IFN e-bulletin October 2019

This is a web version of IFN's October 2019 E-bulletin. A PDF version of this and past e-bulletins can be found here. To receive an email when a new e-bulletin is issued (every 2 months), sign up below:

Items

Faith and public life updates

Inter Faith Network for the UK News

Inter faith projects, programmes and developments

Resources and study/training

Calls for information, competitions and nominations

Jobs, internships and volunteering

Funding opportunities

Special Weeks/Days

  • Dates for Special Weeks and Days taking place throughout the year 

Diary Dates          

  • Information on some of the inter faith events taking place around the UK                  

Back to the Top 

 

FAITH AND PUBLIC LIFE UPDATES

 

Faith Communities and Exiting the EU

On 23 June 2016 a referendum took place where a majority of voters voted for the UK to leave the European Union.  The UK was originally scheduled to leave the EU on 29 March 2019.  The date has been delayed twice. The ‘Benn Act’  ( European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Act 2019   for which Royal Assent was received  on 9 September) requires the Prime Minister to seek a further extension to the withdrawal date if a withdrawal agreement has not been agreed with the EU, and approved by the House of Commons, by 19 October. There is an exception to that which is if MPs vote for a no-deal Exit.  The position of Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues to be that the UK must leave on 31 October.   

The Supreme Court’s judgment on 24 September that the Prime Minister’s decision to prorogue Parliament was unlawful rendered the prorogation null, and the Parliamentary session has resumed. This, together with the possibility of a General Election in the near future, are among the additional factors which render the actual date of EU exit unpredictable and planning for it the more complex.  However, talks between UK Government officials continue and so, too, does planning by Government – both for deal and no-deal Exit scenarios.  On 3 October the Prime Minister set out his proposals for a Brexit deal in Parliament.

Faith communities have a role to play in the time of transition, helping to bridge divides, and there may also be an impact on them.  These issues were discussed at the recent meeting of IFN’s Faith Communities Forum (see below).

A group of business executives, faith leaders and charities have met to discuss a new grassroots campaign to help bring communities back together. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/brexit/9885911/britain-brexit-divide-campaign/

Information about preparation for EU Exit can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-exiting-the-european-union.

 

Back to the top

 

Political Parties and Moderation of language

The Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP, summoned party leaders to an emergency meeting on 30 September about the growing use of inflammatory language in Westminster, amid concerns that MPs are facing an increasing safety risk.  During the meeting at the Speaker’s House in Parliament, a statement was drawn up about the responsibility of leaders “to try to use moderate language”.  The pledge was signed by Mark Spencer, the government chief whip, on behalf of the Prime Minister, and by the Leader of the Opposition, Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP as well as signatories for other parties and the Speaker himself.   https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-49884047.

The Jo Cox Foundation has called on all political parties to agree to a code of conduct to help protect MPs, and is working with the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) to develop a Joint Standard of Conduct to help protect election candidates.  

A joint statement issued on behalf of the Church of England’s College of Bishops called for a new tone of listening and respect in debates.  https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/bishops-call-respect-all-sides-amid-brexit-debate

A little over a year ago, IFN’s Co-Chairs and Faith Communities Forum Moderators issued a statement on ‘Political Parties – Modelling Respectful Engagement’.  A copy of this can be found at https://www.interfaith.org.uk/news/political-parties-modelling-respectful-engagement-statement.   That statement was made in a context of continuing concerns about Antisemitism and Islamophobia and about extremism and hate incidents which have affected, among others, a number of faith communities. 

Back to the top

 

Government funding to tackle online Antisemitism

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP announced on 15 September that the Government is to provide £100,000 of funding to tackle online Antisemitism.  Mr Jenrick said “This funding will support the Antisemitism Policy Trust’s ongoing work to tackle the spread of antisemitic tropes online and challenge harmful narratives about the Jewish community.”  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/communities-secretary-commits-funding-to-tackle-online-hate

Back to the top

 

Safeguarding in Faith Settings

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Safeguarding in Faith Settings has been gathering evidence for its second Inquiry, which will focus on whether there should be a change in legislation relating to ‘Positions of Trust’ within faith settings.  Under the current legislation, it is illegal for groups of professionals such as teachers, care workers and youth justice staff to be involved in sexual activity with a 16 or 17-year-old under their supervision. However, other adults who hold similar positions of power within settings such as faith and religious organisations and sports teams are not covered by the provisions. 

The next evidence session will be in the Houses of Parliament on 22 October and the report on their findings is due to be published in November.  Further information is at https://thirtyoneeight.org/news-and-events/appg/appg-2018/appg-launches-new-inquiry/.

Back to the top

 

NATRE report on Religious Education in English Secondary Schools

In September the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE) published its 2019 report outlining trends in secondary Religious Education in schools funded by the state in England. https://www.natre.org.uk/news/latest-news/number-of-schools-flouting-religious-education-laws-rises/ An infographic highlighting the key issues from the survey, undertaken in May/June this year, can be found at https://www.natre.org.uk/news/latest-news/number-of-schools-flouting-religious-education-laws-rises/.

