Connect different faiths shared values As a young person in 21st century Britain Inside… 23 Big Myths you belong to an increasingly diverse 4 Shared values 8 Making it happen! society where people of many cultures 10 Planning for success 12 Good to talk and faiths live side by side. 18 Celebrate! 19 Let’s talk over lunch This action guide is about making 22 Resources connections and friendships. It’s about Published by the Inter Faith Network for the UK in association with TimeBank how it matters to build bridges of and the National Youth Agency. Inter Faith Network registered friendship and understanding between charity number 1068934 and a company limited by guarantee number 3443823 registered in people of the different and distinct England. ISBN Number: 1 902906 12 8 religions in this country today. © Inter Faith Network 2004 Designed by Texture Printed by Calverts What’s it Did you know? Over 75% of people who all about? answered the question about religion in the 2001 Census said they belonged to a • Making friends particular religious tradition. • Helping to end prejudice and stereotyping For example, 152,000 people • Getting together and identified themselves as helping others Buddhist, 267,000 as • Helping defuse tensions Jewish, 336,000 as Sikh, and resolve conflicts 559,000 as Hindu, • Helping your 1,591,000 as Muslim and community 42,079,000 as Christian. • Celebrating diversity 179,000 identified their • Adding something extra religion as “other” and to your own life wrote in a wide variety of different religions. So, you may be a Christian, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Sikh, a Jew or a Buddhist. You may be a Jain or a Baha’i or a Zoroastrian, or a member of a different faith or belief. Whatever your background, if you want to help make the UK a place where respect, co-operation and trust exist between people of different faiths and beliefs, read on.

1 3BIGMYTHS Martin Luther King Jr. Being Big myth 1: Well, They do and it makes Big myth 2: Religious strong in your views does not they may say they’re a big difference to people are just a make you a “fanatic”. Believing in the fundamental importance religious but no-one their lives: bunch of fanatics of the teachings of a faith does not make you a “fundamentalist” believes any of “My faith has given me the Turn on the TV and you can in the negative sense of a that stuff confidence and motivation to see story after story about religious extremist. succeed in all aspects of my conflict and problems around life. It has encouraged me to the world. treat others with respect and Most wars and understanding, as they too are A bomb has gone off. A part of God’s creation.” presenter is saying that religious conflicts have little to Mohammed, Muslim fanatics are the cause. Religion do with religion, but can receive a bad press. “My faith has provided me with religion can get used strength when I’ve needed it, Over the centuries, religious as a justification by helped me to tell right from people have stood up for what wrong, and given me a way of they believed: from founders of regimes and by sorting out what really matters faiths and prophets, to from what doesn’t.” Viren, Jain followers like Gandhi and terrorists. 2 I think religion is being Across the UK many people of Big myth 3: Religion all religions can and do live There are over 200 “used as a source of conflict local inter faith divides people. All the alongside each other, get on and not as a means of worship well and work together on initiatives currently and every day guidance as it religions hate each practical projects – like helping running in the UK was when I was younger. This other really the homeless or the elderly or building better inter is becoming more of a improving the local faith relations at a environment. There are many Nothing puts people off like local level*. problem when it never used to examples of inter religious inter religious hatred and *source: Local Inter Faith Activity in the UK: A be… I think somehow we harmony even if they rarely Survey published by the Inter Faith squabbling. It’s true that there Network for the UK, 2003 need to find the means make the headlines. have been centuries of mistrust ! whereby Sikhs and Muslims, and out and out rivalry. People and Hindus and Muslims, can have sometimes killed or been integrate more and get a killed in the name of religion (even though religion may well It’s time for people Until different religions better understanding of each of different faiths to take“ a step back to other, not seeing a person and not have been the actual cause of the problem). speak up louder understand each other, just labelling them as a Sikh about all the good religious conflicts will go on. or Muslim, but seeing the But followers of the different things connected This is why it is increasingly person as they really are world faiths can live together with religion: about important for members of Kiran, Sikh ” peacefully. the ways that religions help different faiths to get on people and about together and to understand the benefits this the differences between All of the major faiths brings to individuals their beliefs and practices have teachings which and communities. and, more importantly, to encourage acknowledge the similarities co-operation with and work side by side to ! achieve their shared people of other faiths goals. Ashmi, Hindu ” 3 The Bahá’í faith Each faith has teachings Lay not on any soul a Just as a mother Do to others as you about the importance of load which ye would would protect her would have them do dealing rightly with other not wish to be laid only child with her to you. people. This principle – to upon you, and desire life, even so let Luke 6:31 treat others as we would wish not for any one the things ye one cultivate a boundless to be be treated ourselves – would not desire for yourselves. love towards all beings. is sometimes called This is My best counsel unto Khuddaka Patha, from the the “Golden Rule”. you, did ye but observe it. Metta Sutta Baha‘u’llah, Gleanings, 128 SharedValues No one of you is a I forgive all beings, What is hateful No one is my enemy, believer until he may all beings to you, do not and no one is a desires for his forgive me, I have do to your stranger. I get along brother that which friendship towards fellow man. with everyone. he desires for himself. all, malice towards none Talmud: Shabbat 31a Sri Guru Granth Sahib p.1299 An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith,13 Pratikraman Sutra 35:49

