Inter Faith Relations: The Continuing Journey

Holocaust Memorial Day: January 27th

2011-01-27T02:54:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I was leading worship at Thatcham Methodist Church; one of the lectionary readings I used was Luke 4:14-21. This is an account of when Jesus was invited to read from one of the scrolls during the Sabbath service in the synagogue at Nazareth. The passage he read was from Isaiah 61which, describing the message of the promise Messiah, stated that he would: 'bring good news to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to announce release to captives and freedom to those in prison'. These words have been used in many countries, particularly Latin America, to develop what is often referred to as 'Liberation Theology'.

Reflecting on the Bible reading, I compared the contrasting response of Christians as illustrated in story of the Jewish refugees who were given support and cared for by Christians in Mousehole - see the Inter Faith Relations home page - and the experience of Rabbi Hugo Gryn (1930-1996) recounted in his autobiography Chasing Shadows. During the service at Thatcham I read the following passages from Hugo Gryn's book:

'Although Jews were involved in the [Berehovo] community over such a long time and although, particularly in the Czech period, they really had full legal equality ... the fact is that while Jews and non-Jews depended on each other for many of the essentials in life, and we lived in the same society, we were not really part of the same community. There was hardly any visiting, sharing or gossiping.

I realise now that of Berehovo's three big and beautiful churches, I had never been inside any of them, and the chances are that none of the Christians had ever set foot in any of our synagogues. And when the chips were down, I do not know of a single instance of a Jew [from Berehovo] being saved or hidden by a non-Jew...........

But there are still so many prisons. Of poverty and of ignorance, of loneliness and being abandoned, of political tyrannies and religious fanaticism, bars around people made of racism, wounds inflicted by the barbs of intolerance and bigotry - all of them betrayals of humanity. Human rights are either the rights of all people or else they become a meaningless facade for a bankrupt conscience. Civil liberties are an empty slogan unless they guarantee every citizen freedom of opportunity to work where their talents best suit them, to live where they may choose and to enjoy an equal partnership in the brotherhood of humanity.'

The challenge for each one of us is: to what extent do we 'visit, share and gossip' with members of different faiths or are we living parallel lives as in Berehovo? Do we engage with people of different faiths? Are we sensitive to the needs of those around us who are lonely or feeling abandoned? Which of the two church responses is closer to that of the local church of which were are of member: Mousehole or Berehovo? Which of the two church responses reflects the life and teachings of Jesus?

Christian Muslim relations in the Gambia

2010-11-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

The Rt Rev Prof Peter Stephens, bishop of Gambia, in his regular 'Reflections' in the Methodist Recorder discusses Muslim Christian relations in this weeks edition.

The Gambia has a population that is 90% Muslim and less than 5% Christian, however, he records that all major gatherings begin with both Muslim and Christian prayers. Bishop Stephens writes that good relations depend on, and are helped by, 'knowing Muslims personally, by seeing them and their faith at their best, not their worst, and by discovering the similarities and differences'. He also reflects that 'besides sharing with Muslims we can also learn from them. They can help us to discover what we have lost in many churches. Through contact with them we may recover a sense of the sovereignty of God, the rhythm of a life punctuated by prayer and the reality of his concern for the whole life of our society (political, social and economic) and not just our personal life'.

It is not my usual practice to quote extensively as I have above, but what Bishop Stephens wrote seemed to be what each of us need to hear.

CCJ visit to Israel and Palestine

2010-11-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

In November I had the opportunity, courtesy of sponsorship by the Council of Christians and Jews [http://www.ccj.org.uk/] to participate in a twelve day study visit to Israel and Palestine. The group consisted of members of different Christian denominations, the majority of whom were Anglicans.

Father Revd David Cloake, one of the group, maintained a blog during the trip. You can read it at http://yadvashemccj.blogspot.com/

It was an enormous priviledge to part of the group, and I am deeply grateful to CCJ both for inviting me and organising the necessary sponsorship. I found the visit very challenging and am still processing what I saw and heard.

If anyone is interested in visiting Israel and Palestine, both CCJ and Forum for Discussion of Israel and Palestine [http://www.fodip.org/] - whose Director Dr Jane Clements was leader of the study trip - organise them.

District Inter Faith Relations Conference: Day 2

2010-07-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

District Inter Faith Relations Conference: 14-15th July 2010

I was really looking forward to our first visitor of the day Philip Lewis, as I had heard him speak before at the AGM of the Building Bridges. He was good then and even better this time, as before it was to a huge group of about a hundred people, here we were a small intimate group of about ten; what a privilege!
I was not disappointed. The only thing I regret is that I now suffer from senior moments so I was unable to retain all that he said and I cannot do shorthand. He is very much an academic, but one who is grounded in reality. He is gifted in giving the context from all sorts of perspectives. I would recommend his books (he has a number for reading).

