On 21/22 May, 32 senior representatives of local, regional and national interfaith organisations across England gathered in the Forest of Dean in rural Gloucestershire to plot a new course for interfaith dialogue in the country. The two-day conference was organised by Faith in Society Director Warwick Hawkins and hosted by the human rights campaigner and author Zerbanoo Gifford at the ASHA Centre, which she founded. The Centre is an international charity offering wellbeing retreats, training of interfaith ministers and young leaders, and a platform for reconciliation and dialogue.
The Interfaith Conference came in the context of heightened tensions between different faith groups in Britain, exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere. The closure of the Inter Faith Network for the UK has also left many involved in interfaith work feeling disheartened and isolated. There has been a particular question mark over the future of Inter Faith Week, an annual focus for inter faith dialogue and social action occurring every November. The Faith & Belief Forum recently led a government-funded consultation exercise on the future of the Week (the report was co-written by Warwick).
A strong sense of opportunity and new energy emerged during the Conference, and it was agreed that people of faith working together have the power to change things. Among the specific conclusions reached was that there should be greater organisation and communication between faith sector organisations to provide clearer messaging, avoid duplication and maximise resources; and better social outreach to communicate the good work being done by grassroots organisations. It was also agreed that there should be a National Steering Group to oversee Inter Faith Week, and that local interfaith groups could do much more to share good practice and offer mutual support. The group committed to using its best efforts to make Inter Faith Week 2025 a success, and to continuing to work together.
Warwick said: “Faith in Society was honoured to be asked to organise this conference. Interfaith activity in the UK is at something of a crossroads, and everyone involved was pleased to be able to help chart its future course in such a beautiful and inspiring setting.”