4 There is a story that a famous rabbi called Hillel was challenged to “explain the Torah (the five books of Moses) while standing on one foot. Hillel This is the sum of duty: do naught to replied simply, ‘Whatever is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour: this others which if is the whole law; the rest is mere commentary.” For me, this value is at the done to thee heart of my religion. To love and care for others as you would expect to be would cause thee pain. treated by them. Jewish values, such as charity, welcoming strangers and Mahabharata 5.1517 not gossiping, have influenced me throughout my life as a Jew growing up in Britain, surrounded by others different to myself.”. Ruth, Jewish

The great faith traditions are In a world scarred by the evils of war, racism, injustice and each distinct, but there are poverty, we offer this joint Act of Commitment as we look to important values that people our shared future. of different faiths share. We commit ourselves, Leaders and members of as people of many faiths, different faiths came to work together together in the Houses of for the common good, Parliament for a special uniting to build a better society, Millennium “Act of Reflection grounded in values and ideals we share: and Commitment” and affirmed this in these words: community, personal integrity, a sense of right and wrong, learning, wisdom and love of truth, Find out more about care and compassion, That nature only is the Act of Reflection justice and peace, good when it shall and Commitment at respect for one another, not do unto another www.interfaith.org.uk for the earth and its creatures. whatever is not We commit ourselves, good for its own self. in a spirit of friendship and co-operation, Dadistan-I-Dinik 94.5 to work together alongside all who share our values and ideals, ? to help bring about a better world now and for generations to come. 5 Case Study 1 Case Study 2 Case Study 3 Ekta The Story of Noah Blackburn Heats “I got involved with an anti-racism “In my church youth group we “I created Blackburn Heats white, black and Asian youth project in Kettering. The looked at the story of Noah and Volleyball Club last year with the teenagers having fun together. group was made up of 14 young realised that the story was help of two close friends Saeed people who volunteered for the shared in common with Jewish and Alfred. The club was formed Now we are trying to expand project. Our first task was to and Muslim faiths and thought as a backlash against our membership and are holding choose a name for the group. We that we could do an arts and discrimination both in sport and a festival of respect to get more came up with “Ekta”, which crafts event with young people of in our community in general. We young people involved in the means unity in Hindi. The group these faiths on this theme. We looked to create a safe haven club, whether as players or as meets every two weeks and I got in touch with Nottingham Inter for people who wanted to play volunteers to improve the quality have made some really good Faith Council and eventually volleyball and other sports of their life and to secure a friends at Ekta. We talk about all organised a series of four sessions without having to wonder where bright future for all concerned”. sorts of things and work together with other young people from the the next assault would come Asif, Muslim on ideas to raise awareness Jewish Lads and Girls Brigade and from. Together we gathered about racism. We received an the Muslim Bobber’s Mill Youth young people mostly from award from the Northamptonshire Club. In these sessions we got to Christian and Muslim Police for our work and spent the know each other and took part in backgrounds and decided that money on producing a web site.” art, music and role play on the we were no longer going to www.ektakettering.org Noah theme.” accept the situation and we Sarabjit, Sikh Lucy, Christian began a move to change it.