Back to the top

 

Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief

On 12 September the Prime Minister appointed Rehman Chishti MP as his new Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.   Mr Chishti’s role, based in the Foreign Office, will be to “bring together efforts across the UK Government, with faith actors and civil society to promote the UK’s firm stance on religious tolerance abroad”.  Further information is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-appoints-new-pm-envoy-for-freedom-of-religion-belief.

Back to the top

 

Anglican Inter Faith Commission hosted in Wales

Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford, and the Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd John Davies, were among those speaking at a meeting of the Anglican Inter Faith Commission in Wales on 9 September.  The event, which was held at Cardiff’s Pierhead building, was chaired by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, and attended by inter faith specialists from Anglican churches in Europe and North America and also representatives from other faiths and church denominations.

The event was an opportunity to hear about the Welsh Government’s work with faith communities; and also the relationship that faith groups in Wales have with the Government and with each other.  There were also presentations from the Vice-Chair of the Inter-faith Council for Wales, Julie Jones; the Revd Dean Atkins, Chair of South Cardiff Interfaith Network; and the Revd Canon Aled Edwards, Chief Executive of Cytûn, Churches Together in Wales.  For further information, see https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/news/2019/09/wales-hosts-interfaith-commission.

Back to the top

 

Faith communities and climate change

Faith communities and inter faith groups continue to work on climate change issues.  Across the last month there has been increasing inter faith engagement involving the Faith for the Climate Network and its members, the Climate Coalition, faith communities, and initiatives such as Faiths4Change and the Birmingham Council of Faiths Footsteps programme.    A number of faith communities and inter faith bodies held activities linked to the Climate Strike on 27 September. 

Extinction Rebellion has called a second ‘international week of rebellion’ starting on 7 October. Faith for the Climate report that a number of people of faith will come together to occupy and hold Lambeth Bridge from 7 – 19 October as a Faith Bridge, with activity including daily Christian prayer and eucharists, the Muslim call to prayer, Buddhist meditation, Quaker meeting for worship, and Jewish teaching in a succah, along with inter faith prayer flag making, candlelit vigils, talks, and moments to mark Yom Kippur, and the birthdays of Gandhi and Thich Nhat Hanh.  

See also: https://www.facebook.com/events/411365226172686

https://rebellion.earth/event/faith-bridge-at-the-xr-international-rebellion-uk/

https://blog.cafod.org.uk/2019/09/20/bridge-of-faith-why-are-extinction-rebellion-taking-over-a-london-bridge/

Back to the top

 

Community Resilience framework and guidance

Faith communities are often at the forefront of volunteering and offering assistance in emergencies.   This support is invaluable because community networks and expertise can reduce the demand on emergency responder resources and enable more effective targeted help to be provided to the most vulnerable.  On 3 September the Government published two documents on Community Resilience: Community Resilience Development Framework and guidance on Planning the coordination of spontaneous volunteers in emergencies.

The documents, which have been produced in consultation with emergency responders, Government departments and voluntary sector organisations can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-resilience-development-framework and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/planning-the-coordination-of-spontaneous-volunteers.

Back to the top

 

Welsh Government consultation on RE and Relationships and Sexuality Education in the curriculum

On 3 October the Welsh Government launched a consultation seeking views on plans to ensure that all children have access to the full curriculum including Religious Education and Relationships and Sexuality Education.  Education Minister Kirsty Williams has said that she is “minded to ensure all children and young people are required to study RE and RSE in the new curriculum” as opposed to the current practice where parents can prevent their children from attending RE and RSE lessons.

The 8-week consultation will gather a broad range of views from parents, learners and interested groups across Wales before a final decision is taken.

Explaining the proposed change, Ms Williams said: “Pupils will explore the range of spiritual, philosophical, moral, social and cultural beliefs within their community, across Wales, and throughout the world.  ‘Religions and Worldviews’ better reflects teaching practice within the new curriculum, and allows for the exploration of a range of religious and philosophical beliefs, as well as other beliefs and world views, including non-religious world views.”

The consultation runs until 28 November.  For more information, visit https://gov.wales/welsh-government-working-teachers-parents-and-students-ensure-learners-have-access-broad-and.

Back to the top

 

INTER FAITH NETWORK FOR THE UK NEWS

 

Inter Faith Week 2019 10-17 November

The Inter Faith Week www.interfaithweek.org  2019 programme was launched at IFN’s National Meeting in July.

Many activities are being planned for Inter Faith Week – and for Scottish Interfaith Week which takes place at the same time (www.scottishinterfaithweek.org ). These include events in places of worship and schools, programmes of activities at NHS hospitals, cultural events in museums, galleries and local community spaces, campus activities and much more.  Events are being added regularly to the Inter Faith Week map: https://www.interfaithweek.org/events/map

If you are planning activities to mark the Week in England, Northern Ireland or Wales, please do take a moment to register your activity at www.interfaithweek.org/submit.  This will add your activity to the map (www.interfaithweek.org/map), enabling other people to find out about it and adding to the overall impact of the Week.  Registering bodies are also eligible for a free registration pack.

If you are interested to take part but don’t yet have an activity planned, you can find ideas and planning tips in the Inter Faith Week Toolkit (www.interfaithweek.org/toolkit) and quick-plan activities can be found at https://www.interfaithweek.org/resources/quick-plan-activities.

