Interfaith Week will see thousands of people take part in activities across England, Northern Ireland and Wales from 10th - 17th November, to highlight the positive impact of faith groups on local communities and strengthen relationships between people of religious and non-religious backgrounds.
Co-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK, Rt Rev Jonathan Clark, Area Bishop of Croydon and Jatinder Singh Birdi said: "Inter Faith Week is a great opportunity for people to come together, learn about people in their communities, and make common cause together. Such actions are a powerful antidote to language of division and to prejudice."
The launch of the Interfaith Network initiative coincided with Remembrance Sunday to encourage different faith groups to join in paying tribute to soldiers and civilians who served in the two World Wars and later conflicts.
Hastings and District Interfaith Forum and the Council of Christians and Jews Bexhill Branch held a 'Remembering Together' event while The City of London Corporation Multi-Faith Staff Network hosted a multi-faith remembrance service.
Activities will take place in sports venues, schools, community centres and places of worship ranging from community projects and debates to art exhibitions and faith walks.
Initiatives include a celebration of Multi Faith Britain by the London District of the Methodist Church at Westminster Central Hall, an inter faith music festival at Birmingham Gallery and "Prayers for the Planet" by the South Lakeside Interfaith Forum.
The Government's Faith Minister, Viscount Younger, said:
"Inter Faith Week provides everyone taking part with a great opportunity to learn about different faiths and beliefs, and to celebrate the contribution of different faith groups to society.
"I wholeheartedly support Inter Faith Week and I hope that everyone who takes part is inspired to get involved in other activities for the betterment of their community".
In a post on twitter the Interfaith Network said: "We wish everyone taking part a tremendous Week - a Week in which new friendships begin and old ones are strengthened; there is learning, exploration and dialogue; and action together to help local communities."
#INTERFAITHWEEK 2019 begins today!
— Inter Faith Week (@IFWeek) November 10, 2019
We wish everyone taking part a tremendous Week - a Week in which new friendships begin and old ones are strengthened; there is learning, exploration and dialogue; and action together to help local communities.
Please retweet. pic.twitter.com/jtafUXE3WS
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