We recently held an open sports forum with Blackburn with Darwen Sporting Club in which people from many races came and participated in the spirit of sport. The sight was awe inspiring. Finally I knew that our cause was making headway and felt a supreme sense of self worth and belonging as I saw

6 Idea Champions project, Tower Hamlets. www.ideastore.co.uk 7 Making it happen!

OK, I want to do something to make a difference, but what can I do? First and foremost do what interests you. Here are some ideas…

1 Getting to know people of 4 Organise an international to make a presentation about For help with making other faiths is not difficult. You lunch or supper asking people issues that are important to you. contacts or carrying out may already have friends or to contribute dishes from their The group might also be your project see the neighbours of different faiths. traditions (see the section on interested in helping you set up resources section Why not ask them about food on page 19). an inter faith link between young on page 22. their faith and what it means people or a special project. to them? 5 Organise an event as part of a special day or week such as 9 See if your school or college ? 2 Join or start an inter faith One World Week or local inter faith group will help discussion group at your (www.oneworldweek.org) or put on an exhibition about the school, college or youth club. Comic Relief. different faiths in the area. Join See if a “faith forum” or day with friends to take conference can be organised. 6 Organise a quiz, featuring photographs and video clips or questions about each other’s faiths. borrow resources from other 3 Start an inter faith discussion organisations who have put on forum at your university or 7 Work as part of an inter faith exhibitions (see resources). college or encourage the team to organise a sports event different religious societies to and get people of different faiths 10 Contact your local radio co-operate on a joint event. If involved. station to see if they might be you belong to a student interested in an inter faith religious society, host an inter 8 Find out if there is an inter programme featuring young faith discussion. faith group in your area and offer people of different faiths. 8 11Organise visits to different 13 If you live in an area where 15 If you are at a school which places of worship. If there aren’t there is sometimes tension has mainly pupils of one faith, Test your knowledge many in your own area you between young people of different see if your teachers can about faith issues with could organise a trip to a town backgrounds you might want to organise an event or on line quizzes at or city further afield. Many local learn about “conflict resolution” exchange visit with a nearby www.respect.org.uk and inter faith groups organise skills and work together to put school which has pupils of www.bbc.co.uk annual “pilgrimages” to a these into practice. other faiths. /religion ? number of different places of worship in a day. You could join 14 Get together with some one of these. friends of different faiths and Charity is one of the highest see if you can get involved with 12 If you belong to a church, a project such as helping “virtues and is commanded by gurdwara, mosque, synagogue, homeless or elderly people; or Ahura Mazda the creator God. temple, vihara or other place of an environmental project, such One of our important prayers worship, ask if it will host an as clearing an area of local open day for local people to wasteland or removing offensive tells us that Ahura Mazda’s visit. Young people could act as graffiti. Or work together to kingdom is for the person who guides. If it has a youth group, raise money for a charity like nourishes the poor. see if the group can host an Children in Need, for example Farmeen, Zoroastrian” inter faith day or event. by recycling cans for cash.

If you plan an event which features prayers or readings from different faiths, it is important to remember that not everyone is comfortable joining in a prayer of a different religion. Instead you could organise the event so that each faith makes a contribution in turn without expecting everyone to join in.

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9 Planning for success

You’ve decided to arrange an 1 Don’t stop. If you know you I have got involved in inter inter faith event, but how do are doing something you get started? Here are worthwhile, don’t let others faith“ work because my some tips on organising an put you down Christian faith calls me to inter faith event or project: engage with the world around 1 Get going. Get your project me. It has helped me look 1 Plan in advance – write down rolling, don’t sit on your idea what you want to achieve and and do nothing about it. If beyond stereotypes of other how you want to do it – think things don’t go exactly as faiths and also helped me learn ahead and be flexible you expected, you can more about my own Christian always adjust your plan as 1 Get people involved; don’t try you go faith. It has also helped me Baha’is believe that any to do everything yourself appreciate how difficult it is to “work done in a spirit of service 1 After your event or project be religious in a secular 1 Make a list of everything you seek feedback to help you world Chris, Christian is worshipping God will need and how to get it in future Danielle, Baha’i ” ” 1 If you need some funding, Can’t someone else start by asking people and run the project? organisations that you know (the resources section lists Don’t underestimate yourself. some suggestions of Many important projects have organisations you can apply been started by just one person to for funding) with a great idea.

