Faith and non-religious belief groups’ positive contribution to social cohesion deserves greater recognition and should have more influence on cohesion policy in the United Kingdom, according to a report commissioned by the British Academy and the Faith and Belief Forum. The report draws on practical case studies from across the UK, including an interfaith programme by the West London Synagogue to promote positive Jewish-Muslim relations locally, a mosque that teaches English to speakers of other languages, a Catholic homelessness charity, and a Christian initiative to tackle knife crime. Faith is too often thought of as concerning ‘others’ and subtly racialised as the preserve of ethnic minorities in a secular society. Although faith and belief can be a source of division, many faith groups play a key role in uniting groups, and their contributions need to be valued and recognised.
Faith groups’ role in social cohesion undervalued
Written by David Fletcher 23 Jul 2020Additional Info
- Pray: for more support to faith groups promoting peace and unity in the face of rapid political, social, economic and technological changes. (Psalm 85:10)
- More: faithbeliefforum.org/faith-groups-role-in-social-cohesion-undervalued-says-new-report-commissioned-by-the-british-academy-and-the-faith-belief-forum/
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