IFN is encouraging people to post photos on social media in the run-up to and during the Week using the hashtag #InterFaithWeek, holding IFW message cards.  Printable blank message cards can be downloaded from https://www.interfaithweek.org/resources/social-media and an A3 card is included in each Week registration pack.  You can also request them from the IFN office.

Please do follow the Inter Faith Week accounts on social media:

and share posts about the Week with your followers.  IFN will be working to amplify posts about Inter Faith Week activities during the Week, and using the hashtag and/ or tagging the Inter Faith Week accounts helps us to do this.

If you are planning to blog or write articles about the Week, or to talk about it on the Radio or TV, you might find the following media ‘Key messages’ helpful: (https://www.interfaithweek.org/resources/key-messages).  The IFN office is also happy to provide longer briefing, assist with drafting, or try to help find people willing to be interviewed about the Week – please do get in touch.

To sign up to the Inter Faith Week mailing list, visit https://www.interfaithweek.org/news/mailing-list-sign-up.

Back to the top

 

Meeting of Faith Communities Forum

A meeting of IFN’s Faith Communities Forum was held on 3 October.  The main item on the Agenda was Exiting the EU.   Officials from the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) and from the Engagement, Integration and Communities Directorate Brexit Team, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) spoke about different aspects of EU Exit planning with a particular reference to faith communities.   This was followed by a wider discussion about faith communities and EU Exit, considering such questions as: the role of faith communities in this time of transition and the potential impact on faith communities of EU Exit.

The meeting also discussed: the inter faith engagement and joint work of faith communities; freedom of religion and the safety of faith communities; other current issues of interest or concern to faith communities; and a number of IFN Matters.

Back to the top

 

Social media series on local inter faith dialogue and social action

In August IFN ran a social media series on Twitter twitter.com/ifnetuk and Facebook facebook.com/ifnetuk highlighting the work of local inter faith bodies on inter faith dialogue and social action.  It also included examples of their work during a series of tweets and posts for Communities Week which ran between 9 and 13 September.

Back to the top

 

Response to mosque attack in Oslo

On 10 August there was an attack at the Al-Noor Islamic Centre in Oslo. IFN’s Co-Chairs posted the following message on Facebook and Twitter the following day:

‘Our thoughts are with those affected by the attack at the mosque at the Al-Noor Islamic Centre in Oslo this weekend, just ahead of Eid Al-Adha. Statements of IFN's Co-Chairs and Faith Communities Forum Moderators following recent attacks on places of worship have spoken of "the need to condemn extremist violence in the strongest terms and to stand together and to continue to work together with ever greater urgency against ignorance, prejudice and hatred" and have said that "Hatred targeting any community because of its faith and belief is a scourge that cannot be tolerated. There must be freedom for all communities to worship and practise their faith freely and without fear."’

IFN Co-Chairs Jatinder Singh Birdi and Rt Revd Jonathan Clark

Copies of this and previous Statements and Messages can be found on the IFN website at https://www.interfaith.org.uk/news/statements-and-messages.

Back to the top

 

Inter faith relations and polarisation

IFN Co-Chair Jatinder Birdi spoke on 12 September at a special day conference for faith-based charities.  The Faith Charities Forum, organised by Civil Society, looked at ‘What difference does faith make?’.  It provided an opportunity to discuss the role that faith plays in furthering many charities’ mission, as well as looking at the key challenges facing this unique group of organisations.  Mr Birdi spoke on the following theme: ‘As the world becomes increasingly polarised, how can inter faith relationships build a strong and united society?’  More information about the conference is at https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/voices/highlights-from-the-faith-forum-tackling-division-and-declining-resources.html.

Back to the top

 

Bishop Roy Williamson

IFN was sad to learn of the death on 17 September of the Rt Revd Roy Williamson.   Bishop Williamson (‘Bishop Roy’, as he was known to many) was Co-Chair of IFN from 1995 to 2000, having served as a Vice-Chair from 1992 to 1994.   He made an enormous contribution to IFN's work and to inter faith relations in the UK. 

Back to the top

 

INTER FAITH PROJECTS, PROGRAMMES AND DEVELOPMENTS

 

Barnet Multi Faith Youth Forum

A Barnet Multi Faith Youth Forum has just been launched.  It aims to be “a safe space, where young people aged 15 to 25 can feel comfortable and confident to represent their own faith and beliefs” and to “enable young people to discuss any issues that concern them, as well as creating opportunities to interact, work alongside and learn from each other and to be united as a community that is richly diverse.”  Further information about the launch event, hosted at Middlesex University, can be found at http://barnetmultifaithforum.org/exciting-launch-of-barnet-multi-faith-youth-forum/.  The Youth Forum’s next event will be held on 17 October.  To find out more, contact Tahseen at barnetmultifaithyouthforum@gmail.com.

Back to the top

 

‘Facing Faiths’ schools programme

The St Philip’s Centre, Leicester has developed a ‘Facing Faiths’ programme for schools, using interactive technology.  The programme includes a series of 10 large boards, each reflecting a different religion or belief, which come to life when a child places a tablet or mobile phone in front of them.   The information on the boards is supplemented by smaller cards which describe a sacred place, a festival and a book designed in conjunction with RE Curriculum requirements.   A video explaining more can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myNwUPO11Qo&feature=youtu.be.  For further information, contact education@stphilipscentre.co.uk or telephone 0116 273 3459.

