Interfaith
The Church is working together with other faith leaders to help build understanding between Christians from different racial backgrounds as well as between different faith groups.
There are three distinct but frequently overlapping areas of work.
The Diocesan Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns – focusing on the experiences of and sharing dialogue with Minority Ethnic Anglicans.
Racial Justice – looking at wider issues of racial justice and seeking ways to challenge injustice.
Interfaith – exploring and developing ways of working with people of other faiths. Two initiatives already active within the Diocese are the Council of Faiths in Southampton and the Three Faiths Forum.
At this time it is vitally important that we seek opportunities for greater dialogue and understanding between people of all faiths and cultures. Increasingly the media is reporting stories of atrocities carried out in the name of religion. In reality it is often found to be only a small minority of any faith group which has been involved in a violent activity. The vast majority of people of faith were appalled by things like attacks on the Twin Towers in the US and the London bombings.
Part of the terrorists’ goals is to create misunderstanding, fear and escalating animosity between peoples of faith. As Christians and as the church we have a responsibility to work for peace, reconciliation and the dismantling of prejudices.
Why should we be interested / involved in this work?
- We live in a multicultural, multifaith society. People of other faiths are amongst those to whom we are called to be 'neighbour'. This is especially true at this time of crisis when they have a clear need to be 'neighboured' in the way Christ teaches us.
- The Christian Church is well placed to take a lead in breaking down the barriers that divide groups and to build bridges.
- As the most 'established' religion in the UK, we should not be afraid to take a caring and compassionate lead in developing dialogue and reconciliation.
How can we do this?
- By being willing to listen, to learn and to understand more fully.
- By being willing to join together in confronting false and twisted ideologies masquerading in the name of religion.
- By insisting upon freedom of belief in our society whereby people of all religions or none are free to evaluate and choose their faith for themselves.
What this work and seeking to work with people of other faiths is not:
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A denial, weakening or compromising of the Christian belief in the uniqueness of Jesus Christ and His work of salvation
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An attempt to syncretise Christianity with any other religion in belief or worship.
As individuals and as a church we need to be actively exploring the issues and ways of promoting tolerance and understanding. This is one way of seeking to build peace and tolerance in a troubled world and sharing Christ’s love in a practical way within our communities.