Holistic Health

One of the first stories added to the PEN website was about health preachers in Waltham Forest - a group of faith leaders who had been trained together to promote key health messages in their respective congregations.

Two stories just in illustrate faith communities still have a role to play in promoting better health ..............

London is now the Tuberculosis capital of Europe and health services are again turning to faith groups to raise awareness and promote information about services. Monday 24th March is World TB day and there will be an event at Regent Hall, 275 Oxford Street, W1C 2DJ detailing how religious communities might take the lead in piloting new ways of working with health professionals in preventing the spread of TB and ensuring early detection. For details and registration sese the London Bourghs Faiths Network blog here

Meanwhile in Shoreditch a Christian run GP practice is developing it's work in 'whole person care'. Helen Moules blog on the Contextual Theology Centre website invites you to find out more at a breakfast meeting on  Thursday 20th March, 8.30am. This project is scalable and replicable -  in other words could happen in your area too.

Food, Fasting and Faith

Just as Lent was beginning and Christians were being called to fast, the Danish Government issued a ban on ritual slaughter, citing animal rights.

Jewish and Muslim lobby groups cried fowl and  the Agriculture Minister then apologised for not having consulted faith groups before the ban!

In the UK the president-elect of the British Veterinary Association, John Blackwell, was interviewed on Radio 4 re his challenge to ritual slaughter on the grounds of animal welfare.

The Joseph Interfaith Foundation issued a statement in response to his comments and a week later The Tablet carried an article on the subject which neatly summed up the debate; can faith groups who established a humane ways of securing a meat supply centuries ahead of society at large be encouraged to look again at their practice in the light of research which suggests further improvements are necessary to ensure the animal welfare.

Given that practices in meat production are flawed, becoming a vegetarian for Lent( if not permanently) seems like a good option.

Download a briefing paper with links here

Present without a Presence ..........some thoughts

A guest blog by Rev’d Craig Barber – Chaplain London Met University.

One of the great joys of University chaplaincy is the incredible diversity of activity that one finds oneself engaged in.
The pressures upon students, staff and related stakeholders in the wider community arising from ongoing periods of change experienced by Higher and other sectors of Education create something of a maelstrom. Being at the centre of this is part of the University the chaplain's role. More specific to London Met, the ever revolving door of students from many nationalities and faiths flowing in and out from semester to semester and the demands they bring in terms of advice, wellbeing, academic retention, employability demands and general life and faith support create an incredible pressure for any chaplaincy team (ie myself and a part-time colleague who himself has the pressure of being URC chaplain ‘at large’ across London) to carry. It is a joyful ministry – working with younger people always is but it is also an intense one encountering individuals at their most vulnerable, away from home or country, family and cultural/faith norms and in a fast moving and steady paced environment. 

That is something of the context in which I find myself fulfilling the call to be attentive to the presence of God. Attentiveness is vital in the role of university chaplaincy. Being able to read the various situations one finds oneself in and often having to contribute to decision making that falls way outside what one would consider the Priestly task is all about viewing the world of the University through a different lens – ensuring that the whole development of the student is a life building and changing experience rooted in the self as whole. Naturally like those engaged in other forms of ministry and support the demands are too varied and often just too much! Individual student and staff contact, management team meetings, policy development and research all eat away at that precious attentive task. I suppose it’s rather Benedictine to suggest that although at times these tasks are tiresome, they are of themselves prayer and presence. Somehow infiltrating the institutional structures in a slightly subversive manner to do your bit to ensure the care and development of the individual spiritually, academically and socially. All this is often undertaken out of sight of most people both within the University and The Diocese. It is a ministry of shadows – offering an ever presence without always being able to be physically present. (This is particularly true at London Metropolitan University with several campus sites to cover and 17,000 students or so with all students living off-site). It is a ministry of self-realisation – reading the context in all its complexity and realising that it isn’t possible to effect or affect as one may desire. A humbling Ministry as one struggles to create a legitimacy for chaplaincies existence both inward and to the wider Church. A ministry that relies upon a deep seated prayer life and daily sacramental encounter be that through The sacraments or in touching the lives of fellow humankind.

