Pastoral - Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue
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Chairman (acting)
Rev Fr Joseph The Quang Nguyen Our Lady and St Peter
106 Hartshill Road Stoke on Trent ST4 7LZ Tel. 01782 844308
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Secretary
Mr William Ozanne 3 Grove Avenue Birmingham B13 9RU |
Members of the Diocesan Commission:
Lisette Begue, Rev. Ray Collier, Mr B. Davies, Rt.Revd.Mgr.Dr. Tom Fallon, Rev. J.Howard, Rev. Bernard Kelly, Rev. Joseph The Quang Nguyen, Sister Anna O'Connor, Mr. W. Ozanne, Mr.Erik Pearse, Rev. S. Pimlott, Sister Helen Ryan, Dr. J. Seferta,
Lisette Begue, Rev. Ray Collier, Mr B. Davies, Rt.Revd.Mgr.Dr. Tom Fallon, Rev. J.Howard, Rev. Bernard Kelly, Rev. Joseph The Quang Nguyen, Sister Anna O'Connor, Mr. W. Ozanne, Mr.Erik Pearse, Rev. S. Pimlott, Sister Helen Ryan, Dr. J. Seferta,
COMMISSION BUSINESS
ARCHDIOCESE OF BIRMINGHAM
COMMISSION FOR INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
REPORT TO PASTORAL COUNCIL ON INTER RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES, February 2011.
Interfaith week received
a mention in the Archbishop’s Civic Service sermon:
The faith communities in this city are often among the first to recognise emerging social needs
within our local communities. Many of them have initiated and are
involved in local projects that are making a practical contribution towards
building a new culture of social responsibility. With the support of the City Council
the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group is engaged in a web-based Faith Mapping
exercise. Once it is finished this will not only identify places of worship but it
will also indicate the contribution being made by local faith communities to a wide variety of
social needs.
a mention in the Archbishop’s Civic Service sermon:
The faith communities in this city are often among the first to recognise emerging social needs
within our local communities. Many of them have initiated and are
involved in local projects that are making a practical contribution towards
building a new culture of social responsibility. With the support of the City Council
the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group is engaged in a web-based Faith Mapping
exercise. Once it is finished this will not only identify places of worship but it
will also indicate the contribution being made by local faith communities to a wide variety of
social needs.
DIOCESAN COMMISSION:
Membership of the Commission: the Archbishop has now agreed to appoint Fr. Bernard Kelly to
the Commission.
Objectives and Strategies for the Commission: the one item that was taken up was to
implement the notion of a workshop on inter-faith relations. The programme
suggested last year by Mr Brian Davies was good and not yet put into action.
The materials were available: Meeting God in Friend and Stranger plus the summary and PowerPoint support from
Katharina Muller. It was agreed that suitable places for a workshop would be in
Stoke. Fr. Joseph agreed to take the initiative at Stoke. It would be designed
for clergy and laity and focus on pastoral issues in Meeting God in Friend and
Stranger. May28th, to begin at 10.00 a.m. TBA
Inter-FaithWeek 2011
now Inter-Faith Harmony Week is proposed. In considering the number
of special Faith weeks that are now developing and the fact that the
arrangements were usually generated by an inter-faith body [Wolverhampton
Interfaith Group, Moseley Interfaith Group, Coventry interfaith Group or the
West Midlands Faith Forum] it was agreed to wait to see which inter-faith group
was to take the initiative in each area for next year’s inter-faith week and
then see what the Catholic Church had to input to this.
now Inter-Faith Harmony Week is proposed. In considering the number
of special Faith weeks that are now developing and the fact that the
arrangements were usually generated by an inter-faith body [Wolverhampton
Interfaith Group, Moseley Interfaith Group, Coventry interfaith Group or the
West Midlands Faith Forum] it was agreed to wait to see which inter-faith group
was to take the initiative in each area for next year’s inter-faith week and
then see what the Catholic Church had to input to this.
Reports
Stourport: Fr.