Back to the top

 

The Big Lunch

The Big Lunch, an idea from Eden Project, takes place on the first weekend in June every year.  Over the years millions of people from different backgrounds have taken part across thousands of neighbourhood events. It offers an opportunity to engage with your wider community while sharing food and building friendships.In 2020 The Big Lunch takes place across the weekend of 6-7 June.   For a free organiser pack and to find out more, visit www.thebiglunch.com.   The Big Lunch is keen for faith groups to take part.  To explore options or discuss further, please contact Claire at ccrook@edenproject.com.

Back to the top

 

Faiths for Forests

‘Faiths for Forests’ is a programme of the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative.  It is described as a “a global call to action to all faith-based organisations, networks and places of worship around the world to join the movement to end the destruction of the planet’s rainforests and advocate for climate justice”.  More about the programme, including information on the declaration to sign, toolkits and fact sheets, can be found at https://faithsforforests.com/.

Back to the top

 

Marking the 150th Anniversary of Gandhi’s birth

2 October was the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth.   It is being marked in the UK in a number of ways.  These include the unveiling of a new statue in Ayr and a ‘Planting for Peace’ tree-planting project to create an Ahimsa Peace Forest and Peace Garden in Kenton, Harrow.  https://www.ayrshiredailynews.co.uk/post/statue-of-gandhi-unveiled-at-ayr-town-hallThe tree planting project was initiated by Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD) and is being taken forward by member bodies of OneJAIN.  It is supported by the India High Commission and Harrow Council. The first phase will involve the planting of 1,500 trees in November and the second phase will be the creation of Peace Garden commencing next spring. The project hopes that community groups, faith groups and inter faith groups across the UK will take part by planting peace trees across the country. It notes that November to March is the best time to plant many types of trees so Inter Faith Week (10 – 17 November) and National Tree Week (23 November - 1 December) are good times to get involved.  https://www.plantingforpeace.org/

Back to the top

 

Cities Faith and Community Forum

A new European ‘Cities Faith and Community Forum’ is being developed.  Next steps for it were discussed at a seminar on 3 October in London, with input from the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, and the Local Government Association, designed to share good practice and hear from practitioners about how the faith sector responds to current challenges in cities across Europe.

For further information, contact mustafa@faithsforum4london.org.

Back to the top

 

Resources and STUDY/training

 

IFN Peterborough local inter faith practitioner day event report

The report of IFN’s Day Event for Local Inter Faith Practitioners held in Peterborough in March is available on IFN’s website at https://www.interfaith.org.uk/resources/ifn-day-event-for-local-inter-faith-practitioners-a-report-peterborough-march-2019

Back to the top

 

Shap Calendar of Religious Festivals

The Shap Calendar of Religious Festivals for 2019-20 is available to order from http://www.shapcalendar.org.uk/.    The e-calendar provides:  3 A4 calendar sheets, 12 images of people celebrating festivals, a booklet giving a brief description of each religious festival in 12 of the world’s faiths and traditions, from Baha’i to Zoroastrian, including Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Pagan festivals and editorial notes by members of the Shap Working Party.  A hard copy wallchart is also available.

Back to the top

 

Faith and Football Calendar

The Football Association has produced a new ‘Faith & Football Calendar’ for the 2019-20 season. The calendar is designed for use across football to raise awareness of faith across the game. This season’s calendar also includes guidance on appropriate social media messages around faith dates.  The Calendar can be downloaded at http://www.thefa.com/-/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/equality/faith-in-football/faith-and-football-calendar-2019-20.ashx.

Back to the top

 

British Library Discovering Sacred Texts online

In September the British Library launched its latest online learning resource, Discovering Sacred Texts, which invites visitors to explore the world’s major faiths through the Library’s extensive collections.  The new website includes over 250 digitised collection items, teachers’ resources, short films and articles.Further information can be found at https://blogs.bl.uk/digitisedmanuscripts/2019/09/discovering-sacred-texts-launch.html and the resource itself is at https://www.bl.uk/sacred-texts.

Back to the top

 

Network for Pastoral, Spiritual and Religious Care in Health reports

The Network for Pastoral, Spiritual, and Religious Care in Health (formerly the Healthcare Chaplaincy Faith & Belief Group) has published guidance on the authorisation, registration, and endorsement procedures of ‘the mainstream chaplaincy religion and belief organisations in the NHS’ and a practical toolkit for NHS pastoral support and chaplaincy teams on ensuring their recruitment is in line with the Equality Act 2010.  The documents are available at http://network-health.org.uk/documents/NHS%20Pastoral,%20Spiritual,%20and%20Religious%20Care_Endorsement_Guide.pdf and http://network-health.org.uk/index.php/pages/recruitment.

A new report on health inequalities in chaplaincy services by the Network for Pastoral, Spiritual, and Religious Care in Health is due to be published in November 2019.