Fr Craig – Lead Chaplain c.barber@londonmet.ac.uk

Mitzvah Day in Whetstone

Guest Blog by Revd Dr Gregory  Platten

 In my early months as Vicar of All Saints, Friern Barnet, I was approached by our neighbours at the Sha’arei Tsedek Synagogue to take part in Mitzvah Day, along with friends from the Muslim Community and Education Centre (MCEC) in Palmer’s Green. Mitzvah Day (Hebrew for command) is a Jewish day of social action and outreach, but it has branched out, seeking to build friendships between other faith traditions with ‘Mitzvah Interfaith Day.’

Our task, which was agreed mutually, was to work together to collect donations of food from the public outside Waitrose in the High Road, Whetstone for Homeless Action in Barnet, and also to collect donations of clothes from our three communities. The clothes would be given to Homeless Action in Barnet and the North London Hospice.

It fell on Sunday, 17^th November this year, and our three communities worked well together. The planning, though, began months before, and relationships were built through meetings and discussion. A visit by members of All Saints’ Church and Sha’arei Tsedek Synagogue to the MCEC on the evening of 10^th November, the week before, cemented these new bonds. It was a hugely enjoyable tour, during which we offered generous hospitality; we also spent the evening planning the tasks of the following week, with the great assistance of Daniela Pears of the Mitzvah Day Foundation.

Our Mitzvah Interfaith Day itself attracted a good number of volunteers from all three communities: from teenagers, to children, and older adults: Waitrose customers and passers-by-commented on how surprised and delighted they were to see young people and adults from the three Abrahamic faith communities united for the common good, and for the benefit of the least well-off in our society. As the shop collection carried on, other teams from the three communities were sorting clothes and packing them at All Saints’ Church Hall, so that they could be transported to the various charities.

We were overwhelmed with the generosity of donations. I think I speak for all three faith communities, too, when I say how much we have all gained from working closely together, united not by dialogue about difference, but in common purpose for God’s poorest ones in our locality.

It is a great way of building local links with other faiths, as you plan and work together. There were practical frustrations and problems, all of which were overcome, and through which stronger relationships emerged. It is highly likely that we will unite again, perhaps on Mitzvah Interfaith Day next year, perhaps sooner.

Further possibilities of connection and contact have also emerged. There is something unique about working together logistically and practically; it offers opportunities that cannot be found in the (extremely valuable) work of dialogue and theological discussion. In the end, working practically for the common good as one,  there is a feeling that one is able to fulfil God’s will for the poor in a tangible and immediate way.

Singing and Festivities

The Mixed Up Chorus Rehearse

What better way to cope with the long dark evenings, the damp and the cold than to sing? Two new choirs have sprung to life in recent weeks. The Contextual Theology Centre's own Tom Daggett has been working with Revd Niall Weir at St Paul's West Hackney. In just a few weeks the Cantignorus Chorus has formed, learnt a specially composed song, and made a recording at Angel studios. Due for release in a couple of weeks 'Holding Out a Helping Hand to You' hopes to challenge for the Christmas No 1 slot. What is really special about the choir is that it brings together people form diverse groups, many of whom are vulnerable or excluded. The enterprise is part of the wider SingSpire Community music project which aims to use music as a way of helping people value themselves and build up the wider community  across some of the barriers that often divide. Read Tom's recent blog post  for more details.
Meanwhile, the Three Faiths Forum has launched Mixed Up Chorus. Directed by Jeremy Haneman who also directs the Royal opera House Community Chorus. Mixed Up Chorus is not for the confused but for those who rejoice in the diversity of our great world city. Whilst Cantignorus Chorus is special to West Hackney, Mixed Up Chorus is looking for more members from all over London so if you are free on Tuesdays between 7 and 9 pm get in touch. The choir rehearses at Three Faiths Forum HQ and is part of their Urban Dialogues programme using the arts to connect people.

A third multi faith choir, Berakah,  has it's inaugural concert on 17th December at the London Inter Faith Centre (which has it's own annual music festival of the faiths) details here

As the noise of the Diwali Fireworks fade, Happy Hanukkah to Jewish friends and a Happy New Year to Christians this coming Sunday 1st December

Community Heroes Awards - a story

 With thanks to Kate Alan of BATCA for this guest blog

The  ‘Community Heroes’ award events run by the Balham and Tooting Community Association are a marvelous opportunity to honour unsung heroes – people from all faiths and cultures who serve others tirelessly, often with little recognition. BATCA is a network of faith and non-faith bodies that works in Balham and Tooting to bring the different side s of the community together.

