Links

FaithAction – www.faithaction.net

FaithAction is a national network that has received government funding to be the voice of faith and community organisations delivering public services. Through a national staff team and nine regional offices, FaithAction is bringing together grassroots organisations that are delivering or seeking to deliver public services and helping them access funds, deliver contracts and create more effective partnerships with government at every level.

Faith Based Regional Network – www.fbrn.org.uk

FbRN UK is the leading national multi faith network for community regeneration and social action. It reaches 9,000 individuals and projects, and all faiths. There vision is to enable faith based practitioners to learn and gain inspiration from each other and to establish a conduit between policy makers and practitioners.

Interfaith Week Website – www.interfaithweek.org

The Inter Faith Week website contains many useful resources for event organisers, and information on this year’s theme. We would encourage you to register your Week activity on the site, to increase awareness – you can do this at https://www.interfaithweek.org/events/register . You can also sign up for the mailing list by clicking the link at the bottom of the home page.

Interfaith Organisations in the South East

Berkshire – Local Branch of the Council of Christians and Jews http://www.ccj.org.uk/

Bracknell Forest Interfaith Forum 

Brighton & Hove – Local Branch of the Council of Christians and Jews http://www.ccj.org.uk/

Brighton and Hove Inter-Faith Contact Group http://www.interfaithcontactgroup.com/

We create opportunities and safe spaces for people of different faiths and none to meet and talk. Most of our members and friends belong to faith groups but many don’t. Those that do not belong to a faith group may simply appreciate the interfaith ethos, and the work we carry out. We organise regular events like our Friendship Hour and gatherings and vigils in answer to current and community needs. We have served as Chaplain to the Mayor on a number of occasions and been around for nearly 30 years.

Bromley Three Faiths Group https://bromley3faithsgroup.org/

The B3FG was formed in 2016 through a culmination of a series of discussions with people from the three Abrahamic (Jewish, Christian and Islamic) faiths with a collective interest in sharing experiences and knowledge of our beliefs and practices to establish an interfaith group within Bromley.  Our primary objective is through promoting a greater understanding of each other’s faiths, both in belief and in practice, with the ultimate aim of nurturing a more harmonious and peaceful society.  We plan to achieve this through community engagement, working together on shared goals, and enhancing mutual understanding through theological discussion.

Canterbury and District Inter Faith Action (CANDIFA) https://candifa.gbsite.org/candifa/

Candifa, is a local interfaith group has the following Vision: Our vision is of a society where there is understanding of the diversity and richness of the faith communities in the UK and the contribution that they make, and where we live and work together with mutual respect and shared commitment to the common good. Candifa supports this Vision and seeks to advance public knowledge and mutual understanding of the teachings, traditions and practices of different faith and belief communities and promote good relations between persons of different faiths and beliefs in the Canterbury area.

Crawley Interfaith Network Facebook

East Sussex – Women’s Interfaith Network local group https://wominet.org.uk/

Our grassroots social groups welcome those of all faiths and no faith to build connection in their local area, as well as wider-reaching project work. We are committed to building a better, more inclusive society through promoting friendship and embracing difference. Building friendships and solidarity between women is at the heart of what we do. We use the power of these connections as a foundation for creating positive change in local areas across the country. WIN has no political or religious affiliations and we aim to provide a welcoming space for all women.

Hastings – Local Branch of the Council of Christians and Jews http://www.ccj.org.uk/

Interfaith MK (Milton Keynes) http://www.interfaithmk.org.uk/

InterFaith MK is a multi-faith group, made of people who are interested to learn more about the different religions that are practised in Milton Keynes, and to break down the barriers of suspicion and ignorance that can exist between them.

Maidstone Inter Faith Network http://www.mifn.org.uk/

Maidstone Inter-Faith Network (MIFN) was formed in 2018 when a few like-minded people of different faiths in Maidstone felt the need to develop stronger links between themselves and other faiths in the area.  The network continues to grow: our mission is to promote, organise and support inter-faith activities in the Maidstone area to learn about faith and belief traditions, inform others, reduce misunderstanding and improve community relationships.

Medway Inter Faith Action Forum http://www.medwayinterfaith.org.uk/

MIFA is a colourful group of people who have got together to foster friendships across people of different faiths. We have a Forum meeting almost every month, at the Medway Council offices, which is open to the public and where everyone is welcome. There are talks and presentations where we explore the beliefs and history of a particular faith; or we discuss a topic that is relevant for the dialogue between religions and people of different faiths and beliefs. We share our values and aspirations and learn to understand and respect each other’s world views.

Milton Keynes Council of Faiths https://www.mkcoff.uk/

Milton Keynes is a vibrant city with many different cultures and faith communities. The Council of Faiths brings faith communities closer together. For more information, see: Council of Faiths.

