The Foundation supports first ever UK interfaith week

On the 12th of November the Department for Communities and Local Government and The Interfaith Network launched the first ever Interfaith Week in England.

There were lots of stalls showcasing the work of the different multi and single faith organisations- all bursting with colour and meticulously decorated. These were a real testimony to all the hard work and enthusiasm that exists for interfaith work in the UK.

John Denham, Communities Secretary, gave an inspiring speech. He stressed the importance of governments working with faith communities stating that “Any government which treats that relationship lightly will not do well”. He also commended faith groups for working together in the face of adversity – particularly after the terrorist attacks of 2001 and in recent months amid the rise of right wing extremism. He passed on the Prime Minister’s delight at the massive youth constituent who are, “the building blocks of a stronger and fairer society who have most to gain from this” .

10 inspiring and brave young people then took to the stage in front of hundreds of people to explain the interfaith work they are engaged with and the way in which it had enriched their lives. Two who were particularly memorable are Seth Pinnock a Christian aged 19 who set up “See and Be” a faith based youth voluntary organisation in Birmingham when he was only 17 and Jasdeep Singh Degun a Sikh sixth form student from Faiths United, a faiths forum in Yorkshire and Humber, who works with schools to break down misconceptions and stereotypes around religion in schools. He recounted one instance where a student confessed that before he had met him he thought all Muslims were terrorists. For me this story highlights the extent of religious ignorance in some parts of our society and how vital and urgent it is to educate people about other faiths.

Susie McShane

Communications Manager