The awards began in 2007 and are now in their fourth round. This year’s awards celebration will be held on Thursday 28 November (see below).  We expect to welcome a two hundred strong crowd from across the community. It’ll also be a seasonal celebration, with food and entertainment at no charge to celebrate the major faith festivals of Eid, Diwali, Hannukah and Christmas.

This is how it works: the public are invited to nominate outstanding individuals and teams. The nominations are assessed by a panel of independent judges, who have included among others our local MPs, the editor of the local newspaper, and leaders of key organisations such as the police,  fire brigade and our local hospital. This avoids favouritism and the result has always been that the award recipients reflect all faith, ethnic and cultural groups.

The presentation evening has a great feel to it. It’s led by a lively compere  (Cof E clergymen seem to have the worst jokes).  The awards are presented by local VIPs such as the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillors  the MP, the borough police commander and so on.  A little bit is said about each recipient and their organisation. Usually, there's generous publicity in the local press.  Entertainment plays an important part, with community and church choirs, and Bollywood and Bhangra dance part of the mix.

Previous recipients of awards have been mostly volunteers, including a brownie leader, a chair of school governors, local environmental activists, a refugee charity volunteer, those looking after old people through their church, a mosque bereavement officer, and many more. Team awards have gone, for example, to the Talking Book service for blind people and a group of young Special Constables. Those honoured in their job roles include an old people's centre manager, a milkman who always looks out for his customers and makes sure they’re all right, an Asian women's charity organiser and a local pharmacist whose shop is a community hub.

Celebrating outstanding volunteers strikes a chord in all communities. People from all backgrounds have responded each time and come together for an inspiring and fun evening of community spirit.  ‘When is the next one?’ is the call each time!

   BATCA Community Heroes Awards and Seasonal Celebration

Thursday 28 November at 7.00pm

Jasmin’s Function Rooms, 202 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7TG

For more information, email Secretary@batca.org or contact Kate Allan at

allanraallan@aol.com or 020 8870 1550

Highlighting a New Course in Practical Inter Faith Work

Maggie Hindley at the London Inter Faith Centre (seen here with friends of LIF) is excited about the new course the centre is running from Tuesday 8th October for clergy and laity.

The key is in the title - this is about PRACTICAL inter faith work - and it's ecumenical.

Each of the ten sessions (one per month) takes place in a different venue and begins with an introduction to that venue's work and context. 

Participants will be enabled to develop a piece of inter faith work in their own locality and gain tools to help reflect on their own engagement.

The course costs £300, which covers travel costs from home (within reason) and a hot vegetarian lunch each session as well as speakers’ expenses and materials.

Participants are encouraged to apply for denominational grants.

The fee can be paid in installments by arrangement.

Bursary help is available for people unable to find the whole cost. Maggie says the centre's policy is that nobody should be excluded from taking part for reasons of cost.

The Course runs for Ten Tuesdays from  10am – 4pm on the following dates:-

8^th Oct, 5^th Nov, 10^th Dec, 14^th Jan, 11^th Feb, 11^th March, 8^th April, 6^th May, 10^th June, 7^th July

Participants are to commit to a minimum of seven out of the ten sessions.

To register or find out more contact maggie.hindley@londoninterfaith.org.uk or rev.hillel@aol.com or telephone 020 3732 1765 or visit the centre's website www.londoninterfaith.org.uk 

June Update

It would be easy to assume that the news this month has been mostly bad. That’s because the extraordinary attracts our attention and the ordinary is easily overlooked. It has been a great consolation that people of faith coming together in quiet acts of solidarity is now quite ordinary. That doesn’t mean it is unnecessary. I am grateful to the Archdeacon who emailed his Area Deans suggesting they remind clergy colleagues that it might be a good time to check how their Muslim neighbours are feeling; and suggested other Archdeacons in his Diocese might like to do the same.

I’ve chosen the blog pic from among those taken at the big IF rally earlier this month when 45,000 people of all faiths and none came together to demand of government four achievable actions that would make huge strides to end world poverty. Julie Saddiqi, Executive Director of the Islamic Society of Britain spoke alongside Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Movement Rabbi, Reform Judaism, and Dr Rowan Williams, Chair of Christian Aid.  Thanks to Julie Siddiqi for permission to use the picture.