The question he posed was ` How we live well together`. Although I have worked in Burnley for eight years, he gave me lots of new insights:-

a. Context of Islam – their history born to power and dominance, yet here in Britain they have to adapt to living in a democracy as a minority.

b. `Can one be equal as a minority within the Society`?

c. Both Islam and Christianity are mission faiths, how do we live well with our differences?

d. No - one is naturally a Muslim, just as no-one is naturally a Christian. All are individuals with diversity running through them; it reminded me of a stick of rock.

We then went on a circular tour of Bradford on the Free Bus. Barbara Glasson, Director of Touchstone Centre, had told us not to sit near each other but to use our ears and eyes to get an understanding of the different people in Bradford. What an array of people we saw, yet all had in common that they were going about their business of living. Inter faith relations needs to build on what we have in common not what is different. One thing which made me smile was that the age old courtesy of standing for your elders to sit down is alive and well in Bradford with all cultures and ages.

Time was running out on us now for some of our group as they had to get connecting trains. Some of them had travelled as far as Cornwall and Wales. They deserve a medal!

Our last three speakers, Ushna Dominic, Shabana Kauser (pictured above) and Awais Dominic (previously pictured with Barbara Glasson talking to Philip Lewis) told us their stories. It emphasised again the key role that women play in inter faith work. We heard about home, education and religion. They themselves felt that women were bringing about community change in a man’s world. Of course I agreed with this, but then as a woman I may be biased!

So what can I say in conclusion? A big thank you to all who shared this part of my journey with me. The one thing I am sure of is that the journey it is not yet over, and I am looking forward with hope, after hearing and seeing interfaith in action at Touchstone and wider Bradford.

My prayer for us all is what Awais shared with us. John Wesley’s rule for Christian Living:-
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can,
In all the ways you can, in all the places you can,
At all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever YOU CAN.”

Yours in his sonshine
Bea Foster

I am grateful to Bea for her reflections on the Conference.
Photographs: Joy Barrow
If you want further details of the opportunities for dialogue available at the Touchstone Centre see
http://www.touchstone-bradford.org.uk/
Joy Barrow, Inter Faith Relations Officer, Methodist Church in Britain.

District Inter Faith Relations Conference Day 1: afternoon

2010-07-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

District Inter Faith Relations Conference: 14-15th July 2010

After lunch the programme said ` Theological Perspectives on Inter faith Experience: Where is God in the middle of this? ` Oh dear, I thought when I read it, although I am a local preacher, there is no way I am going to open my mouth in the company of all these ministers. How wrong I was! The Conference title for the two days was `You just can`t get the stereotypes these days……..` I got my stereotypes wrong with this session in a big way. First – the word theological / then that the ministers would be all knowing.

The Revd Dr Dominic Moghal, who is a Community Outreach priest with a wicked sense of humour, shared the passages Genesis 16 and Luke 9.51. He then posed the question` What is God saying about inter faith relations`. Wow! What a session! The first passage is about the story of Ishmael being born to Hagar and the reactions of others players in the story. The second passage from Luke is again about the differing reactions of Jesus and James and John.

My learning was all about God`s ways are not our ways, but have we the courage to follow and trust with our actions what he is saying. Again the journey (for me) is all about the telling of our own stories in shared open and respectful spaces. You could read the two Bible passages yourself and think about what they mean for you.

We then visited the Doha mosque, getting wet through on the walk there. We had a wonderful welcome. It was here where I found out how people on the outside of Methodism watch what we do. The man who showed us around congratulated us on the brave stance we had taken at Conference about the boycotting of goods from occupied lands in Israel / Palestine. This is a complicated situation and the Inter Faith Relations Officer, Joy Barrow, has been having conversations with leaders of the Jewish community regarding the contents of the Report and its recommendations. Why I ask, do we in the pews never get to hear of these things and particular the decisions which we are supposed to support?

Then we moved onto, at breath neck speed to our next visitor. Rajinder Singh Panesar, whom I fell in love with at first sight, gave us a power point presentation. What a lovely, down to earth man who spoke my language. My knowledge of Sikhism has been much enhanced by his openness and honesty about the issues facing his community. Did you know they have a bedroom for their Holy Book? It made me question how we treat the Bible. There is a debate to be had here for us Christians.

We were then shown to our accommodation, which we were told was basic student digs in one of the Bradford University halls of residence nearby. Actually it was luxury compared to what I had in my student days. We then finished our evening in where else, but a Curry House, then back to digs for coffee and fellowship; it made me remember my student days all over again. The perfect end to an incredible day!

Bea Foster
Photographs: Joy Barrow

District Inter Faith Relations Conference: Day 1 morning

2010-07-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

District Interfaith Conference at Touchstone Centre, Bradford.

14-15th July 2010

I arrived at Touchstone Centre in Bradford on Wednesday at 10.45a.m. wondering what it was that I had let myself in for. I had high expectations for the Conference. As a person who had been involved in interfaith activities in the Burnley Circuit for a number of years, and in the last year having been elected to sit on the Building Bridges Committee in Burnley as a representative of the Methodist Church in Burnley, I wanted to try to find out how all of this fit within the structures of the Methodist Church. I did not know at this point what a tangled web I would get involved in.