North Kent Interfaith https://www.northkentinterfaith.org.uk/

North Kent Interfaith exists to connect the faith communities of North Kent. We work to build meaningful relationships and to enabling deepening mutual understanding. North Kent is rich in ethnic, cultural and faith diversity. Our current members include representatives from the Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Pagan, and Christian communities. We share together in regular gatherings and activities, exploring our various traditions and celebrating our common ground. We strive to be open and welcoming to all – please do contact us if you’d like to find out more. North Kent Interfaith is legally constituted as the North Kent Council for Inter Faith Relations – Kent Thameside.

Oxford – Local Branch of the Council of Christians and Jews http://www.ccj.org.uk/

Oxford Council of Faiths http://www.oxcof.org.uk/

In 2004, the idea of an Oxford Council of Faiths was first put to an Interfaith Dialogue Group, with the aim of understanding and gaining respect for other theologies and practice. The driving force for an Oxford Council of Faiths was a retired clergyman, David Paterson, who had been part of the development of two Councils of Faith in Leicestershire and seen how they can contribute to inter-community understanding and tolerance. Working through the Interfaith Dialogue Group, an initial discussion document was produced. A small working group of representatives of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist faiths met regularly from June 2006. A consultation was held on 14 November 2007, and a new steering group was formed with Bede Gerrard as Chair, working on a proposed business plan for the Council of Faiths which was put to Oxford City Council. To meet the aim of social and community cohesion, the Council generously agreed to fund the start-up costs and the 2008 Peace Walk. The annual Peace Walk has continued since then. The new Council was launched on 19 June 2008 in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Sir Hugo Brunner; Oxford’s Lord Mayor, Susanna Pressel; and, from the national Interfaith Network, Harriet Crabtree and Stella Opoku-Owusu.

 

Oxford Interfaith Forum https://oxfordinterfaithforum.org

We facilitate collaboration between academia, professionals, and policymakers across the world by exploring various academic disciplines in interfaith contexts with interdisciplinary lenses.

We acknowledge that interfaith cooperation is the key to transforming a religiously diverse society into a more just, kind, and pluralistic nation.

We aim to educate the next generation about a multifaith world, and equip them with vision, knowledge, and skills for engaging positively with complex diversity issues in religious worldviews.

We believe that a religiously pluralistic society stands on three pillars:

✓ Respect for Identities
✓ Mutually Inspiring Relationships
✓ Commitment to the Common Good

We offer the expertise and experience needed to bridge differences and find common values for people of different faiths, worldviews, and traditions.

We invite individuals and institutions to partner with us on bridge-building projects.

Our purpose is to make interfaith cooperation a vital part of education and ultimately a positive force in our society.

Reading Interfaith Group – https://www.rifg.uk

The Reading Interfaith Group (RIFG) was founded in 1985 to build connections and dialogue across religious and faith differences. In the multi-cultural and multi-ethnic hub that Reading has become, the RIFG seeks to promote mutual tolerance and friendship across different faiths, religions, and spiritual traditions, thereby affirming that diversity is a strength. In this way the RIFG works towards healing and peace.

Slough Faith Partnership http://www.sloughfaithpartnership.org.uk/

The Slough Faith Partnership is an association of faith‐based communities fostering an interactive dialogue which recognises and rejoices in difference and seeks to develop an awareness of spirituality, harmony and cohesion across the faiths.
Their aims are:
• To promote respect and the acceptance of difference across faiths while working in partnership to identify common values.
• To address issues which face the faith communities in Slough through inter‐faith partnership working.
• To promote understanding and joint working across faith communities in Slough

Southampton Council of Faiths http://www.southampton-faiths.org/

Their mission statement is: Promoting mutual understanding and good relations among people of different faiths in the city

Surrey Interfaith Forum https://www.smef.org.uk/surrey-interfaith-forum

The purpose of the Surrey Interfaith Forum (SIF) is to harness and build on the work that has been carried out during the pandemic with faith leaders and partners to support the communities of Surrey. The SIF will bring the strength of faith communities together, make the best use of collective resources and work in collaboration, strategically with partners, on priorities for Surrey’s communities in delivering the 2030 Community Vision for Surrey.

Key Objectives:

To increase the understanding and awareness of faith and beliefs

To enhance dialogue, connections, and community cohesionTo coordinate activities and resources leading to efficiency and wider benefit to communities.

To create conduits through ‘trusted voices’ and support with important messaging to communities

Maidstone Interfaith Network https://www.mifn.org.uk

WAMCF (Windsor and Maidenhead Community Forum) – https://www.wamcf.org

The Windsor & Maidenhead Community Forum (WAMCF) was launched in 1981 by founding members Karnail Pannu, Fazal Awan, Dr Jonathan Romain, Peter Hudson and Dr Mike Bruton. Its primary aim is to strengthen understanding, mutual respect and trust between the different faiths within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Woking People of Faith http://www.wpof.org.uk/

At Woking People of Faith, we are a welcoming, diverse group dedicated to fostering understanding and connection across cultures and religions. Volunteering with us is a fantastic way to gain meaningful experiences, learn about different faiths, and contribute to building a harmonious community.

Other Useful Websites