Inclusive approach to global issues

Faith, values and community One World Week asks people to draw upon their own values To take action on a global issue we must start at a local level Community spirit that crosses boundaries

Interfaith events are already happening up and down the country

Aim of the session Why is interfaith work important and necessary ? What do we mean when we talk about interfaith? What can be realistically achiev ed through holding an interfaith event?

Why is an inclusive approach important? Opportunity to meet new people Opportunity to learn about the experiences of others Opportunity to show a unified approach to world issues

So what is an interfaith event? It is not about pretending we all hold the same beliefs, because we do not. It is not about watering down one’s faith. It is not about converting someone to one’s own viewpoint.

A space where everyone feels... Welcome Included Comfortable to be themselves These are the foundation blocks of any good interfaith event

Being a neighbour People have to feel that the event is ‘for them’ To be authentically interfaith, representatives of all faiths embraced should be involved in the planning and organising where possible. A spirit of neighbourliness – an act of unity.

Global issues – shared values In order to strive towards alleviating hunger, slowing down climate change, campaigning for fair trade and creating peaceful societies we must work together

Global issues – shared values The responses from major world faiths to the aforementioned global issues are incredibly similar This gives a good, solid base for holding an event which can draw upon shared values

Interfaith? Single faith? No faith? An interfaith event does not necessarily have to replace existing single faith or secular events Interfaith social events alongside annual worship service Interfaith worship events are difficult to hold

Previous events Interfaith events do not have to centre around faith Bring and share lunches Talks with an expert speaker from a faith community on a global issue Discussion forums led by members of the local community Topical films or documentaries with discussion Interfaith prayer and reflection sessions Family fun days Children’s workshops Storytelling Music and performance from a range of cultural traditions Interfaith walks Fair Trade coffee mornings

Practical advise – OWW website See the following pages:  ‘interfaith guidelines’  ‘working together’  ‘Building Bridges Together to Address Shared Global Concerns’  ‘Involving new people and forming a local OWW group’  ‘Ten Top Tips’ (general events planning advice)

In groups of 3 - 4, discuss how you would advise each of the people who gave the following responses – advising them on how to move forward in interfaith planning given their individual circumstances. ‘ Minehead has no non-Christian places of worship or faith groups that are identifiable’ ‘no plans at present’ ‘Bridport is a mainly white community – not really possible’ ‘focus was climate change rather than interfaith relations’ ‘we need to think about something outside Sunday services!’ ‘Open a dialogue with the Muslim community. No other communities present’. ‘Try a joint service with Sikhs/Hindus/ Muslims’