Inter Faith Week is a powerful annual initiative dedicated to strengthening interfaith relations, fostering mutual understanding, and showcasing the invaluable contributions of faith communities.
This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, learn about different traditions, and connect with your neighbours. Explore the events programme, and find activities near you on this link
https://www.interfaithweek.org/events/programme
Please note we are not responsible for the accuracy of information supplied by event organisers or for the content of events. See the website terms of use. We are simply providing this link for information.
Why Inter Faith Week?
Building good relationships and working partnerships between people of different faiths and beliefs is part of the year-round work of many people and organisations across the UK.
Having a special Week provides a focal point, helping to open inter faith activity up to a wider audience so that more people are made aware of the importance of this vital work and can participate in it.
interfaithweek.org
Locally in Luton, even though we are engaged in inter-faith work throughout the year, we are holding 3 key events and activities, as detailed below;
Firstly, on 17th Nov we are co-organising the Inter Faith Week event at the St Albans Cathedral, where many from Luton's different faith communities will be joining people from neighbouring towns, and villages, showcasing how different faiths are serving their local communities. The Mayor of Luton and the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire will also be joining. Bishop Richard Atkinson will call upon all the faithful of all religions to help build a future of peace, fraternity, and solidarity, reminding people that all religions are wellspring of healing, not source of division. All are welcome at this event.
Secondly, on 18th Nov we'll be creating a space for Luton's faith leaders (by invitation only) to join St Joseph's Catholic Church Luton for the first time ever in Luton, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate (Latin words meaning: "In our time") which was an official declaration of the Second Vatican Council of the Catholic Church on its relations with the different religions. A Muslim friend from Luton who attended a celebration event in London, said, “It is amazing to see what was written 60 years ago is so relevant for current times. It was, and it is indeed, a prophetic document.” All faith leaders will be presented a copy of Nostra Aetate. In the light of growing anti-Muslim, anti-Jewish, anti-migrant hate speech & extremism, we'll also have the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns around community safety, cohesion and mutual trust.
Thirdly, on 18th Nov, as part of our Building Schools for Peace Programme, with the help of Luton’s faith & community leaders we are piloting a High School & Sixth Form College Assembly at Cardinal Newman on the theme of how to make our town, and the world, more tolerant and respectful of one another. We’d also share with young people practical examples of how people from Luton’s diverse communities are engaged in working together for greater cohesion in our town.
For & On behalf of GRASSROOTS & LUTON COUNCIL OF FAITHS
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Here’s another interesting article FYI on Inter Faith Week: exploring early Quakers and other religions;
https://www.quaker.org.uk/blog/interfaith-week-exploring-early-quakers-and-other-religions
Eleanor Nesbitt highlights some fascinating historical examples of George Fox and other Quakers' interactions with other faiths.