Back to the top

 

Religion or Belief legal case summaries

The Equality and Human Rights Commission updates on a regular basis a document containing one-page summaries of legal cases relating to religion or belief.  For each case, there are links to online commentaries and analysis and (where available) to the full judgments.  The most recent update took place in September.  Anyone interested in receiving a copy of the document should contact Dr David Perfect at david.perfect@equalityhumanrights.com.

Back to the top

 

Bridging the Great Divide: the Jewish-Muslim Encounter

The Woolf Institute is running a 15-week online course, beginning in January, ‘Bridging the Great Divide: the Jewish-Muslim Encounter’.  The course will explore the history, culture and theology of Muslims and Jews, reflecting both on similarities and differences as well as discussing the major challenges.   Run in partnership with the School of International Service at the American University in Washington DC, the course will also offer strategies for building bridges between the communities.   For more information, visit https://www.woolf.cam.ac.uk/whats-on/news/apply-now-for-online-course-bridging-the-great-divide-the-jewish-muslim-encounter-1.  The closing date for applications is 15 December.

Back to the top

 

CALLS FOR INFORMATION, COMPETITIONS, AND NOMINATIONS

 

Scottish Interfaith Week Creative Competition

To celebrate Scottish Interfaith Week 2019 Interfaith Scotland is holding an art competition on the theme of ‘Eat Share Love’.   Entries can include drawings or paintings, photo montages, poems, videos or animations, pieces of writing, songs, music or drama.  There is a top prize of £50 and winning entries will have their work displayed at the launch of Scottish Interfaith Week in Perth on 10 November.   Entries are open to individuals and groups of all ages.  The closing date for entries is 29 October.

For an entry form, flyer and advice sheet, visit http://scottishinterfaithweek.org/resources.  For more information, contact Frances Hume at frances@interfaithscotland.org or on 0141 558 0778.

 

Back to the top

 

 

London College of Fashion – Call for research participants

Researchers at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, and Coventry University are keen to hear from women interested in discussing their experiences of adapting their dress when working for and with faith-based organisations (for example schools, charities, businesses and publicly-funded organisations with a religious ethos) in a confidential interview.   This research is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Interviews will be audio-recorded, last around an hour, and explore experiences and feelings about ‘modest’ dress in the workplace.  The researchers are interested in talking to people from a wide range of backgrounds, religions and beliefs, including non-religious women.   At this point in the project, they would welcome especially, but not exclusively, responses from women who work in Jewish, Hindu, Jain and Sikh organisations. 

Anyone interested in taking part should email modestfashionworkwear@arts.ac.uk saying where they are based and what sort of organisation they work at.    For more information on the project, visit  

https://www.arts.ac.uk/research/research-and-projects/curation-and-culture/modest-fashion.

Back to the top

 

JOBS, INTERNSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERING

IFN’s website lists job and internship opportunities with a significant inter faith dimension with IFN member organisations at https://www.interfaith.org.uk/involved/vacancies/jobs.

 

Inter Faith Network for the UK – Volunteers

The Inter Faith Network for the UK is seeking volunteers to help with various projects in the IFN office from October onwards.  For further information and an application form, contact ifnet@interfaith.org.uk.

Back to the top

 

Faith & Belief Forum – Programmes Officer, Fundraising Officer and Volunteer speakers

The Faith & Belief Forum (FBF) is seeking a Programmes Officer, West Midlands - https://faithbeliefforum.org/career/programmes-officer-west-midlands/.  This is a full time role and the closing date for applications is 12pm on 14 October.

FBF is also seeking a Fundraising Officer - https://faithbeliefforum.org/career/fundraising-officer/.  The closing date for applications is 9am on 21 October.
FBF is also looking for confident and enthusiastic volunteers from different backgrounds to take part in its Encountering Faiths and Beliefs workshops for schools.   The Volunteers will share their beliefs and experiences in the form of a short story and also participate in a Q&A panel.  The next Volunteer Speaker Training is scheduled for 7 November.  For further information, visit https://faithbeliefforum.org/about/careers/volunteer-speaker-programme/.
 

Back to the top

 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

 

Near Neighbours small grants programme

The Near Neighbours small grants programme is funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and administered by the Church Urban Fund.  It is currently offering small grants of between £250 and £5,000, as seed funding for local groups and organisations working in a number of areas of England to bring together neighbours, and to develop relationships across diverse faiths and ethnicities to improve their communities.    To be eligible, projects should meet the following criteria: bringing people together, working locally, working sustainably, committing to diversity, and improving the community.

The next deadline for applications is Friday 11 October.  For information on the eligible areas and to apply, visit https://www.near-neighbours.org.uk/small-grants.

Back to the top

 

Westhill NASACRE Awards 2020–2021

The National Association of Standing Advisory Councils for Religious Education (NASACRE) is inviting individual SACREs, or SACREs in partnership, to apply for a Westhill/NASACRE Award for 2020-21.   Applications are considered for awards of up to £4,000.  Projects should offer pupils at school opportunities to engage in compelling learning experiences in RE, or collective worship, within the broad theme of ‘education into diversity’.  For further details visit, http://www.nasacre.org.uk/westhill-nasacre-awards/awards-2020-21.

