The value of faith groups to society is almost impossible to measure but is immensely important. This was broadly demonstrated over the last few years during lockdowns where faith groups were at the forefront of helping to resolve many social problems, almost entirely on a voluntary basis. It is a social resource that should be better utilised and encouraged.
To facilitate this the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Faith and Society, chaired by MP Stephen Timms, launched a Faith Covenant some years ago and this project has recently been revived. The Faith Covenant is a joint commitment between faith communities and local authorities to a set of principles that guide engagement, aiming to build and provide a framework of trust between all parties to promote open, practical working on all levels.
The All Faiths Network has even published a book on the value of faith groups in society during lockdown called ‘People of Faith Rising Above Covid 19’.
We wish to see closer cooperation between regional and local social services and faith groups in caring for our communities around the country.
We are asking our members, as well as encouraging the wider community, to approach their local councillors to gather support so that local and regional governments adopt the Faith Covenant and encourage greater cooperation for the benefit of all.
See the Faith Covenant here https://www.faithandsociety.org/covenant/full/
See the officers of the APPG on Faith and Society here https://www.faithandsociety.org/officers/
See the Parliamentarians who are members of the APPG here https://www.faithandsociety.org/members/
At the start of Interfaith week 3 members of All Faiths Network attended Bandhi Chhor at the Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara in Slough, the largest Gurdwara in Europe and the USA (we understood). “Bandi” means “imprisoned”, “Chhor” means “release” or “Day of Liberation” celebrating when “right” prevailed over “wrong”. See http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Bandi_Chhorh_Divas for more details. It…
A conservative French Catholic is now being charged with ‘abuse of weakness’ (otherwise known as brainwashing). At the trial, based on reports by the MIVILUDES (French government department that fights against sectarian deviances) and anti-cult “experts,” and disgruntled ex-members, Father Bernard, the head of the congregation was accused of using psychological techniques to subjugate and…
The Khalsa Jatha Gurdwara in Holland Park is the oldest Gurdwara in the UK, and possibly Europe, founded in 1908. AFN joined the Lokahi Foundation to attend a religious service in the temple, learn more about the good works carried out by Sikhs in the UK – whilst we were there a youth group were…
The French National Assembly is set to debate a bill banning clothing linked to religious practice in sports after it was approved by the Senate. While not explicitly targeting Muslim head coverings, critics argue it discriminates against the Muslim community and could further alienate them. Proposed by right-wing Senator Michel Savin, the bill passed the…
The All Faiths Network is pleased to announce our new membership of the UK Inter Faith Network. The Inter Faith Network for the UK works to promote understanding, cooperation and good relations between organisations and persons of different faiths in the UK. We hope that our common purpose will lead to much future cooperation and success….
Yklas Kabduakasov, a Seventh-day Adventist, was recently sentenced to serve two years in a labor camp for “inciting religious hatred.” Kabduakasov was accused of making incendiary comments during lectures with students of the capital university. A charge which Kabduakasov has consistently denied. On December 22, the City Court judge decided to reopen the case and…