Stephen Pimlott referred to the Justice and Peace group in his area and .he
felt that a key issue in his area and elsewhere was a suspicion towards all Muslims.
Saltley : Lisette Begue was planning to take her youth group on a visit to Saltley and meet the Muslim youth group that
gathers in the Mariam House there. She met children of other faiths as part of her teaching work in Bishop Walsh
School.
North Staffordshire Interfaith Group:.
Bishop McGough attends the North Staffordshire Interfaith Group. In the parish of Our Lady and St. Peter in chains,
Fr. Joseph is organising a school trip to Lourdes or Taise is to include some Muslim pupils.
Rugby Interfaith Forum:
Brian Davies reported on the Rugby Interfaith Forum that still meets about 9
times per year. They had been following a programme on Prayer and fasting in
differing faith traditions.
Q.E, Hospital chaplaincy Fr. Jeremy had visited the
different places of worship of the members of his Q.E, Hospital chaplaincy
team, attended the Civic Service at Singers Hill Synagogue, and represented the
Archbishop at the Interfaith Harmony Week meeting at the NCA.
Lozells: Sister Helen wished the committee to support her new initiative in Lozells to build Social cohesion,
working as chair of the Lozells neighbourhood forum and working with vulnerable
women in the area. She continues work with the Citizens movement through its base in London.
working as chair of the Lozells neighbourhood forum and working with vulnerable
women in the area. She continues work with the Citizens movement through its base in London.
Nechells Sister Catherine of the Presentation Order had also reported the regeneration work being done
among people of differing faiths in Nechells and Perry Barr; much of it
concerned vulnerable women and child trafficking. She was part of a group
attempting to regenerate Birmingham Citizens movement. This is another example
of the crossing between inter-faith and Justice and peace.
Wolverhampton Inter Faith and Regeneration
Network: continued its work with a
Holocaust Memorial Day Service in conjunction with Wolverhampton City Council
at the War Memorial, with refreshments in the Mayors Parlour. On January 30th
the annual service of prayers for Peace was held at St Peter‘s collegiate
Church, with readings from each of the
main faiths . Erik Pearse represents the Archdiocese. He reported the recent
merger of the Wolverhampton Inter-Faith Council with the Wolverhampton Faith
and Regeneration Network to create the Wolverhampton Inter-Faith and
Regeneration Network (WIFRN). Its funding comes mostly from the Church of
England and the Methodist Church with a small input from the Archdiocese. A
partnership with the Central Library in Wolverhampton has established an
Inter-Faith Resource Centre within the Library. The WIFRN is planning an open
meeting in May to consider the possibility of Wolverhampton becoming a “City of
Sanctuary”, a city of welcome to refugees and asylum seekers, following the
lead of Sheffield and Leicester.
Banbury: Frank Davis reports that inter-faith
activity is at a standstill in Banbury at
present. The Religious Education Department at the local Methodist Church
which organised regular meetings with members of other Faiths for several years
closed down about 6 months ago and although 2 or 3 of its members
assumed responsibility for continuing a "Banbury Interfaith Network"
there has so far been no sign of a new programme.
Coventry: the Diocesan representative on the
Coventry forum of faiths is Lady Godiva, alias Prue Poretta. She organises an
interfaith women’s group called Godiva Sisters. Paul McGowan of a parish in
Coventry is working during Lent with the neighbouring mosque to raise funds for a project jointly working with
Islamic relief and Cafod. This is a good example of the Dialogue of Action and
also of the link of inter-faith relations n and justice and peace. Helen Mozeley of Cafod will have more to say on this.
Coventry forum of faiths is Lady Godiva, alias Prue Poretta. She organises an
interfaith women’s group called Godiva Sisters. Paul McGowan of a parish in
Coventry is working during Lent with the neighbouring mosque to raise funds for a project jointly working with
Islamic relief and Cafod. This is a good example of the Dialogue of Action and
also of the link of inter-faith relations n and justice and peace. Helen Mozeley of Cafod will have more to say on this.
