New report calls for Inter Faith Week to be strengthened
Inter Faith Week should continue to be a key part of interfaith work in the UK as communities face growing division and hate, according to a new report.
Tensions from the conflict in Israel and Palestine have led to a dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents, and far-right riots last August targeted mosques and Muslim-owned businesses in UK cities.
This has left many interfaith workers scared and disheartened. One said, “It's too fraught, the fault lines are too volatile, and the danger of personal blowback is too great."
The report was based on conversations with faith groups across the country. It found that negative media coverage of religion and a lack of funding and government support are major challenges for Inter Faith Week.
The report suggests including smaller faiths and non-religious people, reaching beyond the usual participants, and connecting schools, universities, and local communities.
It also calls for activities throughout the year, better support for grassroots efforts, and stronger help from government, media, and large organisations.
Quakers and interfaith work
Quakers, who work with other faiths to build understanding, were represented at the report's launch in Parliament last week.
Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said: “In a world where it's easy to focus on difference, Inter Faith Week reminds us that deep connections and shared values can bring people together.
“Quakers are proud to be part of that work."
The Labour government has not reinstated funding for the Inter Faith Network, but it did support last year's Inter Faith Week with a grant, and helped bring about this report.
Quakers had a positive meeting in January with Faith Minister Wajid Khan, a practising Muslim, to discuss the future of government support for interfaith relations after writing to him last September.
They have since had several positive conversations with Ministry officials about the role of faith in strengthening community cohesion.
Alongside a rejuvenated Inter Faith Week, Quakers are calling for a new national forum for interfaith dialogue that is backed by the government and co-created with the full spectrum of faith voices in the UK.