10 Case Study 6 BBC Youth Extra “Getting involved with BBC Youth Extra has been a real eye opener. It is an inter faith youth broadcasting group that was set up by BBC Radio Leicester. We have been working with other young people to produce and present features on the radio. We did a feature on the Navratri Case Study 4 Case Study 5 festival in Leicester and we also interviewed the Chief Executive of Together as One Community Spirit the Parliament of World Religions. In Slough, Aik Saath (Together “Liverpool Community Spirit were invited to express their We are now working on a as One), works with young (LCS) brings together young spirituality by placing objects documentary on Young People, people of different backgrounds people from different faith and on a blank “altar” space. Over Faith and Community Cohesion. to develop their peer mediation cultural groups in Liverpool 8. 100 people took part. I got Radio work is not as easy at it and conflict resolution skills. We do different projects like involved with the LCS because seems, but it has been fun and helping primary school children I wanted to learn about we have learnt a lot. You can “I joined this group because I in a reading partnership community spirit and make a listen to some of our work at wanted to learn more about the scheme. We also take part in positive contribution to it. www.bbc.co.uk/leicester/faith” conflicts that happen in everyday visits to different places to Being part of the Youth Council Deepa, Hindu life. I want more feedback and learn about our community. has enabled me to learn about information on conflicts, how We have been to a mosque, a other faiths and cultures and they start and how to resolve synagogue, a parish church, use my skills in working with them. I also wanted to build up the gurdwara, the Caribbean the community and working as my confidence and mix with Centre, the Liverpool 8 Law part of a team others in the group. I would like Centre and the Somali Centre. to become a person who The pictures show some of us resolves conflicts and does not Another project we did was on one of our field trips.” cause them.” www.aiksaath.com called ‘Altar8’, where people Rabietoo, Christian Shazab, Muslim

11 Talking religion

Although religion may not cause wars it can certainly lead to heated All the major religions Here are a few tips for discussion! People often speak with passion. Here are a few points Goodtgetting going: to keep in mind when speaking about faith and religious topics: have teachings encouraging their 1 Settle newcomers into a 1 When asking questions of 1 We are not all the same – followers to find ways to warm and welcoming space others about their faith, offer accept and respect the fact live in peace with others. by encouraging the use of a genuine, personal reason that the religious beliefs of Talking with people of first names – mingle friends for your query someone may affect what different religions is not and people of different faiths they eat, what they wear and 1 about compromising 1 Invite everyone to sit in a Find out what others actually many of the ways they deal your own principles or circle at the same level, to believe and value, and let with other people them express this in their beliefs. It’s about getting foster listening and trust own terms. 1 Ensure your faith is presented rid of misconceptions 1 Start a group session with an with integrity – be prepared to 1 and prejudices, looking icebreaker activity to reduce Find out what you have in say ‘I don’t know the answer for common ground in shyness and turn strangers into common; what connects you to that, but I’ll find out’ rather than divides you shared values and about friends. There are lots of good 1 ideas in the National Youth 1 Take care that everyone finding constructive Respect the other person’s understands the religious ways to discuss genuine Agency’s book Icebreakers right to express their beliefs terms that you are using – ask, areas of disagreement. (see resources section) and convictions and to “Is this clear?” every so often disagree 1 Ask everyone to introduce 1 A sense of humour is good, but themselves saying something take care – jokes on religious ! about their faith background topics can cause offence 12 Lots of people find when they get involved in inter A great way to start is by faith discussions that meeting with others of they want to find out different faiths and more about their own finding out more about faith traditions or their each other’s beliefs, beliefs. hopes and dreams. They may not be what you ! think they are!

1 Invite one person to facilitate 1 Agree to create a courteous everyone to write down their I don’t belong to any religion but otthe discussion so that theyalkenvironment free from abusive questions on pieces of paper “that doesn’t mean that I don’t think can ensure everyone who language, whispering or and create a “lucky dip” so that about the values that shape my wants to gets an opportunity people walking about different people get to answer decisions. I try to follow my the questions. Or you could to speak 1 Ensure people are allowed to collect some newspaper conscience and choose right from 1 Encourage people to talk finish what they’re saying cuttings to discuss. wrong, treating others with respect from their own experiences without interruption and understanding Zara using “I” statements such as 1 ” “I believe” or “I think that” Agree that mobile phones will be switched off during Here are some statements rather than just making that could spark interesting generalisations discussions and that people will stay until the session discussions: 1 Ensure you have enough time ends It’s a good idea for there to be Now that we have more for your discussion or activity schools which are mainly for materially rich lives, religion is not 1 If things do get a bit heated pupils of one particular religion really relevant any more It is good to establish a few call for a “time out” Religion and politics don’t mix Atheists and agnostics have ground rules for the Once you have got to know We’d all be better off if religion moral values just as much as discussion and to write these people of different religions do down. Examples of these are: each other and found out was banned it only causes trouble about each other’s faith or The pressures of modern society 1 People should be allowed to Personal information or beliefs, you might want to wear at school and in the make it hard to practise a opinions shared in the group discuss some current issues or workplace whatever clothing or traditional religion are not to be discussed particular topics from a faith jewellery their faith requires outside the room or the group perspective. You could invite 13 Case Study 7 Case Study 8 Faithshare Lancaster Faith Forum “In my first year at the University part would be a chance for For the Queen’s Golden “The Young People’s Faith of Lancaster I became the chair people to reflect and share further Jubilee, 80 young people of Forum was a good opportunity of the very small Jewish Society in small groups of 3 – 5. We nine faiths came together at St to meet people of different and was involved in helping to would end by coming back James’s Palace from across faiths, especially faiths that I’d organise an inter faith together to reflect on what had the UK to talk about faith and only read about. It was celebration for the Chaplaincy’s been said, and to have some service to the community: interesting to listen to people of 30th anniversary. Five faith silence for quiet contemplation. other faiths expressing their communities were involved in We generally attracted between “Despite the differences in our views and to deal with their this wonderful event and we 15 and 35 people. The spiritual beliefs, the strength of perception of your own faith. I wanted to make sure that what programme continues to run in the commonly held realised that although people of we had achieved together Lancaster, with a different co- humanitarian aspects of all our faiths have many things in would not be lost. After all the ordinator each year, with the faiths was more than enough common, this does not festivities, we decided to have a support of the chaplains. for us all to be friends and undermine or dilute each termly meeting, each with a work together.” person’s genuine commitment different theme, where people Now I am hoping that the Gaurav, Hindu to their faith. You can be would come together to share Faithshare model can be used different, but still be genuine and learn more about the around the country with support and show real understanding diversity of our faiths and within from the Council of Christians and respect for others.” our faiths. And somehow I and Jews Youth Section” Naveed, Muslim ended up as the co-ordinator! Debbie, Jewish