Bill Ozanne attended:
· a meeting of the round Table convened by
councillor Alan Rudge, the main items of which were to review Infer-Faith week
in Birmingham and agree to plan another next year ( 2011) and to update and
seek support of members on the plan for
the Birmingham City Council to do an internet mapping of Faith places in the
City: this to include links to websites
of individual places of worship. Lozells was already far advanced as the
first area.
councillor Alan Rudge, the main items of which were to review Infer-Faith week
in Birmingham and agree to plan another next year ( 2011) and to update and
seek support of members on the plan for
the Birmingham City Council to do an internet mapping of Faith places in the
City: this to include links to websites
of individual places of worship. Lozells was already far advanced as the
first area.
· Annual meeting of the Legion of Mary Birmingham
Presidium, to give a talk on The Legion and multi-cultural society, with
special reference to Islam.
Presidium, to give a talk on The Legion and multi-cultural society, with
special reference to Islam.
· the Holocaust Memorial event at the Birmingham Town Hall: Monsignor Canon Pat
Browne represented the Archbishop.
Browne represented the Archbishop.
- Planning meeting for a Churches Together in England
day conference in Birmingham to be held on April 9th, with
Celia Blackden (interfaith Secretary for BCE). The Theme is Faith ,Hope and Love.
- Two conferences held at the Sikh NCA in Handsworth: 2011 World
Interfaith Harmony Week, February 6th , The meeting had been
put together at short notice, largely because Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder
Singh was a member of the European council of Religious Leaders and they
had agreed to give this full support Father
Jeremy Howard represented the Archbishop and
Bill Ozanne attended on behalf of the Archdiocese. An Arms Treaty conference February 14tth. the meeting was addressed by representatives of Oxfam and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- CCJ meeting on Teaching the Holocaust to Children:
Bill Ozanne gave a short intervention on resistance and support for the
Jews in the channel islands Sister Maura (Columban Sisters) was also
present.. - Planning meeting for Faith Encounter Programme
including planned meeting at Moseley Development Centre on Faith Works February 7th in
conjunction with the Church of England Industrial Chaplaincy.. The Faith
Encounter Programme is now beginning to develop sessions in Coventry,
Wolverhampton and Walsall. It trains members of different faith
communities to guide people round their place of worship and explain their
beliefs. The course is validated by the National Association of tour
guides. It also builds informal networking between the students. - Meeting
to advise St Joseph’s primary school in Sutton Coldfield on inter-faith
curriculum:Spoke toto parents and pupils on April 1st - Meeting to consult with St. Clare’s school Handsworth on Muslim Parents.
- As speaker at ‘Faith and the Big Society’ interfaith week event held at the Nishkam Centre on Friday 26th
November 2010. The British Sikh Consultative Forum facilitated the event
Other notes:
· The day conference convened by the Diocesan
Commission on ”Meeting God in Friend and Stranger” held on November 23rd
attracted over 40 people, clergy, religious sisters and lay people. Archbishop
Kevin Macdonald was the principal speaker on the new Teaching document of the
Bishops “Meeting God in Friend and
Stranger”. He stressed the nature and importance of dialogue [attached
summary] and Katharina Muller, now Secretary to the Bishops Conference of England
and Wales Committee for Other Religions, gave a spirited and informative talk
on the resources available to support dialogue.
Commission on ”Meeting God in Friend and Stranger” held on November 23rd
attracted over 40 people, clergy, religious sisters and lay people. Archbishop
Kevin Macdonald was the principal speaker on the new Teaching document of the
Bishops “Meeting God in Friend and
Stranger”. He stressed the nature and importance of dialogue [attached
summary] and Katharina Muller, now Secretary to the Bishops Conference of England
and Wales Committee for Other Religions, gave a spirited and informative talk
on the resources available to support dialogue.