I was greeted by a whole host of people, whose names I forgot in all of the very warm welcome. I later learned them again when we talked one to one. A lesson to be learnt within our journey on the Interfaith journey, the importance of relationship building. We very soon went into our first session of introductions and opening devotions, as always with these new situations I found myself very nervous. I felt even more nervous, when I realised that I was the only one who was not steeped in the Methodist tradition, and apart from one other person who was off to Fiji as a missionary partner.

One of the topics we touched on over the two days was ` Who is the stranger amongst us`? There were times when that is how I felt. This was no fault of anyone who was there; it was just that our experiences were different – not any better, not any worse, just different. Another lesson for me to learn on the journey, how what I was experiencing was mirrored in the complex nature of interfaith relationships. The acknowledgement of, and how, we value the diverse experiences we have within any group of people.

Bea Foster
Photograph: Joy Barrow

Methodist Conference fringe event

2010-07-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

On the Monday evening of Methodist Conference their was an Inter Faith Relations event. The title of the event - which was based on an extract from the 1999 Conference statement 'Called to Love and Praise' - was 'Personal and theological reflections on the spiritual journey: 'evangelism, social action and engaging with people of differing cultures and religious faiths'.

Christine Elliott, Strategic Leader for External Relations

who chaired the event and Barbara Glasson

About twenty people gathered in the Lord Mayor's Banqueting Hall of Portsmouth Guildhall where, after an excellent vegetarian buffet supper, we listened to the reflections of Barbara Glasson, Director of the Touchstone Centre in Bradford and Imran Malik, who was brought up in Pakistan and has recently completed his studies at Cliff College in preparation for becoming a Methodist presbyter. There was then a time of conversation where those present shared with others insights that they had gained from the two speakers and reflected on their own spiritual journeys.

Imran Malik with Trevor Durston and Steve Pearce

More participants who attended the fringe event

Exhibition Islam

2010-07-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

One of the close neighbours of Methodist Church House is the Islamic Cultural Centre and London Central Mosque in Regents Park. On 21 June I was invited to attend the Exhibition Islam that was being hosted at the mosque. Exhibition Islam is a registered UK charity and provides mobile, museum style displays to raise a greater understanding of Islam. The also provide a range of publications.

The exhibition at the London Central Mosque has a variety of Muslim exhibits of various kinds, although some I was unable to photograph due to their age and sensitivity to light.

The exhibition was opened in the morning, one of the speakers being the Revd Dr Marcus Braybroke who is President of the World Congress of Faiths and is pictured here with one of the organisers of the exhibition

If you have the opportunity to attend an event organised by Exhbition Islam it is well worth the visit. For further information of their events see http://www.exhibitionislam.com/; for information about World Congress of Faiths see http://www.worldfaiths.org/

St Philip's Centre Leicester

2010-07-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

St Philip's Centre in Leicester is one of three regional inter faith centres that are in relationship with the Methodist Church. On 8th June I visited St Philip's Centre to meet with its new Director, Canon Dr John Hall. It was an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Centre. While I was aware that they organised courses and lectures, as well as sporting events such as inter faith cricket and football matches, I was not previously aware that it can support people who are planning for a sabbatical. For those who are interested in an accredited course St Philip's offers courses in Interreligious Relations at Certificate, Diploma and MA levels, all of which are validated by De Montfort University.
For more information visit their website at http://www.stphilipscentre.co.uk/

Chester University students visit Southall

2010-03-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

Among my various activities is organising field trips for university students. For several years I have facilitated field trips in Sikh studies for trainee Religious Education students from Chester University. Lucy Edwards, who is a member of the Methodist Church and one of the students who visited Southall from 6th to 9th February, writes her reflections on the field trip.

As part of the PGCE course in Religious Education at the University of Chester, our group attended an enrichment trip to Southall (London). Dr Joy Barrow very kindly arranged a number of experiences that were designed to increase our understanding of Sikhism as a living faith, in a number of different contexts.

Sikhism believes in equality of birth and gender. In the picture above a woman is waving a chowri over the Sikh sacred sciptures, the Guru Granth Sahib.

The Sri Guru Singh Sahba Gurdwara in Havelock Road is the largest gurdwara in Europe. Its scale and grandeur is impressive, yet this does not distract from its egalitarian nature. We were lucky enough to visit on a day when the Guru Granth Sahib was being read aloud continuously (an Akhand Path), which is an extremely sacred experience for Sikhs. The atmosphere was relaxed and there seemed to be no prescriptive time to stay. An invitation to partake in langar (communal food) demonstrated the inclusiveness that is fundamental within Sikhism.

