Interfaith

Why interfaith?

There are different motivations for getting involved in this field: 

  • Local reality – some areas are overwhelmingly of a different faith
  • Spiritual interest
  • Evangelism
  • Need for good inter –community relations in order to promote social stability (community cohesion)
  • Partnership working with the statutory or voluntary sectors requires cooperation
  • Mission imperative to be a good neighbour. 

The 2001 census showed the extent of religious diversity within the diocese.

Population by Religion (2001) of Local Authorities within (or partly within) Manchester Diocese 

Interfaith – knowledge, relationship, process

While a knowledge of other faiths is an essential component, it is only one element of an interfaith strategy. In the current social and economic context of the UK, the interfaith agenda is also about managing the dynamic relationships between communities (with faith as a key component of identity within those communities). So, more than an appreciation of the theology, liturgy and canons of alternative traditions, the field of interfaith is a complex overlap of different activities and concepts: theological sharing, community relationships, partnership development etc. It is even possible to engage in some of the partnership activities without the associated knowledge of other traditions.

The diocese is seeking to promote an understanding which encompasses all the different elements of the interfaith agenda: 

  • Knowledge of other faith traditions
  • Resource persons in each deanery equipped to deal with their local interfaith context
  • Involvement in local interfaith networks (associated with partnerships)
  • Involvement in other interfaith groups
  • Promoting local contacts (parish and community)
  • Faith role in promoting community cohesion
  • Production of resources to support all of the above.

Faith to Faith

Diocesan Synod has committed itself to interfaith engagement through the adoption of the Faith to Faith statement. Download Faith to Faith here.

Guests, hosts and identity - Events with other faith communities

Civic events today try to involve representatives of the different mainstream faith communities. These may take place in 'neutral' venues - anywhere from a town square to a football stadium.

Christians may be asked to help plan such events or wonder how to respond to invitations to take part.

Churches may also want to invite people from other faith-communities to their own special events - a community festival, the licensing of a new minister, a dialogue or an act of memorial. These occasions can be very powerful statements of good neighbourliness - and show that people of religious conviction can promote together the good of where they live. But they can also cause misunderstanding. How can churches organise or take part in a way that respects everyone's identity, including their own?

Click here for some guidelines produced by the Church of England's Mission and Public Affairs Council and endorsed by the Bishop's Advisory Group on Liturgy and Worship in Manchester Diocese.

For further information please contact the Diocesan Interfaith Adviser, Revd Steve Williams.