For the launch of Inter Faith Week on Thursday 12th November CTE were commissioned to produce a display outlining Christian Faith and Inter Faith Relationships and Action.

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FIND OUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR AREA IN INTER FAITH WEEK

Information can be accessed through the Faiths Forums in the Regions and the London Civic Forum:

North East Regional Faiths Network

Northwest Forum of Faiths

Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum

Faiths Forum for the East Midlands

West Midlands Faiths Forum

East of England Faiths Council

South East of England Faiths Forum

Faith Net  South West

London Civic Forum

SHORT UPDATE ON TWO EVENTS LAUNCHING INTER FAITH WEEK

Event hosted by CLG and the Inter Faith Network for the UK, 12th November

300 people attended the launch hosted by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Inter Faith Network for the UK at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre Westminster.

As well as input from Rt Hon John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and others, young people of different faiths and from the regions of England spoke about their involvement in their faith, in social action and inter faith work. Their enthusiam and sincerity was very evident as was their commitment and their various achievements in dialogue and action.

A session on faith based social action emphasised that faith communities action is strongest where the social need is greatest. Faith communities have been around for a long time and will be for a long time to come. They are good partners, good citizens and good players in local neighbourhoods.

The "barrier breaking capacity" of faith communities was very evident in the numerous displays by the faith communities and the regional faiths forums as well as the input from the stage. Faith provides "an opportunity to heal wounds in a fragile world".  The contribution of faith communities to society needs to be enhanced and encouraged.

Faith Communities Reception at Lambeth Palace Monday 16th November 09

The Archbishop of Canterbury welcomed representatives of the faith communities and inter faith bodies, for what was a happy second gathering for many who had attended the event on 12th November.  Archbishop Rowan highlighted the fact that faith communities are part of the solid structure of society and a great resource for good. The Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks of Aldgate, spoke of this country has being unequalled in its degree of closeness of the faith communities, which makes a significant difference to the climate of tolerance. Dr Manazir Ahsan MBE, Director of the Islamic Foundation and Vice-Chair of the Inter Faith Network for the UK, spoke of faith communities having something valuable to offer, they contribute to uplifting society and work for the welfare of all.

Commissioner Elizabeth Matear, Moderator of the Free Churches Group and a CTE President, together with Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala, Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain, read the Statement by the Faith Communities at the outset of Inter Faith Week, entitled "In co-operation for the Common Good". This was then signed by the senior representatives and other guests.

A message was received from Her Majesty the Queen in which was said "Britain's faith communities are to be admired for the important contribution that they make to our society and I share your hope that this statement of commitment and unity will reinforce the Millennium Resolution drafted nearly ten years ago. Please convey my best wishes to all concerned for a most memorable and successful event."