Interfaith Relations and Dilogue

What is Interfaith relations and dialogue?Interfaith simply refers to the ways in which different religions attempt to overcome their difference and work together. This enables them to establish peace, harmony, community cohesion, integration and a degree of tolerance. Whilst Interfaith relations are essential in a multi-faith, pluralistic UK today that is based on relativism, they can occur on a local, national and international level. Dialogue on the other hand is a way of establishing communication. Dialogue may occur between leaders of different faith communites or the body of believers.Interfaith differs from assimilation since individual identity is not lost and minority communities are not forced to accept the dominant cultural values (e.g. Christianity). It also differs from ecumenism which is simply based on the uniting of Christian denominations. However, ecumenism can be a major aspect of Interfaith.More Purposes of Interfaith?Social stability, respect, acknowledge diversity, co-operation, mutual understanding, learning the common values between faiths.The World Congress of FaithsThis is an international interfaith organisation that was founded by Sir Francis Younghusband in 1936. Its motto is "faith meeting faith; a rich resource for life". The World Congress of Faiths considerably explore the challenges and enrichments that arise from religious diversity and allow members to learn more about other faiths in the hope they will grow spiritually in a religiously diverse era. They are committed to the integrity of different faiths and publishes a leading journal concerning interfaith matters, arranges conferences, retreats etc to see how others live, worship, pray etc.Interfaith Network for the UKThis is a national organisation founded in 1987 in order to promote good human relations between different faiths accross the UK. There are representative members from all faiths who help to build a degree of mutual understanding between all religions. They promote dialogue, co-operative and respectful relations and do NOT take a denominational stance. Some of the work they do includes an information service, conferences/meetings, implement ideas into RE lessons in schools, and attempt to remove confluct between religions. This reinforces religious diversity and the co-existence of mutliple faiths in the UK and elsewhere today. They believe that religious education is essential to establish adequate community cohesion between faiths and remove religious misunderstanding which is often deeply rooted in culture (i.e. Islamaphobia).The Importance of Local InterfaithLocal interfaith can take a number of forms and there are numerous examples in the North West of England (i.e. Faiths 4 Change in Liverpool and Interfaith Warrington). Such groups may take an active role in raising awareness about the co-existence of faiths in a multi-faith society. For example, Interfaith Warrington often organize school trips around various religious buildings in order to promote cultural understanding. Similarly, food is arguably a means of unity, therefore, Warrington Baptist Church have organised Halal BBQ's in attempt to promote peace and tolerance with the local Mosque. During the Mass of the Lord's Supper and the Easter Vigil Masses in Widnes, the Roman Catholic community united with an Anglican minister in order to promote a degree of respect and understanding. This is a significant step for the Catholic Church and one which will continue to grow as secularisation arguably prevails the modern world. Faiths 4 Change on the other hand, use environmental and horticultural issues to promote peace. This is also similar to Eco-Faith ("Big Green Believers") in Dorset who reinforce the notion of stewardsip and respect for the environment which prevails most mainstream religions. In Shrewsbury, there was an Interfaith Festival in 2010 whereby religions gathered for street carnivals. This was a fun, creative and certainly useful way of acknowledging other cultures and traditions.Local Interfaith groups also actively advise local government, hospitals and public services on the religious issue and needs of different faiths (i.e. Halal/Kosher food and facilities to pray 5 times a day for Muslims). They may work to assist civic ceremonies and also raise awareness of multi-cultural festivals such as Eid (Islam), Dilvali (Hinduism) or Passover (Judaism). Youth InterfaithYoung people can make a vital contribution in society today and offer a number of insighful views towards the notion of Interfaith relations and dialogue. Connect is a project that is part of the Interfaith Network for the UK. It is for young people and encourages collective values amongst the youth in society. Young people are likely to get involved in work e.g. interfiath music festivals or retreats to promote mutual understanding. This reflects creativity, co-operation and trust between the youth of different faith communities. Can Interfaith be a tool of Community Cohesion?It encourages tolerance, respect and understanding and faith schools have now asked to follow a national framework for RE. However, faith schools still use ideological control to promote their monopolised knowledge of the "truth". Also some fractions of society are opposed to Interfaith. The World Council of Churches:Despite The Roman Catholic Church still refusing to join, the WCC is a global ecumenical organisation that promotes peace amongst Chirstians worldwide. Quite simply, it is a fellowship of Churches that confess the Lord Jesus Christ ad both God and Saviour. They seek to fulfill the common calling to glorify the Holy Trinity which is expressed through unity "so that the world may believe" (NT, John 17:12). They promote values such as inclusivity accross the globe of Chritians, and attempt to break the barriers (e.g. conflict, worship etc) which prevent unity and evangelism.Rabbi Jonathan Sacks:There are multiple similarities between the Abrahamic religios (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) hence the tensions, conflicts and disagreements that have occurred throughout history. Instead, believers should look upon each others as siblings on a religious journey together.Hans King - Religion and Peace:Hans King was a Swiss Catholic Priest, theologian and author who looked at ecumenical theology. He asserted that Karl Barth (philosopher) and Martin Luther overacted in the Catholic Church. King questions the notion of Papal infallibility (i.e. the Pope can never be wrong when speaking on matters of religious faith). His famous quote was in March 1991: "no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. No peace among the religions without dialogue dialogue the religions. No dialogue between the religions without investigation of the foundation of religion"Pope