We wanted to create a space in which people could come and learn, and feel comfortable to share. We decided to have three parts to our “meetings”; the opening section would be a person from each faith willing to share with the whole group their response to the topic, the second

14 HRH The Prince of with participants in the Faith Forum 15 Case Study 9 Faith matters “The Baha’i community in Scotland nominated me to be a youth representative on the planning group for an inter faith conference for young people being held by the Scottish Inter Faith Council. Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Brahma Kumaris and Rastafarian young people were involved too. We were really enthusiastic about the idea of the conference which we decided to call “Faith Matters”. We met together about every six weeks for several months and planned the theme, the programme, the exhibitions, the speakers and the workshops for the conference. Each of us took responsibility for an exhibition about our own faith and we also each contributed prayers and thoughts for peace which we made into a leaflet to hand out on the day.

On the day of the conference we all worked together to make sure that everything ran

16 Case Study 10 Case Study 11 Case Study 12 MoJoW Inter Faith Forum The peace line smoothly – different members “MoJoW is a group of religiously "We belong to the University of “We go to Lagan College, which of the committee were orientated women from Judaism London Union Buddhist is an integrated school in responsible for different aspects and Islam at Cambridge Association. Recently we held Northern Ireland, which means of the conference – there was University who are seeking an inter faith forum with that both Catholics and great team spirit. Working common ground with each speakers from five different Protestants go to it. Going here together also helped us learn a other through their commitment religions offering their helps us to be aware of the lot about each other’s to their respective religious perspectives on the question differences between the two respective faiths as we had to practices. Our aim is to build "The War on Terrorism – How communities and to be part of discuss practical things like relationships with each other in ethical is it?". The idea was to ending sectarianism. Recently a what food should be served; order to break down the mutual have a chance to explore the group of us went to the Peace what the prayer and meditation suspicion and ignorance that similarities and differences of Line in West Belfast. This is one room should be like (a friend exists in both of our religious thought on a particular of the walls that was put up to and I organised this aspect of communities. Women from the topic. It was very successful separate the Catholic and the event) and what times it two faiths have a deep and we think it made a real Protestant areas and is a sign needed to be free for Muslim commonality and sensibility. Our contribution to promoting of the troubles that have prayers; what sort of music we sessions have helped us to understanding and peaceful plagued Northern Ireland. We should have at the conference; learn about each other’s faith coexistence between faiths." learnt about the work of the and what sort of topics should and build friendships in an www.ulubuda.org.uk Cornerstone Community and be discussed. Although there intimate, warm atmosphere. We Chao Rong and Yee Leng, other groups which are working was diversity in some of the have discussed things like Buddhist to build peace and practical things that the festivals in our faiths, head understanding between the two different faiths needed there covering that women wear, and communities and we want to be was also a lot of unity of looked at our shared history. We peace builders ourselves.” thought and purpose and we end each session by saying our www.lagancollege.com really developed a great respect respective prayers. The Laura, Rosanna and Ciaran, for each other and for each relationship between the faiths Christian other’s points of view.” will take time, but it is the www.interfaithscotland.org commitment to that gradual Karmel, Baha’i growth that binds us together” Miriam, Jewish and Sophia, Muslim