The Sikh Missionary Society in Featherstone Road presented a smaller and more intimate setting to learn about Sikhism. We listened to two Sikhs’ very personal accounts of how they came to their faith and had the opportunity to discuss various aspects of Sikhism that are not readily found in textbooks. We also had a talk about the importance of kirtan (meditative singing of the Guru Granth Sahib) and listened to some kirtan played on the dilruba.

Finally we visited a Sikh Sunday School run by dedicated volunteers at the Ramgarhia Sabha gurdwara in Oswald Road. To accomodate the numbers of pupils, a nearby primary school is hired each Sunday morning. Parents are welcome, as they often want to learn more about Sikhism and Punjabi, enabling them to be more involved in their children’s learning. Whilst speaking with a group of boys, I discovered that they all expressed their approach to the Sikh faith differently. This was mirrored in how they each displayed the physical symbols of their faith. Discussing to what extent they chose belief to shape their lives, in such a friendly setting, was refreshing and informative.

Through out all the visits, we were met with generosity and kindness. Sikhism, promotes the practice of faith within the everyday, stressing the importance of the family and the community. I felt an affinity with the Sikh faith, as there are many parallels between Sikhism and Methodism. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to experience Sikhism in Southall.

Photographs: Joy Barrow

National Inter Faith Week: part 2

2009-12-21T06:45:00.000-08:00

Among the many and varied meetings I attended during Inter Faith Week were:

Monday evening I attended a lecture organised by the Council of Christians and Jews at the House of Lords. The speaker was Shahid Malik MP, who is a minister in the Department for Communities and Local Government. After his speech he generously stayed for an additional thirty minutes, answering questions from the audience.

Tuesday evening I attended a consultation between representatives from groups in membership of the Inter Faith Network for the UK, and members of the British Humanist Association. The meeting was organised by the Inter Faith Network for the UK who together with the Department of Communities and Local Government co-sponsored Inter Faith Week, and held at Gresham College, London University. This was an important consultation and the first of its kind organised by the Inter Faith Network for the UK.

The member organisations of the Inter Faith Network include representative bodies from the Baha'i; Buddhist; Christian; Hindu; Jain; Jewish; Muslim; Sikh; and Zoroastrian communities; national and local inter faith bodies; and academic institutions and educational bodies concerned with inter faith issues. The consultation at Gresham College was an important opportunity for a meeting between people of faith and people of belief.

On the Wednesday I attended an event at the Zoroastrian Centre at Rayners Lane, Middlesex. I had previously been to other meetings at the Centre and the warm welcome and excellent food that I had experienced previously was replicated on this occasion. There were a variety of speakers, including Dr Harriet Crabtree, Director of the Inter Faith Network for the UK and Mr Warwick Hawkins who is a Civil Servant at the Department of Communities and Local Government. From the perspective of their different organisations, the success of Inter Faith Week owes much to the energy, enthusiasm and commitment of both Harriet Crabtree and Warwick Hawkins.

On the Thursday I attended an excellent evening for women at the Board of Deputies of British Jews. After some opening speeches, those present - about 100 people - went into groups considering different topics. I had previously decided to be a member of the group considering 'Women and Leadership'. It was a fascinating discussion as members from different faiths reflected on the concept of leadership in their own faiths. Some people were members of faiths that have an egalitarian theology while for others their faith had a clear hierarchy of leadership. Others present reflected on the difference between ordained and lay leaders in their faith. We also reflected on what we understood by 'leadership', and different kinds of leadership. Additionally, as women, we shared our experiences of leadership within our faiths and more widely. It was a fascinating evening that left me reflecting on several key issues that my group had raised, for example, situations where government organisations request a single representative from a faith which has an egalitarian theology and where congregations are independently organised.

On the Friday I had a new experience: I was a book! Warwick Hawkins had organised a 'Living Library' day at the Department for Communities and Local Government. [For further details of 'Living Libraries' see http://www.living-library.org//] There were 'books' who were members of the Baha'i, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Zoroastrian faiths. Before the day each of the books were asked to provide a photograph and a short paragraph about themselves and what topics they would be willing to discuss. Throughout the day the books were reserved by members of the Department for Communities and Local Government who, instead of reading a paper book, had conversations with their living books. I found myself answering questions about early church history, theological issues such as inspiration of scripture, the Trinity and inter faith relations, as well as more personal issues concerning my own Christian faith and how I became involved in Inter Faith Relations. By the end of the day I was both exhilarated and totally exhausted.

For details of some of the activities other members participated in during Inter Faith Week click on 'Inter Faith News' in the menu on the right hand side of the Inter Faith Relations pages.

Official launch of Inter Faith Week

2009-11-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

The first ever National Inter Faith Week in England and Wales begins on November 15th. The Week has been jointly sponsored by the Inter Faith Network for the UK http://www.interfaith.org.uk/ and the Department for Communities and Local Government. Inter Faith Week is an exciting opportunity to showcase the many different inter faith activities that have been taking place for many years at local, regional and national level.

