Multi faith civic ceremonies

In multi faith areas it is increasingly common for civic religious events to reflect this religious diversity and for local inter faith bodies to be invited to advise on events and to provide participants. Sometimes they play an even more extensive role where there are regular civic events designed especially to highlight inter faith cooperation and community.

People of all ages from nine world religions came together to worship under one roof, taking Peace as the main theme of the one hour service. Bedford Borough Council (especially Speaker Councillor Khan and Deputy Mayor Cllr Shan Hunt) working with Bedford Council of Faiths arranged the occasion at Biddenham Upper School, which included music, prayers and readings from all the faiths.
Bedford Council of Faiths

There has been an annual civic inter faith celebration since 1993. It is run jointly by the Lord Mayor's Office and Bristol Inter Faith Group. Faith communities offer readings, music, drama and prayers on a theme suggested by BIFG. The event takes place at the Council House and includes a buffet meal. Hospitality, printing, and publicity costs are met by the Lord Mayor.
Bristol Inter Faith Group

Many local inter faith bodies play an important role in assisting on the local civic marking of Holocaust Memorial Day.

Members of all faiths and cultures came together to remember victims of oppression and torture across the world at a short ceremony on the steps of Blackburn Town Hall on King William Street in the town centre. This was arranged by Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Interfaith Council for Blackburn with Darwen whose chair led the ceremony. The Minister of Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester gave the main address. Following the Mayor’s closing address there was a lighting of candles ceremony.
Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Council

See the Prayer and Worship page for some issues to be aware of in multi faith settings of which prayer or religious ritual is a part.

Shared Act of Reflection and Commitment by the Faith Communities

In this section

Find a local inter faith body
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   Multi faith civic ceremonies
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   Young people
Local Inter Faith Survey