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Interfaith Report - 17.05.11

Interfaith in the Hereford Diocese is a sub-division of CWPD
(The Council for World Partnership and Development)

Tell: The result of all that I do in Interfaith results in an opportunity to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom which may be being heard and considered seriously for the first time. This is part of helping people to live as faithful Christians in a multi-faith world. It has brought me into contact with other diocesan committees eg Ecumenical, Social Responsibility, Education

Teach: Invitations have come from 6th Form Colleges to take part in interfaith discussions as well as from Secondary and Primary Schools to deliver assemblies and courses. I have spoken at Deanery Synods, MU meetings, village groups and organised visits to mosques, temples and gudwaras. A day is planned in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of the King James Bible to give a series of talks to the Methodist church on The Qur'an comparing and contrasting it with the Bible.

Tend: Through the South Shropshire Interfaith Forum, Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Group, Wolverhampton Interfaith Group I have been involved in seeking and developing matters of common concern. eg with the South Shropshire Interfaith Forum - keeping National Interfaith Week with a pilgrimage round the mosque, Methodist church and the Pilgrim Centre (being used for the Jewish Friday evening prayers) to celebrate the Muslim New Year, Advent and Hanukkah. Also sharing in the Muslim festival of Eid.
There have also been opportunities to discuss interfaith matters that have been raised in the media and to dispel ignorance and encourage people to be able to identify goodwill in those of a different faith.

Transform: With the South Shropshire Interfaith Forum - keeping Holocaust Memorial Day.
With the Holy Land Group of CWPD holding two diocesan study days: Dr Brian Klug from Oxford university led a day on 'An independent Jewish Voice' A day is planned of 21.05.11 to give an opportunity for those who have attended Holy Land days to share their experiences of 'Crossing Boundaries' and to highlight and discuss the issues raised.

Treasure In connection with the Shrewsbury Interfaith Group to begin to consider Environmental issues from the perspectives of the various world faiths looking at what is said in their scriptures.

In addition I have discussed interfaith needs with hospital staff and chaplaincy teams.
I am preparing a page on Interfaith for the diocesan newspaper.
The West Midlands Faith Forum has been a useful meeting and reference point but has been a victim of 'The Cuts'.
I have attended the Diocesan Interfaith Practitioners Association national conference.

David Roberts
Diocesan Interfaith Officer