This was demonstrated at the launch event that took place on November 12th at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster. Accompanying the launch there was an exhibition including stands by each of the nine main faiths in Britain - the Christian stand was co-ordinated by Churches Together in England although I ensured that there were Methodist Church Inter Faith resources available - together with Regional Faith Forums and international, national, and local inter faith groups. Although I was representing the Methodist Church there were other Methodist inter faith practioners present including, for example Rev Gareth Jones, the Inter Faith Development Officer of the West Midlands Faith Forum and Rev Inderjit Bhogal, the Chief Executive of the Yorkshire and Humberside Faith Forum and a former President of the Methodist Conference.

During the launch event there were speeches by politicians from the three main parties, including John Denham, M.P. the Secretary of State at the DCLG. However the two highlights of the event were, first, a youth music group that fused Indian and western instruments. Listening to them playing transported me - and from comments made other people present - to a spiritual realm.

The second highlight was short speeches from young people representing the nine main faiths in Britain. The youngest was in year 11 at school and the oldest were university students.

One of the young people was Esther Harrison, who is a member of the Methodist Church. While all their speeches were very well received, with her permission, below are the words of Esther's speech.

Hello, I’m Esti Copeland-Harrison.

Out in the exhibition you will see information about the work of many inter faith organisations. I’ve been asked to speak from my own experience about why inter faith dialogue and friendship is so important.

I was brought up in the Methodist church circuit in Newcastle and have always been part of services in the area. Like many, it was during Sunday School that I first began to ask questions. From a young age I was fascinated with the ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’, ‘where’, ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of the lessons we were taught there.

The Girls Brigade (which is an international and interdenominational Christian youth organisation) seemed like a natural progression from Sunday School when I grew older, although my passion for asking questions had by no means diminished!

I have grown up as a practising Christian but from a very early age I have been embraced by the Jewish community. My mother has always been heavily involved with the Council of Christians and Jews and this has afforded regular interactions with the local Orthodox Jewish community. I celebrate Christmas and Easter but am also heavily involved in Chanukah and Pesach celebrations and greatly look forward to a Seder meal each year!

My favourite Jewish festival is Purim (which is, as it happens, the festival dedicated to Queen Esther!). This festival is the most fun of all the Jewish festivals, where all the congregation of the synagogue join in the service by dressing up, throwing sweets and shaking rattles at the mention of the name of Haman - "the baddy" in the Purim story.

The customs, traditions and beliefs of Judaism have not merely enhanced my own faith -- they have been invaluable in my understanding and contextualising of Christianity. It is very easy to forget that Christianity was born out of Judaism; Christ himself was a great Rabbi and prophet. A great amount of Christians (and others) may benefit from experiencing aspects of the Jewish faith. I am so grateful to my Jewish friends in Newcastle who have welcomed me to their homes, services and festivals and who have educated and inspired me.

For me, my own pilgrimage has not meant travelling to a Holy Temple or a journey to a Promised Land, but it has been through the people, the communities, friendships, customs and traditions of Judaism and Christianity that has ‘kindled a flame in my heart’. Next September I hope to be reading Theology at University and continue to enjoy a bilateral dialogue between Judaism and Christianity which will also encompass other World Faiths.

President of the Methodist Conference welcomes Inter Faith Week

2009-11-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

As President of the Methodist Conference I warmly welcome the first national Inter Faith Week which begins on November 15th. Inter Faith Relations has and continues to be a priority of the Methodist Church and I am delighted that both its local Churches and individual members are contributing to the Week in a variety of different ways. As I have visited many towns and cities during my Presidential Year I have seen examples of the ways in which members of different faiths have worked together to help and support members of their local community. Inter Faith Week provides an opportunity to highlight the positive relations that exist between members of different faiths, both nationally and locally, and the ways in which they work together for the benefit of all people.

11 million takeover day

2009-11-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

On November 6th pupils from local schools visited Methodist Church House as part of 11 million takeover day. Among the different activities that were provided, I organised a workshop on Inter Faith football. After matching pictures of footballers with their names - I had tried to make it more difficult by including some non-Premier League players but the eight year old pupils completed the task quickly - we then considered a case study where one of the player's responsibilities to his club had conflicted with his religious commitment. The pupils then discussed different possible responses to the dilemma. I was very impressed with the high level of reasoning and problem solving skills displayed by the pupils. We then considered the way it had been resolved and noted how respect to the other's situation had been shown by both the player and the club.

Moral Maze at Southwark Cathedral

2009-11-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

About forty people attended the Moral Maze on 'Capitalism or Community; What have we learnedfrom the Financial Meltdown?' that was held at Southwark Cathedral on November 5th. The panel consisted of [from left to right] Paul Morrison, a member of the Connexional Joint Public Issues Team, Tarak El Diwany, Rabbi Jackie Tabick [chair], Rabbi Janet Darley and Charanjit Ajit Singh. The witnesses represented a range of viewpoints and panel asked some incisive questions.