Indeed it is a good time to remind ourselves that building relationships of trust takes time and patience but when we look back or when, if rarely, tragedy strikes all the effort is seen to be so worthwhile.

Talking of building relationships Theos, The Contextual Theology Centre and Contending Modernities have just published ‘Making Multiculturalism Work’ by David Barclay which can be downloaded via this link.

St Peter’s Walworth have long had a relationship with Old Kent Road mosque. They now have a Near Neighbours grant to begin a new group in the Autumn which will meet to explore their respective spiritual traditions (especially contemplative prayer), then come together to share silence followed by refreshments and a chance to get to know one another.

Dr Chris Hewer, ‘Understanding Islam’ tutor and author, has been working with Ahl ul-Bayht TV to produce a series called The Big Picture. The titles of each article/broadcast are available now and each week as an episode is aired the title will become a hyperlink to the article. The broadcasts will be uploaded as you tube clips to view - all on his website via the link above.

In other news....

The European Network on Religion and Belief – ENORB is an Anti – Discrimination Network which covers the Religion and Belief strand of the European Fundamental Rights and Equalities policy. It is a voluntary network with no funding but has a website and has just published a review of the previous 12 month’s work and reports from recent seminars on their website.

The Church Buildings Council and The Prince's Regeneration Trust have produced a Business Planning Toolkit to help faith communities deliver successful regeneration projects. The kit will be launched in Norwich on 4th July but watch the PEN blog for how to obtain a copy once available.

Essex Mind and Spirit have published the report of their 4th Tackling Mental Health in Multi Faith Contexts conference at www.essexmindandspirit.moonfruit.com  

The latest news from CUF includes the report ‘The Human Cost of Welfare Reform’ and news of their Tackling Poverty Together conference to be held in London on 13th November at which Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will be speaking

Events this month are on the news and events page of the PEN website here.

Christians and Muslims working togther to engage with the wider community

Every year in association with Balham and Tooting Community Association (BATCA) Gatton VA Primary School and St Augustine's Church in Tooting host a fun day which raises thousands of pounds for the local St George's hospital. It's always fun to close a road and drag a fire engine but this is a true celebration of how communities can come together for the greater good.

Making Sense of the Census

Earlier in 2013 PEN hosted an afternoon around the 2011 census data; what it does and doesn't tell us and what to do with the information. We are very grateful to Louise McFerran from the Church of England's Research and Statistics Department who gave of her time and experise. For those who weren't able to attend here are the key points:-

• Understanding the community we serve is key to ministry and mission; it requires a mixture of observation and background research.


• Headline statistics can be found on the Church of England website (this link opens on the page with a download of provisional parish figures).

• The dip in those identifying as Christian is not as large as it was feared it might be. There is a significant increase in ‘no religion’.

• When looking at  the stats remember that Parish and Deanery boundaries are rarely coterminous with eg Borough Wards so ‘mind the boundaries’

• The Church of England is producing parish profiles for every Parish giving census information feedback and they will be creating some Deanery profiles too. Diocesan headlines are available on request.
• Longer term the national Presence and Engagement website will have a postcode tool to look at faiths breakdown integrated with the CUF poverty indicators tool.

• Other handy sources -  Tear Fund Inside out course  and the Contextual Theology Centre has produced a resource for parishes called ‘Mercy, Justice and Evangelism’ which enables congregations to engage with some of the issues raised by the census material. Please note this is a draft document and we would like feed back from parishes that use the resource so as to improve it. Email pen@theology-centre.org or telephone 0020 7780 1600 xtn 3 and speak to Susanne Mitchell



 

The Good Death

The Open Forum initiative launched by St Barnabas church in Dulwich last autumn aims to bring together people in the area from different churches, other faith communities and people with no religious affiliation to discuss topics of common interest, taking a different overall theme each year.The theme of the first series of meetings is Wellbeing, Health and Wholeness.