Back to the top

 

FCC Community Action Fund

The FCC Communities Foundation is offering grants between £2,000 and £100,000 for projects which involve the provision, maintenance or improvement of public amenities including community spaces in places of worship, which are registered charities.   Projects must be based within 10 miles of an eligible FCC Environment waste facility.  The closing date for applications is 11 December.  For more information, visit https://fcccommunitiesfoundation.org.uk/funds/fcc-community-action-fund.

Back to the top

 

Windrush Compensation Scheme

The Windrush Compensation Scheme is open to those who settled in the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973, and in certain circumstances their children and grandchildren.   It provides payments to individuals who suffered losses as a result of not being able to evidence their lawful status in the UK.   These could range from a loss of employment or access to housing, benefits, education or NHS healthcare to emotional distress or deterioration in mental and physical health.  Additionally, it is open to all nationalities who arrived to live in the UK before 31 December 1988 and are settled here.  Claim forms can be downloaded and guidance on completing the application can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/windrush-compensation-scheme.  Claimants can also request a form to be sent by post by calling our helpline on 0800 678 1925 or via email WindrushCompensationScheme@homeoffice.gov.uk where they can also request a call back if they are overseas.

Back to the top

 

Faiths in Scotland Community Action Fund

Faiths in Scotland Community Action Fund is open for applications for grants of up to £2,000 over 1 year.    Further information is at https://www.faithincommunityscotland.org/faith-in-community-scotland-action-fund/.    For any queries email andrew@faithincommunityscotland.org or telephone 0141 221 4576. 

Back to the top

 

Funding websites

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) offers advice on fundraising and grants on its Knowhow Nonprofit site at https://knowhownonprofit.org/funding.

Funding Central - http://www.fundingcentral.org.uk/default.aspx - is a free website for charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in England. It provides access to thousands of funding and finance opportunities, together with tools and resources to develop sustainable income strategies.  Similar websites for funding in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can be found at Funding Scotland - http://www.fundingscotland.com/ - Wales Council for Voluntary Action - http://www.wcva.org.uk/funding/search - and Grant Tracker for Northern Ireland - https://www.grant-tracker.org/.

Back to the top

 

Website and Facebook grants

The Transform Foundation is offering funding to charities to help with new website builds.  Grants of £18,000 are available.    It is also offering grants towards Facebook advertising of £5,000.   For further information and to apply, visit www.transformfoundation.org.uk.

Back to the top

 

Google and charities

Google is offering a service to registered charities which brings: Google Ad Grants: Free AdWords advertising to promote their websites on Google through keyword targeting; YouTube Nonprofit Programme: Access exclusive resources, features and programs designed to maximise their organisations’ impact on YouTube; and Google Apps for Non-profit: Free version of the Google Apps business productivity suite, including Gmail, Docs, Calendar and more.  For further information, visit www.google.co.uk/intl/en/nonprofits/join

Back to the top

 

Subsidised fundraising workshops

The Foundation for Social Improvement offers subsidised training programmes for small charities across the UK.  The courses cover a wide range of subjects from event planning to leadership. Many of the courses focus on fundraising and sustainability skills in particular.  

Further information and dates for upcoming courses in April and May can be found at http://www.thefsi.org/services/training.

Back to the top

 

SPECIAL WEEKS/DAYS

 

Sewa Day takes place on Sunday 6 October.  It is an annual day of faith-based social action led by the Hindu community.    http://www.sewaday.org/   https://www.facebook.com/sewaday/

National Hate Crime Awareness Week will take place from Saturday 12 to Saturday 19 October. https://nationalhcaw.uk/

One World Week will take place from Sunday 20 to Sunday 27 October.   This is its 40th anniversary year.    www.oneworldweek.org

Inter Faith Week will take place from Sunday 10 to Sunday 17 November. It is led by the Inter Faith Network for the UK.   www.interfaithweek.org    See above.

Scottish Interfaith Week will take place from Sunday 10 to Sunday 17 November.  Scottish Interfaith Week is led by Interfaith Scotland.  www.scottishinterfaithweek.org

Mitzvah Day will take place on Sunday 17 November. It is an annual day of faith-based social action led by the Jewish community.  On Mitzvah Day, people give their time, not their money, to make a difference to the community around them.  Many events and projects held for the day have an inter faith focus.  www.mitzvahday.org.uk/

Holocaust Memorial Day will take place on 27 January.  Its theme in 2020 is ‘Stand Together’.  Holocaust Memorial Day is the day for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.  It honours the survivors of these regimes and challenges everyone to use the lessons of their experience to inform their lives today. www.hmd.org.uk/

Back to the top

 

DIARY DATES

 

This section includes a sample of some of the events taking place around the UK during October.  Only one event per organisation is included.   We also include information on diary dates between e-bulletins on the IFN website at https://www.interfaith.org.uk/involved/events.

InterfaithMK is holding its next monthly meeting on Thursday 3 October.  Mrs Wendi Momen will be giving an illustrated lecture on the Bicentenaries of the Birth of Baha’u’llah (1817/2017) and of the Birth of the Bab.   The meeting will be held from 7.30pm to 9:30 pm at All Saints’ Church, Pitcher Lane, Loughton, Milton Keynes MK5 8AS.  Teas and refreshments will be served at the end of the evening.  For further information, contact the Convenor at interfaithmk@gmail.com.