17 Celebrate! All the faiths have special April or May 25 December October or November days when events of particular significance are remembered Buddhists Christians Hindus or celebrated. Calendars of Wesak Christmas Diwali different faiths are different Happy Wesak. Celebrates the Happy Christmas. Celebrates Happy Diwali or Shubh from our national calendar, enlightenment of the Buddha the birth of Jesus. Some Diwali. The festival of lights and some dates move year by under the bodhi tree. Orthodox Churches celebrate focusing on Lakshmi the year. You can find out dates of on 7 January. goddess of wealth and marking different faith festivals at the return of Lord Rama after www.bbc.co.uk/religion/ defeating Ravan. interactive/calendar or from the Shap Calendar (see under resources). Of course each September Dates Vary 14 April faith has more than one day of major significance but here Jews Muslims Sikhs are some of the festivals Rosh Hashanah Eid-ul Fitr Vaisakhi celebrated by different faiths Happy New Year or Shana Eid Mubarak. Celebration Happy Vaisakhi. Marks the on which it is traditional to Tova. The Jewish New Year is a marking the end of the Muslim foundation of the Khalsa Panth, exchange special greetings. two day festival which is followed holy month of Ramadan and the community of Sikhs. by a further 8 days of repentance the end of the month of fasting. and self-examination, culminating in a day of prayer and fasting on the Day of Atonement. 18 21 March Baha’is Naw-Ruz Happy Naw-Ruz or Happy New Year. Marks the end of let’s talk over lunch the 19 day fast that concludes Did you know? beings. Some Sikhs, Buddhists 1 Always label the food clearly the old year. and Christians are vegetarian. so that people can feel Religious beliefs, rooted in the Sikhs do not eat halal or comfortable about what they scriptures and teachings of the kosher meat. are eating. different faiths, can affect what “For our events, we have just October or November people will eat and drink. For So what do we feed vegetarian catering so the example: everyone at a multi maximum number of people Jains Vira- faith get together? can share food together” Nirvana/Deepavali Jews have special rules and Bhupinder, Inter Faith Network dietary laws and many Happy Deepavali. Jains 1 Make plenty of totally Orthodox Jews will eat only vegetarian dishes celebrate Lord Mahavir’s “kosher” (“fit” or “proper”) food. Let’s get together liberation and also the Jain Muslims have special dietary 1 Have some vegetarian dishes and talk about it New Year which marks the rules which means that they which contain no eggs, garlic, over a drink attainment of absolute are supposed only to eat onion, potato or carrots knowledge by Guru Gautam. “halal” (“permitted”) foods. Hmm. What sort of drink? 1 Use non-dairy butter Eating pork or ham or other Alcohol is forbidden to Muslims substitutes March products from pigs is forbidden and to followers of a number of for Jews and Muslims. 1 Make sure there is no animal other faiths such as the Baha’i Zoroastrians gelatine or animal fat in faith. Many Buddhists, Hindus, No-Ruz Hindus refrain from eating beef anything marked as vegetarian Jains and Sikhs and some and many are vegetarian and Christians also avoid alcohol. 1 Happy No-Ruz. New Year’s do not eat eggs. Some also Make sure there is no alcohol Some religious people avoid Day according to the Fasli avoid garlic and onion. Jains do in any of the food drinks with caffeine or other calendar used in Iran. not eat meat or eggs and are 1 Watch out for crisps and stimulants. So if you are serving supposed to avoid eating root other snacks which may tea or coffee, it is a good idea vegetables such as carrots, contain animal or fish protein to also offer alternatives like potatoes, garlic and onion to water, herbal tea or fruit juice. minimise harm to minute living 1 Have plenty of fruit available 19 Case Study 13 Case Study 14 Case Study 15 Youth CHOGM Working together Peace Mala “A CHOGM is a “As part of our business studies “After 11 September 2001, The last knot reminds each one ‘Commonwealth Heads of coursework we were asked to there were a number of local of us that how we behave in life Government Meeting’ which choose a charity of our choice incidents of anti-Muslim and affects everyone we meet and happens every 2 years when and make a presentation about anti-Jewish abuse. Some of we should follow the path of leaders of the 54 it in front of the class, the students at our school peace and friendship to help Commonwealth countries come explaining why its work is (Coedcae School, ) create a better world.” together to discuss issues of important. I got together with began a project to help Emily, Christian, Imran, global concern. We had the three friends of different faiths promote awareness, tolerance Muslim, Paul, Pagan opportunity to take part in a (Sikh, Zoroastrian, and Muslim) and respect between all special UK ‘Youth CHOGM’ to talk about the Inter Faith communities. The idea was The Peace Mala project was hosted by the Secretary General Network. We each made a inspired by one of our teachers launched at the United Nations of the Commonwealth at presentation about our and is a “Peace Mala”. In the Association Temple of Peace in Marlborough House in London. particular religion and also East, a mala is a string of beads Cardiff where candles in the 100 of us, all aged 14-24, from explained the importance of the which may be used in colours of the Peace Mala, were many different backgrounds had different faiths working meditation or prayer. Our Peace lit by representatives of 14 a chance to role play together.” Mala is a double rainbow spiritual traditions. Commonwealth diplomacy and Gaylina, Buddhist bracelet made up of beads of www.peacemala.org.uk to debate some of the key different colours, with each issues facing Commonwealth bead representing a different countries. We also had a chance religion or spiritual path and to discuss local issues. Several their peace messages for the of us of different faiths were world. A final single clear bead chosen specially to give a faith represents unity, harmony and perspective. There are going to peace. The bracelet has two be more ‘Youth CHOGMs’ and knots. The first knot represents we think they are a brilliant way the wearer – we are each to help increase cooperation unique and special! and understanding.” www.the commonwealth.org Tom, Christian and Serina, Sikh