Inter Faith Week

2009-10-30T03:42:00.000-07:00

The first national Inter Faith Week in England and Wales is from November, 15th to 21st with a launch event on November 12th. The Inter Faith Week in Scotland is taking place from November 22nd to 29th.

For those of you in the London area, there are a series of events at Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, SE1 9DA, three of which I am involved in organising. These are:

i. The Global Ethic Exhibition, which will be on display from October17th to November 12th.

ii. A Moral Maze style debate: 'Capitalism or Community? What have we learned from the Financial Meltdown?' It will start at 7.00 p.m. The event will be chaired by Rabbi Jackie Tabick. The panel will be Rabbi Janet Darley, Charanjit Ajit Singh, Tarak El Diwany and Paul Morrison, who is a Policy Officer at Methodist Church House. The experts will be Peter Challen, Professor Vince Daley, Duncan Law, Richard North at Atul Shah. Light refreshments will be available.

iii. Inter Faith Prayers for Peace on Remembrance Sunday, November 12, commencing at 4.30 p.m.

Special events, organised by local regional faith councils, are being organised throughout the England, Wales and Scotland. For details of events in your area, go to the relevant website listed below.

Please send reports of events you attend, and photographs if possible, to the inter faith relations office at interfaith@methodistchurch.org.uk so that as many as possible can be included on the Inter Faith Relations pages of the Methodist Church website.

East of England: http://www.eefaithscouncil.org.uk/

East Midlands: http://www.ffem.org.uk/

London: http://www.londoncivicforum.org.uk/

North East: http://www.nerfn.org/

North West: http://www.faithnorthwest.org.uk/

South East: http://www.se-faithforum.net/

South West: http://www.faithnetsouthwest.org.uk/

West Midlands: http://www.wmfaithsforum.org.uk/

Yorkshire and Humber: http://www.yorkshireandhumberfaiths.org.uk/

See also the main Inter Faith Week website http://www.interfaithweek.org.uk/

Wales: http://www.interfaithwales.org/

Scotland: http://www.scottishinterfaithcouncil.org/ The theme of Scottish Inter Faith Week this year is ‘A Place of Home and Welcome’.

The British National Party

2009-10-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

At a time when the controversy regarding the participation of Nick Griffin on the BBC programme Question Time continues, it is worthwhile remembering that the 2009 Methodist Conference approved the following motion:

SO 361A states: 'The Methodist Church believes that racism is a denial of the gospel. '
Conference notes:

Ca) with warm approval that the Church of England at their February General Synod voted to prohibit members of the clergy from being members of the BNP;
Cb) with deep dismay the recent electoral success of parties with nationalistic ideologies, in particular the BNP;
Cc) the certainty of a general election by June 2010;
Cd) the letter sent by the Equality and Human Rights Commission asking the BNP to make changes to its constitution to comply with the Race Relations Act 1976.*
Therefore Conference resolves:

1 that being a member of an organisation which promotes racism is not consistent with being a Methodist;
2 that the Methodist Council be directed to explore any changes needed to give fuller effect to the principle that being a member of any organisation whose constitution, aims or objectives promote racism is inconsistent with membership of the Methodist Church, or with employment which involves representing or speaking on behalf of the Methodist Church and, if so, to bring proposals to conference of 2010;
3 that the Connexional Team urgently identifies and makes available resources to enable all local churches, circuits & districts to engage with this issue, especially in the approach to a general election;
4 that the Joint Public Issues Team engage with Government and all church members addressing the social and economic issues that have created the current widespread disaffection with the mainstream political process;

5 that all members and officers of the Methodist Church be reminded of the gospel imperative to love and accept all God's children and to reject racism in all its forms. In addition, Conference asserts that those who support racist organisations are also God's children in need of love, hope and redemption.

*
Under the BNP Constitution the membership criteria limit membership to 'The indigenous British ethnic groups deriving from the class of 'Indigenous Caucasian' consist[ing] of members of: i) The Anglo-Saxon
Folk Community; ii) The Celtic Scottish Folk Community; iii) The Scots-Northern Irish Folk Community; iv) The Celtic Welsh Folk Community; v) The Celtic Irish Folk Community; vi) The Celtic Cornish Folk
Community; vii) The Anglo-Saxon-Celtic Folk Community; viii) The Celtic-Norse Folk Community; ix) The Anglo-Saxon-Norse Folk Community; x) The Anglo-Saxon-Indigenous European Folk Community; xi) Members of these ethnic groups who reside either within or outside Europe but ethnically derive from them.'

John Denham M.P. speaks at Methodist Church House

2009-10-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Rt Hon John Denham, MP, Secretary of State at the Dept of Communities and Local Government gave a speech on Inter Faith Relations and Politics at Methodist Church House before an audience who included members of the Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faiths. The event was organised by the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) and chaired by Bishop Angelos, moderator of the Churches' Inter Religious Network. In his speech, Mr Denham reflected positively on the relationship between government and faith communities and how they had worked together in the past, did so today, and should continue to do so in the future. To read a copy of the text of the speech click on the following link: http://www.communities.gov.uk/

Pictured below are Revd Bob Fyffe General Secretary of CTBI, Bishop Angelos and John Denham who answered questions from the audience after his speech.