The Sion Centre for Dialogue and Encounter and Power and Baker Consultants are organising a workshop exploring the role of faith and ethics in the workplace on Saturday 5 October. The workshop is entitled ‘Exploring our belief, values and worldviews in the workplace’ and will include plenary presentations, case studies and group discussions. Speakers include Professor Nicole Busy, University of Strathclyde, Dr Alison Mawhinney, Bangor University, Dr Catriona Cannon, University of Glasgow, Frank Cranmer, Centre for Law and Religion, Cardiff University and St Chad’s College, Durham and Felicity Belton, University of Glasgow. The workshop will begin at 10.00am at the Sion Centre for Dialogue and Encounter, 34 Chepstow Villas, London, W11 2QZ. Tickets and further information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exploring-our-beliefs-values-and-worldviews-in-the-workplace-tickets-58986933506?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

The Church of England Benefice of Matlaske is holding an inter faith event on Sunday 6 October on ‘Loving God and Loving your Neighbour in Jerusalem’.  The speakers will be Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, Rabbi Natan Levy and the Revd Dr Yazid Said.  The Rt Revd David Gillett, Interfaith Adviser for the Diocese of Norwich, will conclude the discussions.  The event is being held at 3.30pm at Hole Farm Barn, Hempstead NR25 6TT.  There is a fee to attend, which includes afternoon tea.  To book, contact Corinne Youngs at corinne@avyoungs.com.

Torbay Interfaith Forum is holding a talk on Wednesday 9 October on ‘Exploring Interfaith Diversity…?’  The speaker will be Val Rose.  The event will begin at 7.30pm and will be followed by refreshments.  It is being held at the Friends’ Meeting House, 48 Tor Hill Road Torquay, TQ2 5RT. For more information, see http://torbayinterfaith.org.uk/.

The Woolf Institute is holding an evening of comedy on Thursday 10 October.  Two stand-up comedian friends, one Jewish and one Muslim, Ashley Blaker and Imran Yusuf will be performing their latest show, Prophet Sharing.  The evening will begin at 7.30pm and is being held at the Woolf Institute, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0UB.  For further information and to book tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/prophet-sharing-stand-up-comedy-tickets-63764159317.

The Three Faiths Forum East London Branch is holding an event on Thursday 10 October. The topic of the event will be “Welcoming the Stranger”.   The speakers will be Allama Sadiq Qureshi, the Revd Tom Britt and Rabbi Lisa Barratt.  It is being held at 8pm at Al Madina Mosque, Barking (www.barkingmosque.org.uk), at the junction of Ilford Lane with Victoria Road, IG11 8PY (not far from Barking station).  For more information, visit http://www.eastlondon3faiths.org/

The St Ethelburga’s Centre is holding an event to mark its Feast Day on Thursday 10 October.  This special evening of celebration will include discussion, worship and music from the St Botolph’s-without-Bishopsgate singers. The event is being held from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Centre, 78 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AG.  Registration is essential as seats are limited.  For more information, visit https://stethelburgas.org/events.

Elmbridge Multi Faith Forum is holding an Evening Gala/Cultural Celebration on Saturday 12 October. The event will begin at 6.00pm at St John’s Church, 1 The Furrows, Walton-on Thames, Surrey, KT12 3JQ. For more information, email kauser.akhtar@cofefeguildford.org.uk or visit https://www.elmbridgemultifaith.org.uk/.

Building Bridges in Burnley is holding a ‘Walk of Faith with Feast’ on Sunday 13 October. The walk will take place from 2pm to 4pm, starting at St Catherines, Todmorden Road, BB10 4AB and ending Abu Bakr Mosque, Brougham Street, BB12 0AS. For more information, see https://bbburnley.wordpress.com/ or contact Bea Foster on 07875 517043 or bea_foster@hotmail.com.

Interfaith Glasgow and St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art are holding their next ‘Faith to Faith’ Dialogue event on Sunday 13 October.  This will be on the theme of ‘Faith and Music’. The event will hear from two musicians about the place of music within the worship of Sikh and Turkish Alevi communities.  It runs from 2pm to 4pm at St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, 2 Castle Street, Glasgow, G4 0RH. For further information, email info@interfaithglasgow.org.

Woking People of Faith is holding a Prayer Vigil for Refugees on Sunday 13 October.  Faith leaders from across the borough will lead the prayers and each person will pray in their own tradition.  It is being held at 4pm at Woking Reformed Church, White Rose Lane.  To confirm attendance, email treasurer@wpof.org.uk.

The World Congress of Faiths is supporting the launch of a new book entitled ‘Interfaith Worship and Prayer’ on Tuesday 15 October.  The book contains a

Sheffield Interfaith is holding an inter faith panel discussion on Wednesday 16 October on ‘Prayer – how do you do it?’.   All are welcome.  The event takes place at 7.30pm at Shirley House, 31 Psalter Lane, Sheffield S11 8YL.  For further information, visit http://sheffieldinterfaith.org.uk/category/events/.