20 Launch of the Peace 21Mala ? The Network’s website has links TimeBank General information to the sites of many relevant www.timebank.org.uk is a high and contacts bodies, including other national profile national campaign inter faith organisations. Some inspiring and connecting people The Inter Faith Network for of these which have youth inter to share and give time. The the UK faith programmes are: website contains lots of www.interfaith.org.uk information about volunteering [email protected] Council of Christians and and a media guide to help you Tel: 020 7931 7766. Jews Youth Section (YES!) to publicise your activities. The 8A Lower Grosvenor Place www.ccj.org.uk respect website, London SW1W 0EN www.timebank.org.uk/respect The Network promotes good Maimonides Foundation has lots of ideas and case relations between the major (links Jewish and Muslim faiths) studies to help get you started. faiths in the UK. It links over www.maimonides- respect was a two year 100 member organisations, foundation.org.uk TimeBank initiative with The including the representative Prince’s Trust. Its objective was organisations of the different United Religions Initiative to encourage greater faith communities, national and www.uri.org.uk understanding and tolerance by local inter faith bodies and inspiring people of different education organisations. It can The following Network member faiths and of none to give time help you with contacts for: bodies can give advice and to each other through local information relating to their community projects. •Local inter faith groups in particular nation of the UK: your area The National Youth Agency www.nya.org.uk supports those Northern Ireland Inter Faith involved in young people’s •National inter faith initiatives Forum personal and social development [email protected] •National organisations of the and works to enable all young different faiths (which can tell people to fulfil their potential Scottish Inter Faith Council within a just society. you about their communities’ www.interfaithscotland.org inter faith programmes) www.youthinformation.com is [email protected] an online information kit for •Young people’s organisations young people. It is a UK-wide Inter Faith Council for Wales youth information site. of the different faiths [email protected]