There was a genuine spirit of dialogue and mutual respect during the question and answer session. It was good to hear the Secretary of State, who at the beginning of his speech described himself as a ‘secular humanist’, reject the idea that there was a secularist conspiracy to marginalise religion: ‘first and foremost, faith must be respected and its power acknowledged by government’. Mr Denham stated that his government believed that Christianity continued to make a distinctive contribution to national life and that the members of the different faith communities had enriched British society. As I listened to Mr Denham's speech I was reminded of the Cantle Report, to which he made reference during one of this answers. In his report Cantle emphasised that it was in towns like Southall and Leicester where different religions are celebrated in schools, the community and local government that there is community harmony. 'Religion is part of the solution, not the problem'.

Statement from Inter Faith Network for the UK

2009-10-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

The first national Inter Faith Week takes place next month. The Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK, of which the Methodist Church is a member, issued the following statement on 9 October.

“While inter faith relations in the UK are generally positive there are, from time to time, developments which seek to drive a wedge between our faith communities. These range from demeaning rhetoric which claims that some faith communities are less truly British to demands for restrictions on freedom to worship or on other aspects of practising one’s faith. While these views may be expressed in ways which remain just on the right side of the law they can still be deeply disturbing. There are also periodic reports of attacks on faith community property – from places of worship to cemeteries – and disruptive activities by extremist groups.

As we prepare for Inter Faith Week next month in different nations of the UK the importance of good inter faith relations is very much to the fore. As well as highlighting the positive aspects of working together, it is important that we continue to work, peacefully and effectively, to dispel negative stereotypes; counteract prejudice; prevent disagreement from leading to conflict; and work in mutually supportive ways to ensure that all our communities feel safe, secure and valued.

We must continue to work, with energy and commitment for a United Kingdom where all are free, within the law, to express their beliefs and convictions and practise their faith; where we handle differences well; and, while respecting the right of others to disagree with us, look always for points of commonality and shared values on which we can build together.”

Dr G L Bhan, Co-Chair
Rt Revd Tom Butler, Co-Chair

Dr Manazir Ahsan MBE, Vice-Chair
Hon Barnabas Leith, Vice-Chair
Dr Indarjit Singh CBE, Vice-Chair
Mr Vivian Wineman, Vice-Chair

For more information about the Inter Faith Network for the UK see www.interfaith.org.uk

Visit to Touchstone Centre, Bradford

2009-10-01T02:05:00.000-07:00

From the 9-10th of September I spent two fascinating days at the Touchstone Centre in Bradford. I hadn't been to Bradford for many years. Walking around Bradford, guided by the Revd Dr Barbara Glasson, its Director, one image remains with me: the scoreboard of the local cricket club in the foreground, and in the distance the dome of a mosque on the left and the spire of a church on the right.

I asked Barbara to share about the work of the Centre; she writes as follows:

If you look 'touchstone' up in the dictionary you will come up with two things, firstly a stone that reveals whether something is real gold or just a base metal - and secondly a fool.

And that's what it feels like to be here. As I sit at my desk looking out across the Bradford back yards and alleys outside my window where a small cohort of chickens scratch about between the wheelie bins. As I watch the Fresher’s nervously arriving at Bradford College and University chatting with the new friends they have come across on their tour round the campus I realise the dilemma of discerning what is 'true gold' in this mix of city contradictions. But then I am new to Bradford and to this office perched in a high Victorian house. Touchstone has the wisdom of 20 years being here in this multi-cultural and multi-faith environment.

So, what is Touchstone? Well, it's a group of people that make a small community base here whilst scurrying about doing other things: Awais working with small groups of women of various faiths, creating understanding and enabling some creative writing workshops, 'Poetry for Peace'. Then there's Deacon Ray, engaged with the student chaplaincy, which is not only ecumenical but also planning the development of an Inter Faith centre in a University complex where students are predominantly Muslim.

In the attic, resides the Beacon project which is an ecumenical initiative working with refugees and asylum seekers, providing front line support, accompaniment at court cases and a band of McKenzie friends who are companions to people struggling to find their way through the legal complexities of being an asylum seeker.

All this is backed up by Ruth and David the Touchstone administrators, and a band of regular volunteers.
Ah yes, and there's me, the new team leader, finding my way through the intricacies of this fascinating city, beginning to work out what it means to be here, how we grow into our status of being 'a connexionally significant project' and discerning how Touchstone can take a step into becoming something new and fresh whilst honouring the wisdom that comes from the past.

There is certainly a foolishness about attempting all this in a place where economic deprivation and inter-faith and inter-cultural friction are never far from the surface. But, having received an unexpected visit from my neighbours this week with the gift of a selection of wonderful curries that they had prepared for their Eid celebrations, I am also coming to see that to be Touchstone also reveals pure gold!