The Windsor and Maidenhead Community Forum is holding its next Women’s Group meeting on Wednesday 16 October.  Ladies of all faiths or none are welcome. For more information, visit http://www.wamcf.org/womens-group/

Westminster Cathedral Interfaith Group is holding its next meeting on Wednesday 16 October.  The Revd John Parry will speak on a Sikh poem about Jesus. The meeting will begin at 4.00pm in the Hinsley Room at Westminster Cathedral, Ambroseden Ave, London, SW1P 1QW. For more information, contact John Woodhouse by text on 07908 888586.

North Herts Inter Faith Forum is holding its AGM on Thursday 17 October.  Following the AGM, Don de Silva, will be speaking on ‘Beyond Religion to Tackle Climate Change and Climate Refugees’.   The event takes place at Our Lady Immaculate & St Andrew Catholic Church, 16 Nightingale Rd, Hitchin SG5 1QS and the talk will begin at 8pm.  For more information, contact snorthhertsinterfaithforum@yahoo.co.uk.

Interfaith Scotland is holding a meeting on Monday 21 October to discuss the Scottish Government’s new Youth Strategy for 2020.  The meeting is for young people aged 16 to 26, youth work practitioners and Interfaith Scotland volunteers.  It will be held from 5pm to 7pm at the Dialogue Centre, Flemmington House, 110 Flemmington Street, Glasgow G21 4BF.  For more information, contact Frances Hume at frances@interfaithscotland.org.

Concord Leeds Interfaith Fellowship in conjunction with Leeds City Peacelink is holding a peace service on Wednesday 23 October. The Annual Peace Service will be attended by the Lord Mayor, with music by the Wesley Singers and youth contribution by the Leeds Street Team. Attendees are asked to arrive at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start at the Banqueting Room, Leeds Civic Hall, Calverley St, Leeds LS1 1UR. For more information, visit www.concord-leeds.org.uk

Crawley Interfaith is holding a faith symposium on ‘Religious symbols’ on Wednesday 25 September. Buddhist, Christians, Hindu and Muslim speakers will attend the event. The event will take place from 7.00pm to 9.00pm at Crawley Museum, The Tree, 103 High Street, Crawley RH10 1DD. For more information, see https://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/Crawley-Interfaith-Network-527183677396243/.

Barnet Multi Faith Forum and Middlesex University are holding an inter faith bulb planting ceremony on Tuesday 29 October.  This is to celebrate the establishment and growth of inter faith relationships in Barnet and the commitment to a peaceful and inclusive community. The ceremony will begin at 11.00am at Middlesex University, The Burroughs, NW4 4BT.  For more information, visit http://barnetmultifaithforum.org/index.php/event/interfaith-tree-planting-ceremony/.

More information on events and projects in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales:

Northern Ireland Inter-Faith Forum:  www.niinterfaithforum.org

Interfaith Scotland:  www.interfaithscotland.org

Inter-faith Council for Wales:  www.interfaithwales.org.uk

If you have items which you would like considered for inclusion in the next e-bulletin please email these to ifnet@interfaith.org.uk by 22 November with ‘e-bulletin’ in the subject line.  Submissions may be edited for length or style.

SUPPORT THE INTER FAITH NETWORK’S WORK TO INCREASE INTER FAITH UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION

We need your help to ensure that the Inter Faith Network for the UK’s work to promote inter faith understanding and cooperation continues and grows, helping people of all backgrounds to live and work together with mutual respect and shared commitment to the common good.

 Gifts at all levels are much valued and make a real difference.  You can donate directly at www.interfaith.org.uk/donate or via PayPal.

Donations can also be made by sending a cheque to: The Inter Faith Network for the UK, 2 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH.

Thank you!

 

REMEMBERING A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND

If you would like to make a gift in memory of a loved one, please get in touch by emailing remember@interfaith.org.uk or call us on 0207 730 0410.

A GIFT IN YOUR WILL

By leaving a gift in your will to the Inter Faith Network for the UK, you can leave a living inheritance to help deepen and strengthen inter faith understanding and cooperation in this country – for now and for the future. If you are thinking about making a will, the best thing to do is to get in touch with a professional will writer, such as a solicitor or advocate; they can help to ensure it is legally correct and that your wishes are met. If you have already made a will, you can still make an addition or amendment in the form of a codicil. If you would like to pledge a gift, please provide our name and address, along with our registered charity number 1068934.

Please get in touch with us if you have any queries.

You can call us on 0207 730 0410 or contact us at remember@interfaith.org.uk   

Disclaimer: Information in this bulletin has been sourced and compiled with care.  IFN does not take responsibility for accuracy of information supplied by external organisations and inclusion of items within this e-bulletin does not imply endorsement or validation by IFN of the events, publications or the bodies which have produced these.

 

Inter Faith Network for the UK, 2 Grosvenor Gardens London SW1W 0DH

www.interfaith.org.uk    www.facebook.com/IFNetUK    www.twitter.com/IFNetUK

Registered charity no. 1068934  Company limited by guarantee no. 3443823 registered in England.

Please indicate your consent to this site’s use of cookies

Some cookies are required for our site to function. Cookies are also used for further functionality and performance. Please see our privacy and cookies page to find out more, and manage your consent at any time.