The next meeting will be at 8.00 pm on Thursday 18 April. The topic will be The Good Death. Baroness Julia Neuberger DBE, is the Senior Rabbi of the West London Synagogue and a former Chief Executive of the King’s Fund, a health ‘think tank’. She is also a well-known broadcaster and author. She will be speaking about some of the themes in her most recent book, Is That All There Is ?, including ‘what will be our legacy – our mark on the world?’ She will help us explore the significance that a good death can mean for living well - and that a full life can contribute to a good death. In addition, Canon Vernon White, Canon Theologian of Westminster Abbey, will offer some reflections on the concept of an after-life, drawing on his series of lectures on this subject at the Abbey in the spring of 2012.

Everyone will be most welcome at the meeting. St Barnabas church is in Calton Avenue, SE21 7DG.

   

PEN would be pleased to hear of (and publicise) similar events in other areas of Greater London.

Two New Resources Launched by the Christian Muslim Forum

The Christian Muslim Forum recently launched two important new resources the use of which extends beyond bilateral faith relationships.

When Two Faiths Meet; Marriage, Children and Pastoral care - Ethical Principles
This is a ten commandments for good practice along the lines of their previous Ethical Witness Guidelines and then some. For over fifteen years the Inter Faith Marriage Network and the Muslim-Christian Marriage Support Group have worked to address some of the pastoral and practical issues that arise when couples come together from different faith backgrounds. This new resource offers reflections on the Ethical Principles and guidance on how they might be implemented locally. It can be downloaded or
if you would like a hard copy please contact the Christian Muslim Forum know. Copies are £5 each and for each copy sold theywill give £1 to the Inter Faith Marriage Network. Read what the Independent had to say about the launch 'How Christians and Muslims can marry – the official guide'.

The Edge Report 2012  Explores Christian and Muslim Women's Perspectives as illustrated in a number of projects and conversations happing through 2012 in seven towns and cities where Near Neighbours operates. Their expiences show that "though we might fear coming to the edge of our comfort zone, our knowledge, our expereince, if we push out we can indeed fly." These women found that the co-operations powerful friendships formed could be transformational to their communities. Download the report or contact the Christian Muslim Forum for a hard copy.

Archbishop of Canterbury sends Diwali Greetings

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has sent Diwali greetings to 'friends and co workers for peace in the Hindu communities'

The Archbishop reflects on the fourth ashrama or stage of life within Hinduism and the opportunities that older people in both Hinduism and Christianity have to deepen their spiritual commitment as worldly responsibilities are renounced or reduce.

Dr Williams mentions as one of the highlights of his dialogue with Hindu communities over the last ten years a visit to  the Sri Vallabha Nidhi temple in Leytonstone to meet those involved in the local Near Neighbours project.

The full text is on the Archbishop's website.

'Prison' - the play

Initiatives of Change present a showing of 'Prison' the one man play by Charlie Ryder
at The Initiatives of Change centre 24 Greencoat Place, Victoria, London SW1P 1RD
Date: Tuesday 20 November, 6.30 for 7pm (evening ends at 9pm)
Preceded by refreshments and followed by a Talkback panel discussion featuring:-
Charlie Ryder,
Micheal Kavanagh, Acting Head of Prison Chaplaincy
and Andrew Hillas, Assistant Chief Officer for Restorative Justice, London Probation Trust.
The Forum will be chaired by Anita Amendra, Sustainable Communities Project Manager, IofC UK.
RSVP to: reception@london.iofc.org  Tel: 020 7798 6000

Charlie Ryder is a Director, Producer, Filmmaker and Puppeteer. He currently works as an Outreach Worker at HMP Wormwood Scrubs Community Chaplaincy providing mentoring to support prisoners
on their release from prison.

The play is a true story told using puppetry, masks, physical theatre and dance to shine a light on his
eight months in prison after being involved in a violent protest against racism in October 1993. A moving performance depicting one man's traumatic story of prison.

Sharing Eden - Westminster Cathedral Interfaith Group

Sharing Eden: Green teachings from Jews, Christians and Muslims, is the title of a handbook written by Natan Levy, David Shreeve and Harfiyah Haleem. The book ‘sets out to show how respect for the environment is at the heart of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths’. It combines practical action points and ideas with reflections on key texts from sacred texts and from the wider writings of each tradition. Further information is available from www.sharingeden.org

The Westminster Cathedral interfaith group will be considering Green teachings from Jews, Christians and Muslims in a new series on “Faiths and the environment”. The group has been meeting for 6 years and the meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of the month from 4p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace on the right of the main entrance to Westminster Cathedral.  All are welcome and it would be helpful if you could read the book beforehand. Copies are available at £4.99 from http://www.sharingeden.org/  bookshops or Amazon.co.uk. The authors will be attending some of the sessions. Dates are October 17, November 21, January 16, February 20 and April 17. All are welcome Contact John Woodhouse 0790 8888 586 preferably by text for more details.