Methodist President signs Blasphemy law petition

2009-08-26T03:32:00.000-07:00

A Petition on the Blasphemy law in Pakistan has been signed by The Revd David Gamble, President of the Methodist Church. In doing so he has written:'The Methodist Church in Britain is committed to giving due respect to all religions and especially to minority groups. We pray for our sisters and brothers in Pakistan and call for the rights of all to be respected'.

The Petition, the text of which is below, is now available to be signed electronically by clicking on the following hyperlink and following the instructions: http://pakistansignnow.petitionhost.com/

The Petition states:

'Christians and Muslims around the world as well as people of other faiths and those who do not adhere to any religion will have been hearing with real concern, the news of the attacks on the Christian villages of Gojra and Qorian in Pakistan resulting in the deaths of at least seven innocent men, women and children. This was the latest in such attacks over many years and has attracted international condemnation from religious and political leadership in Pakistan and internationally.

One of the causes of such attacks is the ability of extremists and others with private motivations, to incite attacks on Christians and on occasion also on Muslims; and the inability of the police and local judiciary to protect innocent people. The blasphemy laws currently in force in Pakistan provide such people with the means to incite violence and seem to have played a part in the recent incidents which led to the death of a number of Christians.

Following widespread discussions with Christian partners and correspondents in Pakistan, Christian and Muslim organisations in the United Kingdom and with the Pakistan authorities, there is a desire amongst many people to express their concerns to the Government of Pakistan and to press for change in the blasphemy legislation and for the protection of Christians and others who are suffering from its abuse.'

Vasdev Singh Bhamrah (1938-2009)

2009-08-10T04:45:00.001-07:00

It is with deep sadness that the Inter Faith Relations Office learned of the passing of Vasdev Singh Bhamrah, Patron of the Wolverhampton Inter-Faith Council (WIFC), on 31 July 2009. Vasdev Singh had been actively involved in the Wolverhampton Inter Faith Group from its earliest days and members of their executive committee were official guests at the Methodist Conference in July.

Vasdev Singh has correctly been called an Ambassador of Peace. The Methodist Church sends its deepest sympathy to his family, members of the Wolverhampton Inter-Faith Council and his many friends.

Guidelines for Christian-Muslim witness

2009-07-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Christian-Muslim Forum, whose founding patron is Archbishop Rowan Williams, is an organisation that has links to the Methodist Church, and whose mission statement reflects the ethos of the Methodist Church in its relations with people of different faiths. The Chief Executive and Co-Director of the Christian Muslim Forum, Julian Bond, is a Methodist and other Methodist members are actively involved with its work.

Last month the Christian Muslim Forum launched guidelines for Christian-Muslim witness that provide a very helpful basis for dialogue not only between Christians and Muslims, but all inter faith dialogue. For a copy of the guidelines see www.christianmuslimforum.org.

The Inter Faith Network for the UK, with which the Methodist Church is in relationship, have a code of conduct that is supported by all the main Christian Churches. For a copy of their code of conduct see http://www.interfaith.org.uk/.

The Council for the Parliament of World Religions

2009-07-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Council for the Parliament of World Religions will be held in Melbourne, Australia in December.The Parliament will run for seven days with approximately 450 events including key note addresses, seminars, conferences, debates, performances, concerts and exhibitions. For further details see www.parliamentofreligions.org.

Inter Faith Relations event at the Methodist Conference

2009-07-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

Those who were fortunate enough to attend the Inter Faith Relations fringe event during the Methodist Conference experienced a wonderful evening. It was organised by the Inter Faith Relations Office at Methodist Church House. After a welcome by myself as Inter Faith Relations Officer, Gareth Jones, the Inter Faith Relations Director of the West Midlands Faith Forum who had supported me in the organisation of the event, introduced the four speakers and chaired the evening. Those present then listened to reflections on Inter Faith Relations in the 21st century from the perspectives of the Buddhism, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faiths.

Erik Pearse, Treasurer, Wolverhampton Inter-Faith Council, commented in an e-mail: ‘I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the meeting on Monday and how interesting and well-organised it was. A joy to hear four feminine perspectives, each so very different in their approach. Many thanks again for a most interesting evening’.

You can read another comment on the evening at the blog
http://42.blogs.warnock.me.uk/2009/07/some-beautiful-women.html

A fuller report of the evening will be posted shortly on the Inter Faith Relations pages of the Methodist Church website: http://www.methodist.org.uk/interfaith

President's speech

2009-07-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

In his Presidential speech, the Revd David Gamble stated: 'Surely it is in everyone's interest for us to create safer spaces for people of different faith traditions and none to come together and share their experience and understanding and their commitment to a better life for everyone?.. One of the most striking things [in the Gambia] is the relationship between the small minority four per cent Christian and majority Muslim communities. Relationships between people of different faiths is not just a London or larger city issue, its for all of us...'