· The local based national movement “Redeeming Our Communities” held a meeting in the
Birmingham National Indoor Arena, attended by about 1,000 people, mainly
Elims and Pentecostal. It describes itself as
“promoting partnerships
which open up more opportunities for crime and disorder reduction, and enhanced
community cohesion. [by bringing] together community groups, churches, the
police, the fire service, local authorities and voluntary agencies to encourage
them to work together in positive
partnerships for practical change. Mgr Danny McHugh represented the Diocesan
Parish Regeneration project and Rev, Dominic Innamorati the parish clergy. This
was sponsored by the West Midlands Police and they were represented by the
Chief of Police and several deputies as well as the Chief of Police for
Northern Ireland, Alan Rudge, Birmingham Department for Equalities was there
with his Round Table Faith Leaders, including Bill Ozanne.
Birmingham National Indoor Arena, attended by about 1,000 people, mainly
Elims and Pentecostal. It describes itself as
“promoting partnerships
which open up more opportunities for crime and disorder reduction, and enhanced
community cohesion. [by bringing] together community groups, churches, the
police, the fire service, local authorities and voluntary agencies to encourage
them to work together in positive
partnerships for practical change. Mgr Danny McHugh represented the Diocesan
Parish Regeneration project and Rev, Dominic Innamorati the parish clergy. This
was sponsored by the West Midlands Police and they were represented by the
Chief of Police and several deputies as well as the Chief of Police for
Northern Ireland, Alan Rudge, Birmingham Department for Equalities was there
with his Round Table Faith Leaders, including Bill Ozanne.
- Sister Maura reported on a conference at Leo
Baeck College in London on “The Other and I in art through the ages”,
looking at sacred art from a Christian. Jewish and Muslim perspective and
reviewing ones faith through the eyes of the “other”. - West Midlands Fire Service hosted a meeting on Social
and Religious Unity convened by the MRB
Foundation: Speakers included Clare
Short and Lord Hunt,; Bill Ozanne spoke on the Catholic heritage and British
Society. - The Moseley Interfaith Group held a combined
meeting for Interfaith Week with the
Birmingham Council of Faiths at which Music and Dance from differing faiths
were celebrated by Catholics Anglicans, Hare Krishna , Muslims and Buddhists in
the parish hall of St John and St Martin Balsall Heath. FR. Dominic Innamorati
and Bill Ozanne attended. - The Singers Hill synagogue held a Civic Service
in January 2011 Canon Gerry Breen represented the Archdiocese and also attended
the dedication of the new Faith Room at Birmingham International airport. - The Birmingham City annual Holocaust Memorial
Day : Canon Pat Browne represented the Archbishop - West Midlands Faith Forum is no longer funded
since the government dissolved Regional Authorities. Meetings are being held to
see how far its special contribution can be supported. Volunteer staff and
members will continue but there is a need for a core of two or three full time
paid members. - Pope Benedict is calling a meeting in Assisi in
October to mark the 25th anniversary of the first Assisi inter-religious
meeting in 1986. It will bring - The Diocese is represented in the Coventry interfaith
group by Lady Godiva who runs an interfaith Godiva Sisters group - A meeting for Diocesan Coordinators of inter-faith
work was held at the Focolare Peace Centre in Welwyn Garden city n November
2010. It provided useful networking and some stimulating inputs from Archbishop
Kevin Macdonald and Revd. Dr. Martin Ganeri OP of Heythrop University. Bill
Ozanne attended on behalf of the Diocese. Attached is a summary of Archbishop
Kevin Macdonald’s address. The Bishops conference l Committee for other
religions is currently undergoing a radical re-formation but the outcome is not
clear yet. - Dr. Joe Seferta and Bill Ozanne continue to
write on inter-faith matters in alternate months in Catholic Today. - St. Ambrose Barlow Primary school in Hall Green
Birmingham were involved in a Christmas project with the City of Birmingham
Symphony Orchestra and South Asian Arts, called Winter Lights, an intergenerational
creative project, celebrating winter festivals in all the different faiths -
one of the universal human themes that faiths share. The inspiration for the
theme was based on the poem by Mandy Ross, a local children's writer, who was
recently short-listed for Birmingham Poet Laureate. Led by artists from CBSO
and South Asian Arts the project involved thirty children from St Ambrose
Barlow primary school in Hall Green and a group of women from the Hindu Women's
Network to develop new and original instrumental and vocal music. The six week
project saw the participants explore faith festivities through music, dance and
art, exploring traditional art forms such as Gujarat Stick dance, Rangoli,
western classical and Indian folk music. In addition to the school sessions,
there were creative writing and rangoli workshops held in the evenings for the
Women's group who have also been exploring poetry with Mandy Ross. Filmmaker
Sima Gonsai captured the project throughout with a screening of the film
premiered at Birmingham Town Hall as part of the Arts
Champions Showcase celebration event in November. A live performance
showcase took place at St Ambrose Barlow Church shortly after this. - Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald who was brought up
and began his education at St Mary the Mount in Walsall celebrated his Golden
Jubilee of ordination as a White Father in February– in Cairo,
where he is the Apostolic nuncio - Updating of the website.We are still making efforts to use the Inter-faith page on the
Diocesan website to better advantage.
