Inter Faith Week, 21-27 November 2010

Below is the press release from the Inter Faith Network for the UK. Such events build on the good relations forged already at the iniaitive of the Churches and of other Faith communities over many years.

An Inter Faith Week will take place across England and Wales from Sunday 21 to Saturday 27 November 2010.

The aims of the Week are:

• To stregthen 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
• To increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious belief

This will be the second time that such a Week has taken place in England and Wales. It builds on the very successful pattern of events held last November 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.

Minister for Cohesion Shahid Malik said "The 2009 Week was a big success. It raised the profile of faith communities and their contribution to society, increased inter faith engagement and understanding and helped people of religious and non-religious beliefs get into dialogue. I am delighted that there will be a similar Week in 2010."

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." It is hoped that faith communities across the country will take part, alongside schools, colleges, universities, local authorities, health care organisations, and many others.

The Week is being 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 Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Local Government Association and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Regional Faith Forums in England will again play a key role in supporting and making known the pattern of events in their regions. In Wales, the lead on the Week is being taken by the Inter Faith Council for Wales in consultation with relevant statutory and other bodies.

For enquiries about Inter Faith Week, email enquiries@interfaithweek.org.uk

Further information and resources available in due course.