Faith groups around the country are to come together in the first-ever national Interfaith Week.

The week, which runs from 15-21 November in England, will see faith groups, schools, colleges and councils hosting events to highlight the importance of understanding and cooperation between different religions.

The week is being facilitated by the Inter Faith Network for the UK and supported by government departments including the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The United Reformed Church’s secretary for ecumenical relations, the Revd David Tatem,   who is also responsible for the church’s interfaith work, welcomed the initiative.

“Interfaith Week is about coming together to celebrate diversity – a human experience which brings both challenge and delight,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to show that understanding between faiths isn’t just about theology or a shared response to crises.”

St Ethelburga’s Centre in London is holding performances throughout the week in which storytellers from different religions tell some of the most compelling narratives of their traditions.

Initially, the week is to be a one-off event, with a view to holding similar weeks in future years in England and Wales. An annual interfaith week already takes place in Scotland 22-29 November.

For more information about the week, see: http://www.interfaithweek.org

For details of the St Ethelburga’s event, go to:
http://secure.stethelburgas.org/civicrm/event/info?id=61&reset=1

For details of Interfaith Week in Scotland, see: http://www.scottishinterfaithcouncil.org/22.html