Awareness Foundation Special Lecture

Tax Justice Bus Comes to Spitalfields

This autumn, Christian Aid and Church Action on Poverty are joining forces to take the campaign for Tax Justice on the road, with a seven-week Tax Justice Bus Tour.

The bright red London bus is touring the length and breadth of Britain and Ireland, to promote the simple message: It’s time for Tax Justice for the poorest communities at home and globally.

On Thursday 13th September the bus comes to Christ Church Spitalfields. The Contextual Theology Centre is facilitating a Community Conversation around how local congregations might take practical steps towards economic justice. A panel of contributors chaired by Revd Canon Dr Giles Fraser will  kick start the discussion.
Board the bus from 6.30pm, main event in the church  runs 7-9pm

Panelists:-

Savior Mwamba – Executive Director, Centre for Trade Policy and Development, Zambia
Stephanie Lis – Institute of Economic Affairs
Revd Dr. Sabina Alkire – Director, Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative

Tax dodging costs lives. It effectively amounts to robbing the poor – in the UK and in poor countries – of the money that should be spent on education, health and welfare.

Opening up festivals and events to one another

This year there has been a focus on faith groups sharing their festivals particularly those with a community service element  under the heading A Year of Service

Two opportunities are coming up in the next few weeks

International Day of Peace 21st September Different countires and organisations mark this in a variety of ways. As it falls on Friday this year, Islamic centres and mosques across the UK and overseas will be taking a lead in their local communities in marking the day. Visitors will be invited to join them during or after Friday prayres (Salaatul-Jumu'a) to exchange messages of peace, to celebrate local peace-building activities and to enjoy the hospitality offered. If you would like to know if your local mosque is involved or how your local church can get involved you can contact the following
C Robertson - London Peace Network; A. Faliq - The Cordoba Foundation; S A Razawi Majilis-e-Ulama Europe; J.Bond Christian Muslim Forum via http://londonpeacenetwork.wordpress.com/friday-21-september/

Churches are asked to make an effort to partner up with other faith groups around their Harvest Festival.
As this is traditionally a time for giving and receiving the suggestion is that  faith groups might be invited to join together in giving to an appropriate cause - a local or international charity perhaps.
Another idea might be for your church to arrange a Harvest welcome meal for international students who may have recently arrived to study at nearby university orcollege. The challenge of adjusting to a new culture away from family and friends canbe huge. If you have a college near you why not work with the chaplain or student services to put on a welcome feast in a local church hall? Neighbours from other faithscould be invited to join with you in cooking tasty food for the students and providing ajoint welcome.
If you don't currently have links with other places of worhsip in your area now might be a good time to reach out. See The Year of Service websit.

Engaging with Muslims

A day event for Christians to explore why and how Christians engage with Muslims

10.00 to 16.00, 10 July 2012

Methodist International Centre, nr Euston 81-103 Euston Street London NW1 2EZ

Themes:

· The Bible and Engaging with People of Other Faiths

· What should we know about London Muslims?

· Mission and Dialogue

· The Big Picture: Christians and Muslims Globally and Locally

Speakers:

· Fr Nadim Nassar, Director, Awareness Foundation

· Jonathan Smith, Lokahi Foundation

· Revd Rana Khan, Lambeth Palace

· Revd Julie Aylward, Borstal Baptist Church

£10 (£5 concessions), lunch included

Bookings: www.christianmuslimforum.org/engaging-with-muslims

Christian Muslim Forum 0207 729 6830, info@christianmuslimforum.org

May Update

First up to get us in the mood for May and things celebratory Faith Through a Lens National photographic competition is a chance to win £1,000 worth of audio visual or photographic equipment for your faith group, charity or comunity group. In association with A Year of Service

News
The best material from the last 5 years of the Archbishop's inter religious speeches and dialogues have now been collected in to two special pages on the national Presence and Engagement Website The page Archbishop of Canterbury's Dialogues has the long transcripts of his meetings with the Buddhist and Hindu community recently and a shorter transcript of his speech to the Sikhs.The page Archbishop's Inter Religious Lectures The Archbishop's Inter religious Lectures links to the Archbishop's major speeches on his website.


