https://www.interfaithweek.org/news/press-release-thousands-set-to-take-part-in-inter-faith-week-2021

Inter Faith Week 2021 begins on Sunday 14 November in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The Inter Faith Network for the UK, in its press statement said this is a special Week which highlights the contribution of faith groups to society; encourages greater inter faith understanding and cooperation and also dialogue between those of religious and non-religious beliefs. It is timed to begin each year on Remembrance Sunday to encourage remembering together of the service of those of different faiths and beliefs from the UK and the Commonwealth.

The Week is open to all and thousands of people of different backgrounds and ages take part directly, with millions encountering its positive messages through social media. Recent years have seen ever more types of organisations taking part, from faith, belief and inter faith organisations, to others such as schools, sports clubs, hospitals and hospices, police, and youth organisations.

Hundreds of bodies have already registered activities for this year’s Week. Coming just after COP26, quite a number of these are focused on environmental issues and how faith communities can help tackle climate change. A sampler of activities can be found here.

The Rt Revd Jonathan Clark and Narendra Waghela, Co-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK, which leads on the Week, said:

“Inter Faith Week is a force for understanding, as well as encouraging action together for the common good. It is also a powerful antidote to ignorance and prejudice.

Each year Inter Faith Week opens the door to new friendships and to new working partnerships and projects which make a practical difference to how we all live together in our diverse society, building on values held in common.”

The Government’s Minister for Faith, Kemi Badenoch MP, said:

“Inter Faith Week is a perfect opportunity for people of all beliefs to reach out to and learn from different communities.

“I am proud to live in a country that recognises and respects the rich history of diverse communities in Britain and in my role as Faith Minister, I remain committed to raising awareness across society of inter faith issues.”

At Bedfordshire Lieutenancy’s Service of Thanksgiving, Remembrance and Hope, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis, said

“We meet together with representatives of the richly diverse communities in our county, to give thanks for all those who have used their skills, their generosity, their compassion and their love to help the people of Bedfordshire come through the enormous challenges we are facing due to the pandemic.
We also join hands to remember all those who have died during this time, recognising that we have not been able to grieve and honour our deceased loved ones in the way in which we would have desired. We bless their memory and put our arms around those who are bereaved.
We look forward in hope, building on what we have learnt about the power of neighbours and communities reaching out one to another and the excellent partnerships that have been formed which have had such a beneficial impact on how we help make things better. The symbols of hope are the saplings that will be blessed and planted in each part of our county.
During the past 18 months, we have seen much suffering, but we have equally seen the light of love as people have gone the extra mile to seek out those who need help. I am so proud that people of Bedfordshire have shown their generosity of spirit in such large measure and am optimistic that we will go forward in our determination to build communities where all feel welcome, at home and are able to flourish.”

Inter Faith Week 2021 Activities In Luton

Strengthening Cohesion in Luton on Mon 15th Nov'21 (7-9pm) At Holy Ghost Catholic Church Hall, 33 Westbourne Rd, Luton LU4 8JD

This is a Covid-safe socially distanced event gathering people from different faiths during Inter Faith Week to celebrate Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF) completing 20 years since registered as an independent Charity and 25 years, since founded as Inter Faith Forum. And in this year, LCoF also received The Queens Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). This event will therefore acknowledge the tremendous contributions of several volunteers, faith and community leaders, supporters and partner organisations in building peace and reconciliation in Luton.

Bishop's Inter Faith Visits in Luton On Tue 16th Nov’21 (2-9pm)

In our efforts to live up to the spirit and ethos of Near Neighbours Programme, we are facilitating Inter Faith Visits to 5 different places of worship during the Inter Faith Week. Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, Bishop of Bedford (covering Luton), a former Trustee of Near Neighbours & former Co-Chair of Inter Faith Network UK has kindly agreed to join us in supporting and endorsing our commitment to sustain good community relations in Luton by continually sharing one another's concerns and aspirations, in the post-Brexit, post-Covid, post-Black Lives Matter context(s).

Diocesan Inter Faith Week event on 17th Nov'21 (7-9pm) at St Stephen's Church Hall, Watling Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 2PT
The Diocese of St Albans is a diverse diocese. There are large Jewish communities in south Hertfordshire and Barnet, and large Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities in Watford, Hitchin, St Albans, Luton and Bedford. As a diocese it is committed to engaging with and partnering with members of other faith communities for the common good. During this year’s Inter Faith Week, we are enabling the Diocese to hold an Inter Faith Week event on 17th November 2021, in which Luton’s faith & community leaders will share stories and practical examples of living well together as good neighbours.

Zoom Meeting of Faith Leaders and Public Sector Representatives on 18th Nov'21 (5:30pm - 7pm)