Meeting God in Friend and Stranger” The text of the summary produced by Fr.
Joseph is now on the Diocesan website. ·
· Birmingham City Council is making progress with its effort to form links to the websites
of all the faith places in gthr city .They have contacted 432 places of worship
and have 49 places of worship already submitting updates on theirt
websites..The areas involved are Perry Barr, Sutton Coldfield, Erdington, Hodge
Hill and Yardley. - The Archbishopoffered the 11.00 a.m. Mass at St Chad’s Cathedral on Sunday
April 3rd for the assassinated Catholic Pakistan Minister Shabaz Bhatti. - Monsignor Tom Fallon celebrated his 80th birthday with a Mass at St Francis
Handsworth on March 19th. I t was the occasion of his announcing his
retirement after 34 years as Parish Priest there. One of the items noted was
the presentation to the Birmingham Local History Library of a bound copy of his
Doctoral Thesis titled “Proclamation
through Dialogue: radical change in official Catholic teaching vis-a vis the
religion of Islam” His work
with the Diocesan Commission for Interreligious Dialogue has been very
supportive and his contribution to faith and race relations in the Lozells and
Handsworth area has been outstanding.
Among the many people he has helped along the way one can reckon his
strong support for Dr. Mary Hall when her work on multi-faith development was
subject to criticism and he helped Bishop Patrick Kalilombe re-establish his
role in Malawi after founding the Black and White Partnership at the Selly Oak
Colleges.
Bill Ozanne 31/05/2011
Bishops conference Teaching Document: MEETING GOD IN FRIEND AND STRANGER:
Friend and Stranger
Summary of the document
Meeting God in Friend and Stranger
Fostering respect
and mutual understanding between the religions
Introduction
Meeting God in Friend and Stranger
It Is a teaching document given by the Bishops in England and Wales to invite Catholics to enter into dialogue with members of other religions. This is important because:
1. Our faith in God prompts us to journey with others to his Truth which is revealed when we open our hearts to the Spirit.
2. There is a need to clarify the vision of Religion, as distinguished from human weakness that beclouds it, for the purpose of promoting peace.
Attitude
As we listen carefully to others in dialogue, we take the risk of emptying ourselves, not just of our premature judgments but also of the familiar interpreting system that normally protects us when we try to understand something new and different.
The task requires openness, patience, courage, mutual respect, and truthfulness. It is the Holy Spirit who harmonises these that enables us to listen to Christ in the people of other beliefs, be that of a religion or an ideology - those who may live in the same household, neighbourhood, city, or country with us. At the same time the Spirit enables us to allow Christ to speak to them through us.
Aim
Dialogue is bigger than discussion of concepts, important though they are. It is a frame of mind or an attitude that allows us to live with others as good neighbours. It is a response to the call to be Christ to others, and to listen to as well as to serve Christ in others.
Social context
The background factors which determine the nature of Inter-religious dialogue in the country are:
1. People of the multicultural Britain have different religious needs and some adjustment of forms of worship and codes of conduct.