Resources
See our earlier blog for some London 2012 Games related resources - Golden Rule; Prayer Vigil and bunting!
The Awareness Foundation has a new workshop helping Chrisitans to articulate their faith and understand the value of doing so Speak Out! is Free and easy to use.
Keele University  and the Dialogue Society are launching a new masters degree in Dialogue Studies. For details visit www.dialoguesociety.org/MA
A new online resource for those interested in Scriptural Reasoning is available from Cambridge Inter Faith Programme contact SRonline@interfaith.cam.ac.uk or visit the website.
The Maimonides Foundation is launching a new project for young people called ‘Interfaith Explorers’.  The project includes: a six week programme of cross-curricular activities; faith and cultural resources for pupils to explore online; a national competition providing opportunities for pupils to showcase their learning; prizes for winning schools; free teaching resources for primary schools; and support for pupils to develop skills, attitudes and values that build respect and understanding.  For further information, visit www.interfaithexplorers.com
Just a reminder to check the St Ethelburga's website - they have a new conflict coaching service available.


Events
St Mary Le Bow City Talks Tuesday 22nd May at 6.30pm  the Revd Gill College - ‘Voices from the margins – a report on Faith, Hope and Love amongst people who are homeless’. All welcome.


Wednesday 23rd May JustShare, the LSE, Penguin UK and St Paul’s Cathedral jointly present a free public debate at the Cathedral starting at 6.30pm (doors open at 6.00pm) with Harvard Professor and author Michael J. Sandel and Bishop Peter Selby. Tickets available on the door, but you should arrive early.

Friday 1st June  To mark its fifteenth anniversary, The Three Faiths Forum will run a variety of events for schools across London on 1 June. 3FF’s award-winning workshops (being offered for free and discounted rates for the day) will give students opportunities to learn about faiths and beliefs and improve intercultural communication skills. Schools on 3FF’s Faith School Linking programme will also celebrate the new relationships their students have forged.To find out more or to get involved, visit 3FF’s website: http://www.3ff.org.uk/3ffday.The next PEN event Tuesday 19th June Our Common Witness - day of dialogue in Radlett for Christians a Jews. Still places available book via pen@theology-centre.org


The International Council of Christians and Jews hold their annual conference in Manchester from Sunday 1st July to Wednesday 4th July this year. The last time they came to this country was 1991. This is a unique chance to meet on our doorstep the key players in Jewish-Christian Relations throughout the world. The thene is New Neighbours, New Opportunities:The Challenges of Multiculturalism and Social Responsibility. Visit their website for details.  Registration closes on 1st June.


The Ammerdown Centre near Bath is running a Three Faiths Summer School on the subject of ‘Pilgrimage’ from 3 to 9 July. The course, led by Rabbi Dr Michael Hilton, the Revd Dr Liz Carmichael and Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Dultz, is described as offering an opportunity to mix and relax with people of other faiths, to share and discuss, to learn and grow, to laugh and cry and to worship together.  The full residential cost is £485, but there are bursaries available for people on low income which reduce the cost to £323, and a limited number of free places are available for young people and students (maximum age 25). Visit the website or email centre@ammerdown.org. 


CHRISM (Christians in Secular Ministry) Sumer Conference July 13th-15th Ministry outside the Walls.The Kingdom is among us – at work, rest and play.Sharing experiences of Ministry and the Kingdom, wherever you have found it.Woodbrooke Quaker Adult Study Centre, Bournville, Birmingham



Advance notice and Call for Papers Monday 10 - Wendesday 12th September  Women, Authority and Leadership in Christianity and Islam  - Southlands College, University of Roehampton, London SW15 4EE
Abstracts of 250 words by 31st May to Caroline Matthews  c.matthews@roehampton.ac.uk or Lucy Parsons l.parsons@roehampton.ac.uk Conference fee, Non-residential £150/Residential £250 (10% reduction for thow who register by 31 May) Bursaries are available, details on request - bookings via http://estore.roehampton.ac.uk