead there was a Winter Festivals Celebration
Dacorum Interfaith Forum invited all people to this celebration to help understanding of other faiths' festivals.
In Little Bealings at the Angela Cobbold Memorial Hall
Locality Study Group - Building Community: The theological language we use – polytheism, pantheism, monotheism, trinitarianism.
Are these terms generally understood? What problems can they cause within and between faith groups?
FRIDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2010
In Melton there was an Exhibition of the Work of LSP Faith Respresentatives
This exhibition organised by SIFRE.
In Welwyn Garden City there was an Open Door Muslim Prayers
Organised with Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group, Muslim Friday Prayers were open to visitors with explanations of customs.
An Inter Faith Day in Thurrrock, Essex
An Inter Faith Day was held in Thurrock to host a conversation about establishing more structured inter faith work in the area.
Following presentations from Councillors Graham Carey and John Kent (Leader of Thurrock Council), Jenny Kartupelis (Director of EEFC)
gave a short talk on the benefits of faiths working together and with the statutory services. The 30 or so delegates present, from a wide
variety of local faith groups, agreed that they wished to take forward the formation of a new Inter Faith Group, and a small Steering Group
is now progressing this.
SATURDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2010
In Ipswich there were transported Pilgrimage Tours
Organised by SIFRE and in conjunction with Suffolk Constabulary, who provided transport, these transported tours visited places of worship in Ipswich.
In Harlow there was a Service to Celebrate Inter Faith Week
The service was Hosted by the Jewish Community in Harlow, a Shabbat morning service to which people of all faiths were welcomed.
In Ipswich there were walking Pilgrimage Tours
Organised by SIFRE these walking tours visited Mosques, the Jewish Cemetery and some local churches in Ipswich.
In Norwich there was conference 'Loyalty in Love'
Norwich Interfaith Link hosted this conference at Norwich Anglican Cathedral to explore all aspects of Loyalty in Love and covered subjects such as Courtships, Marriage and Divorce; Civil Partnerships and People of Faith; Spirituality and Parenthood; Domestic Violence.
Christian Muslim Dinner was held in Norwich
Arranged by Christian Muslim Friends in Norwich and hosted by the Islamic Society of the University of East Anglia. This event was very well attended, about 70 delegates enjoyed and shared a dinner and heard both Muslim and Christian speakers on ‘Jesus in the Bible and the Koran’ followed by discussion, debate and conversation. It was a landmark in relations between the two communities in Norfolk.
In Welwyn Garden City there was a Baha'i Evening of Song
Organised with Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith Group, a Baha’i evening of Music & Reflection at the Free Church.
SUNDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2010
In Ipswich at St Mary-le-Tower Church
SIFRE hosted the UK launch of this groundbreaking and scholarly book 'Sharing Mary' - Bible and Qur'an Side by Side.
The Dutch author, Marlies ter Borg, gave a presentation on the background to the book and illustrated how the Virgin Mary
is depicted in the Bible and the Qu’ran and in art.
In Cambridge 'We are what we eat!'
Hosted by The Akashi Project and funded by Faiths in Action and Abcam, this event encouraged visitors to enjoy delicious food, think about what our faiths say about we eat, think low carbon and healthy and share ideas.
In Bedford, there was a Multi Faith Awareness Day
A Multi Faith Awareness Day was held at a local secure detention centre for young people.
Bedford Council of Faiths (BCoF)
was approached by the chaplain of the centre. Representatives of the following faith communities participated:
Jain, Hindu, Christian, Quaker, Bahai, Sikh, Christian Science. Each faith community provided a stall and an interactive presentation.
The day formed a formal part of an ongoing programme that the young people had to attend. At intervals during the day, groups of young
people were escorted into the chapel area and invited to engage with the faith community representatives and to ask questions about what
each faith community understood about a range of terms such as peace and forgiveness. The centre staff were also encouraged to
undertake the same process. The engagement with the young people and staff was very lively and enhanced by the opportunity for them to
dress up in items of cultural and religious clothing. Over lunch BCoF members were told about how the centre worked and were given a guided
tour of the educational facilities. It was a challenging but very rewarding day which fostered greater understanding of the role of faith for
the young people and a greater understanding of the secure detention centre by faith community members. It also nurtured a sense of cohesion
and partnership between members of the faith communities. Because of the nature of the centre and the age of the young people - no photos
were allowed so we only have our memories of a very successful event and the hope that in some way BCoF made a difference.
The feedback from the young people was very positive.
