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Inter-Faith
Relations
The task of the committee
is
• to encourage and assist the churches in inter-faith situations
•
to affirm and support individuals involved in inter-faith dialogue on
behalf of the church
•
to engage in direct contact with people of other faiths, particularly
through our consultants in Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Sikhism, and New
religious Movements.
•
to develop theological understanding of inter-faith dialogue and mission.
•
to keep abreast with what is happening in the teaching about other faiths
in schools and colleges.
Committee Members
Convener: Mrs Daphne Beale Secretary: Revd Brenda Willis
Mrs Linda Hopley, Mr Matthew Bean, Revd David M Taylor, Revd
Jonathan Dean
Consultants: Revd Dr David Bowen (Hinduism and Islam)
Revd Dr John Parry (Sikhism) Dr Elizabeth Harris (Buddhism)
Staff Link: Revd Philip Woods (Secretary for International Relations)
1 Growing
up
1.1 “To fulfill the
church’s calling requires a deliberate engagement with the local
community” (9.1, Growing Up, Assembly Reports 1999). When we
engage with our community most of us will find we are also engaging with
different faith traditions. People from these faith traditions may need
empowering as they tackle issues important to them, but they may also be
in a position to empower others. When we are in partnership across the
faiths we can treat each other with openness and respect, recognising that
there are many valid styles of working within communities and that we can
learn from each other. It is good to encourage ecumenical co-operation in
this and offer support to inter-faith and multi-faith initiatives in our
area.
1.2 Facing the Theological Implications.
We can comfortably work alongside people from a variety of faiths in building up community life, helping people to feel affirmed and sharing in issues of justice, but there are times when we need to look at issues of faith. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, do not believe the same things. We have much in common for example, what we say about love, care and respect for others, the importance of prayer and the enjoyment of worship, but there are times when we need to sit down with each other and talk through some of the deeper issues of faith.
1.3 This is the point where some of us need reassurance. Our theological viewpoints may make a difference to how we approach such conversations and what our motives are. These differences need to be acknowledged and we need to be sure about where we stand in our own faith when we are discussing with others. The challenge of inter-faith dialogue can lead us to a strengthening of our own faith as we struggle to explain to others the deeper aspects of that faith and as we listen to the depth of their faith.
1.4 As Christians find themselves getting involved in this dialogue, which is often a necessary part of engaging with their local community, they may need help in looking at the implications of what they are doing, assurance as to how this fits with the gospel imperative, information about different faith communities, links with other churches who have experience to share, guidance on the work done in schools or opportunities to share in dialogue at a regional or national level.
1.5 The United Reformed
Church has been in the forefront of raising inter-faith issues and has the
experience and expertise to tackle the theological and educational
questions coming out of our increasing contacts with people of different
faiths as well as to support individuals and churches in their searching.
How can we encourage you?
2
Consultations
2.1 This year we held a
further seminar with members of the Reform Synagogues on our use of
Scripture. As we studied in depth our shared Scriptures we were led to new
insights, particularly on the concept of the Messiah in both traditions
and how we understand God acting in history. In the coming year we hope to
pursue this further and also have a meeting with Sikhs, especially with
younger people. This kind of Bi-lateral dialogue can be done at local
level.
Why not try it?
3 Sharing
concerns
3.1 Concern was expressed
for -
• Local Muslims in the
light of the tragic situation both in Kosovo and Chechnya.
• Hindus in this country
struggling to come to terms with the actions of some extremists in India
and Christians as they meet with their Hindu neighbours.
• our relations with
Messianic Jews in this country.
• those who go from our
churches to Israel and Palestine as they are faced with the
political/religious situation there.
• Christians who are
involved with New Religious Movements.
• those who feel they
belong to two faiths.
• those who are involved
with inter-faith marriages.
What issues have you been
4
Education
4.1 We rejoice with our
consultant on Religious Education in schools on becomingthe head of the
Religious Education department for Schools Net, the biggest educational
site on the internet. At our last meeting she spoke to us of the
importance now being given to Religious Education in schools and the
recognition of the spiritual dimension which should be present in all
subjects.
4.2 We are considering new
ways of giving support and guidance to members of the United Reformed
Church members of Standing Advisory Councils for Religious Education. (SACREs)
How do you support your
5 Pilgrim 2000
5.1 The committee shared in
the organisation of Pilgrim 2000 through the participation of its former
convenor (Bill Mahood) in the leadership team and by making a grant from
the Jewish Fund to enable fourteen young people to participate. A report
of the visit can be found in Appendix 2.
General Assembly commends
the paper Christians and Local Inter-Faith Activity produced by the
Churches Commission for Inter-Faith Relations and encourages churches to
use it in their local situations. 1.1 Some years ago the
predecessor of this committee, the Mission and Other Faiths Committee,
promoted some guidelines on inter-faith dialogue. These are now out of
print. The present committee recognise the importance of such a resource
for all who find themselves needing or wishing to relate to other faith
communities and so have welcomed the initiative of the Churches Commission
for Inter-Faith Relations to produce a resource for local churches on
inter-faith activity. The text of the Commission’s leaflet can be found
in Appendix 4.
1.2 In a clear and straightforward fashion the leaflet asks, why are Christians involved, how are Christians involved, and briefly answers other frequently asked questions. It also reminds us of the four principles of inter-faith dialogue produced by the British Council of Churches in 1981 (which were adopted by the United Reformed Church General Assembly in 1983) and the four forms of dialogue enunciated by the Vatican in 1984. As such it is a valuable aid to anyone thinking about how to engage with people in their community from a variety of faith backgrounds.
1.3 Whilst not everyone has
the opportunity for dialogue with people from other faith communities,
where the possibility exists the committee would encourage individuals and
congregations to go out in faith and discover how enriching the experience
is. As the paper says: “Inter-faith encounter can renew, enrich and
transform our Christian discipleship.”
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