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Connect: Resources
Building Good
Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs
The Inter Faith Network for the UK was
founded in 1987 to promote good relations between the faith communities in
this country. This code is endorsed by all its member bodies.
In Britain today, people of many different faiths
and beliefs live side by side. The opportunity lies before us to work
together to build a society rooted in the values we treasure. But this
society can only be built on a sure foundation of mutual respect,
openness and trust. This means finding ways to live our lives of faith
with integrity, and allowing others to do so too. Our different
religious traditions offer us many resources for this and teach us the
importance of good relationships characterised by honesty, compassion
and generosity of spirit. The Inter Faith Network offers the following
code of conduct for encouraging and strengthening these relationships.
As members of the human family, we should show each
other respect and courtesy. In our dealings with people of other
faiths and beliefs this means exercising good will and:
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Respecting other
people's freedom within the law to express their beliefs and
convictions |
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Learning to
understand what others actually believe and value, and letting
them express this in their own terms |
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Respecting the
convictions of others about food, dress and social etiquette and
not behaving in ways which cause needless offence |
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Recognising that all
of us at times fall short of the ideals of our own traditions and
never comparing our own ideals with other people's practices |
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Working to prevent
disagreement from leading to conflict |
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Always seeking to
avoid violence in our relationships |
When we talk about matters of faith with one another,
we need to do so with sensitivity, honesty and straightforwardness. This
means:
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Recognising that
listening as well as speaking is necessary for a genuine
conversation |
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Being honest about
our beliefs and religious allegiances |
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Not misrepresenting
or disparaging other people's beliefs and practices |
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Correcting
misunderstanding or misrepresentations not only of our own but
also of other faiths whenever we come across them |
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Being straightforward
about our intentions |
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Accepting that in
formal inter faith meetings there is a particular responsibility
to ensure that the religious commitment of all those who are
present will be respected. |
All of us want others to understand and respect our
views. Some people will also want to persuade others to join their
faith. In a multi faith society where this is permitted, the attempt
should always be characterised by self-restraint and a concern for the
other's freedom and dignity. This means:
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Respecting another
person's expressed wish to be left alone |
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Avoiding imposing
ourselves and our views on individuals or communities who are in
vulnerable situations in ways which exploit these |
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Being sensitive and
courteous |
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Avoiding violent
action or language, threats, manipulation, improper inducements,
or the misuse of any kind of power |
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Respecting the right
of others to disagree with us |
Living and working together is not always easy.
Religion harnesses deep emotions which can sometimes take destructive
forms. Where this happens, we must draw on our faith to bring about
reconciliation and understanding. The truest fruits of religion are
healing and positive. We have a great deal to learn from one another
which can enrich us without undermining our own identities. Together,
listening and responding with openness and respect, we can move forward
to work in ways that acknowledge genuine differences but build on shared
hopes and values.
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| “Baha’is
believe that any work done in a
spirit of service is worshipping God”
Danielle, Baha’i |
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