22 Resources ? Golden Jubilee Young Diversity Board Game of inter Learning about religions Exhibition resources People’s Faith Forum faith and multi cultural life. Summary Report. Department Developed by the Suffolk Inter There is a wealth of good Nottingham Inter Faith Council – for Culture, Media and Sport Faith Resource, material available through faith www.interfaithnottm.org.uk 2002. Available to download www.sifre.org.uk priced £30.00 communities and religious Wolverhampton Inter from www.interfaith.org.uk education resources. Listed Faith Group – The project is grateful to the Icebreakers, Vanessa below are some general web www.wlv.ac.uk/chaplaincy/ Department for Culture, Media Rogers, National Youth sites which include basic photoex and Sport for permission to use Agency Price £6.50 – information about different some of the quotes and photos email [email protected] religions and provide links to Other helpful resources from young people who resources on individual faiths: attended the Golden Jubilee Leap Confronting Conflict is a If you want to arrange inter faith Young People’s Faith Forum. national voluntary youth www.multifaithnet.org discussions or events at your organisation and registered www.bbc.co.uk/religion school or college, RE teachers The Government now has a charity providing opportunities, www.re-xs.ucsm.ac.uk and those teaching Citizenship Faith Communities Unit in the regionally and nationally, for www.beliefnet.com Education are likely to be very Home Office which deals with young people and adults to helpful resources. faith issues: explore creative approaches to Calendar www.homeoffice.gov.uk conflicts in their lives. The Leap In universities and colleges, the website at www.Leaplinx.com Shap calendar of religious chaplaincy (including ministers Minorities of Europe contains information about their festivals (accompanied by a of different faiths) can be a www.moe-online.com youth projects short booklet with information helpful resource. The National Organises regular events and about different festivals). Union of Students projects to promote positive Local Radio See www.shap.org for ([email protected]) is relations between young people There are a growing number of ordering details. supportive of initiatives to build throughout Europe. community radio stations around good relations on campus and the country as well as Statistics may be able to assist with National Inter Faith Football mainstream radio stations that advice or information and Tournament you could contact to get involved Statistics from the 2001 Census contacts for student religious www.faithandfootball.com with radio. Take Over Radio on the religious make up of the societies on campus. A national football tournament www.takeoverradio.co.uk is a UK and of different local areas for youth teams which include station which is run by young can be found at Connexions Direct players from different faiths. people and provides www.statistics.gov.uk www.connexions-direct.com opportunities for young people to Provides information and advice train in radio journalism. to young people. 23 ? Accreditation and Funding Awards You could raise money from Acknowledgments individuals you know or local Anyone between 16 and 24 can businesses. The community and be a Millennium Volunteer (MV). youth service of your local An MV Certificate is awarded for council may be able to provide voluntary work done and shows The Inter Faith Network is very Thanks are also extended to advice on grants to youth grateful for the help of the all the people and that you are a hard worker and projects. There are a number of care about your community. See project’s Advisory Committee, organisations mentioned in the trusts, foundations and other which included representatives guide and to the many others www.millenniumvolunteers. organisations that provide gov.uk for more information. of TimeBank and the National who offered their support and funding for youth projects. Youth Agency and young assistance, including those people from different faith young people who attended a The Duke of Edinburgh Award Funderfinder is a database of communities. special project meeting. scheme recognises and awards funding organisations. You can individuals who take part and access this at your local council The Network’s member The Network is very grateful to organise community projects. for voluntary service (CVS). Find bodies, including the those who have helped to fund More information is available at: your local office at the National representative bodies of the the project, in particular to www.theaward.org Association of CVSs: Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, TimeBank, as well as to the website: www.nacvs.org.uk Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Alma Royalton-Kisch Trust, the Sikh and Zoroastrian faiths, Department for Culture, Media Like more copies of The Youth Funding Guide, provided valuable assistance in and Sport and the National this guide? Nicola Eastwood, Directory of preparing the guide. Youth Agency. Social Change You can download it at www.dsc.org.uk (available in www.interfaith.org.uk certain libraries). Photo credits p1, Andrew Brackenbury (taken at Preston Manor High School); For details on ordering p1, Harkanwal Singh; p2,5,9,10,15,15, PA Photos; p3, Sarah Thorley; printed copies please Alma Royalton-Kisch Trust. p6, Blackburn Heats Volleyball Club; p7, Dave Sinclair (courtesy of East contact the Inter Faith A trust dedicated solely to End Life); p8, Rajinder Singh Panesar (Bradford Youth SACRE); Network, supporting inter faith p11, Liverpool Community Spirit; p11, BBC Radio Leicester; [email protected] educational work with young p12, Respect: Contemplation, Communication and Cooperation Retreat; people. Provides grants of not p14 Debbie Young; p16, Claire Weeldon; p21, Amanda Cruise. more than £1,000 and provides ? fast track grants of less than £500. www.kisch.org.uk 24 Sikhs have a great tradition“ of serving the community and our history has many examples of helping those in need. We Giving your are taught from an early age to remember God’s name, work hard and share what we can. This is called time!Getting involved or organising •you’ve gained new skills, in vandshakna. Another important aspect is seva, an inter faith project in your information technology or community is a kind of public speaking, for example meaning voluntary service. “volunteering”. You are •you’ve tried out something The gurdwara is a wonderful volunteering or giving up your you always wanted to do example of this spirit in time to help in your •you’ve grown in confidence, community. Benefits include and now feel better prepared practice. Advice, the satisfaction of knowing to take on new challenges and accommodation and food you’ve made a difference by responsibilities are provided for anyone who helping bring about greater •you’ve got plenty of new comes . Mona, Sikh inter faith understanding and material and certificates to put in the process: on your CV or in your Record ” of Achievement •you’ve made new friends and had fun along the way. Now it’s up to you!

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