Benedict XVI and Interfaith:Benedicts Papacy tried to reverse interfaith and Catholic dialogue with other religious communities. He did this until his resignation in February 2013. However, in 2006 he attempted to particularly establish peace between the Muslin population. In doing so, he cited a 14th Century scholar who made negative/offensive remarks about the Prohet Muhammad. He then accused Muslims of spreading their faith by the sword of intolerance. Ironically, this reinforced hostility to Islam (the opposite of his intentions) and also generated widespread public protest about the offence. This underminded the Islamic faith and called for a formal apology of the Vatican. This implies the reluctance of many Roman Catholics who continue to indoctrinate a degree of exclusivism.Pope Francis and Interfaith:He is more liberal in his attitudes than his retired counterpart, therefore attempts to promote peace. In his 2013 Easter message, he stressed the importance of dialogue especially betweem Catholics and Muslims. He argued the Catholic fault and emphasised (like Rabbi Jonathan Sacks) the common rhetoric between the faiths. He pledged to offer interfaith dialogue in order to produce a more tolerant society and apologized for/criticised Benedicts lack of compassion in 2006. The 4 Types of Interfaith:Missionary - This type of interfaith is reverred by many Christians such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta who reached out to the poor and oppressed. Jesus sent his 12 apostles to preach the Gospels and hear the Good News throughout the world - hence, Christians (ie. Catholics may do the same) and doing so, they alleviate social issues such as poverty, hunger and oppression. This type of Interfaith work is often exemplified today by the work of missionary Sisters such as the Holy Rosary Sisters in Ireland who live the command of Jesus Christ, "bringing good news to the poor (humble)" (Luke 4:18). They base their values upon energy, compassion, solidaritary and hope.Evangelism: This type of Interfaith is often considered as sharing one's faith in order to gain mutual understanding this may inclde leaflets, preaching and assemblies in school. An example may include the Alpha Course.Conversion - This is perhaps the most radical form of 'interfaith' whereby religions e.g. Jehovah's Witnesses seek converts yet doing so, they spread awareness of their faith.Knowledge - This is simply dialogue between faiths whereby nobody loses their identity but they learn the similarities and notion of alternative faiths (i.e. the work of the Interfaith Network for the UK).Missionary Interfaith - Holy Rosary Sisters - Ireland:Values of hope, solidaritary, compassion and energy"The spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18)They have undertook healthcare work in countries such as Nigeria (Africa), setting up clinics and hospitals which are still thriving today.They have also worked with Nigeria in education and have managed 244 primary schools and 11 secondary schools, reaching out to those in poverty throughout Africa, particularly, Sub-Saharan Africa.In addition to this, the Holy Rosary Sisters also work for justice, peace, ending human trafficking and engage in Pastoral Work.By reaching out to others, they are actively preaching the Christian faith in a meaningful way and as Christians they welcome the stranger.This type of work can also be exemplified in the welcoming nature of the Sikh LangarKaren Armstrong - Charter for Compassion:She was a Catholic nun for 7 years and holds a powerful voice in Interfaith. In the early 1980's, Armstrong travelled to Israel which has a long history or political turmoil and instability. After studying the Abrahamic faiths she acclaimed that fundamentalism (particularly Christian and Islamic) was a challenge to secular modernity since it is viewed as a rebellion. It also denies that God is ineffable (unknowable) and transcendent (i.e. greater than anything conceivable). She argued that compassion was found in al religions and that one should abide by the Golden Rule. She founded the Charter of Compassion which is a document created and signed by religious leaders accross the Globe. The Charter of Compassion is important in relation to Interfaithsince it restores compassion (e.g. love thy neighbour) to the centre of religious life and is therefore a n act of morality and a dynamic path to Enlightenment.Interfaith Marriages:This refers to marriage of mixed faith relations.  It is a controversial issue for many faiths however, for Hindu's there are many theological paths therefore, no distinction between the belivers and non-believers.  Advantages of Interfaith marriages include less arguments, understanding of similarities between faiths, appreviation of heritage and culture, children can experience both faiths and therefore appreciate a multi-faith soicety, more religious learning and builds cultural awareness/pride.  In the UK 45% of marriages are either interfaith or interdenominational.However, there are challenges posed by interfaith marriage including ethical teachings (i.e. sexual relationships or medical ethics), loss of identity/concern over the protection of individual identity, what faith to raise children as (both or one?), danger of conversion (i.e. pressure to do so), threat of assimilation particularly in the West and different approaches to diet e.g. Halal/Kosher difficulties.St. Ethelbeurgh's Centre (London):A centre in which helps to build Interfaith relationships and ease divisions.  Their main goal is reconciliation and therefore they adopt multi-faith strategies to develop attitudes of reconcilliation.  They facillitate dialogue uniquely by using stories, online communication and youth work to name a few examples.  Corrymeela (Northern Ireland)A response to lessen the divisions and conflict between Catholics and Protestants.  It reinforces unity, dialogue and the recognition of interdeopendence between the denominations.  They promote forgiveness, peace and harmony by working to promote unity particularly amongst young people (who are often marginalised).  They work with different age groups (i.e. 16-18 and 18-25) and often run residential programmes to promote tolerance and respect.  Taize (France)An ecumenical monastic order founded by Brother Roger Scutz in 1945.  Pope Benedict XVI described it as a 'spring of water'Iona (Scotland)Ecumenical movement committed to overcoming religious inequality between Christians.  It was founded in 1938 by Reverend George Macleod, and is based in a Benidictine Abbey.  Iona is passionate to the core values of Christianity and act for peace, unity and justie amongst the Christian population.  Examples of work include family groups and sharing experiences/reflection.

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