2. Easier communication enables many to learn what is going on in different parts of the world more quickly. This may dictate the attitude shown to the people concerned.
3. The Catholic Church has become more tolerated by the political establishment and enriched by a multi-racial community. She promotes respect for and dialogue with the many cultures, religions, philosophies and outlooks on life. However, she rejects relativism which makes faith individualistic. Her commitment to dialogue stems from the conviction that the one true God who gives himself to all, can be seen working in other religions.
Recommendations
The Bishops encourage Catholics to
1. Be living witnesses to the love of neighbour in being the voice of the voiceless, even on facing hostility.
2. Collaborate with members of other religions in fields where they have similar concerns and values.
3. Invite them to do likewise, especially where injustice to Christians needs to be addressed.
4. Support the civil authorities in upholding values that ensures the common good.
Church’s commitment
Church’s documents, such as Nostra Aetate and Redemptoris Missio, and the inter-religious activities of the Popes since Vatican II have shown the Church’s commitment to a relationship of mutual understanding and reciprocal enrichment with other religions. The purpose of this commitment is to promote, by word and example, unity, charity and peace among people.
Led by the Holy Spirit
Since Christ’s Spirit has been leading members of other religions to the Truth, the Church and religions have a positive relationship to each other.
Dialogue is not a research to build a better school of thought or to find a better way to proselytise but an attempt to go deeper into the mystery of the Truth. Dialogue does not replace evangelisation but remains orientated towards the proclamation of the saving Truth.
Inter-religious prayer service
Dialogue is the work of the Spirit, and it is impossible to be in touch with the Spirit without humility and prayer. Since prayer is an expression of our belief, in dialogue, we don’t come to pray together but we come together to pray. The document gives some helpful practical suggestions and guidelines for multi-religious prayer.
Inter-religious MarriagePractically, the promotion of charity and peace can begin with that of family values. Catholics are to collaborate with religions, as much as in conscience they are able, in witnessing to the dignity and importance of marriage in contemporary British society.
Church’s support for Inter-religious Marriage Preparation includes assuring the couple of the Church’s respect for other religions, informing them of the Church’s teaching on marriage and of Canon Laws, learning from the non-Catholic their religion’s teaching on and cultural observances in marriage.
Since Inter-religious dialogue has a social effect, it cannot exclude Civil authorities whose attitudes can be politically dictated. As we are encouraged to cooperate with the government in public services, we are also reminded to remain true to Catholic principles and values.
Civil and Religious authorities
In order to be effectively involved in dialogue with other religions and Civil authorities, we need to know and respect the Church’s teaching. In our involvement with inter-religious relations, we seek not to be more privileged but to serve the common good. Our ‘all level engagement’ must be seen as a commitment of the whole Church, rather than a new local movement. It is, therefore, right that we should pass the greetings from the Holy See to the other religions on their special celebrations
Unity but not conformity
Rather than dismissing our identity, dialogue leads to a deeper understanding of faith and a celebration of unity in diversity. For this reason, children in Catholic schools are encouraged to practise their own faith and reflect on the facts about other religions so that they can gain insights from them.
Conclusion
The concluding reflections of the document state that to turn away from even the attempt to dialogue is to despair of the power of God and of his risen Son to advance his own Kingdom of peace and love.
This summary of Meeting God in Friend and Stranger was prepared by the Inter-Religious Dialogue Commission of the Birmingham Archdiocese.
We hope you find it informative. The full document can be found in pdf format or ordered from CTS on http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/Catholic-Church/Publications/meeting_god_in_friend_and_stranger
MISSION STATEMENT:
Inspired by the Biblical vision of "gathering into one the scattered children of God" (Jn 11:52), our Church teaching on relations with other religions and our own faith experience, the Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue aims to promote throughout the diocese a greater awareness and understanding of other faiths, through dialogue, prayer and action.
In particular the commission seeks:
to raise the profile of interfaith dialogue and understanding in the diocese as an integral part of our own evangelising mission and spirituality;
to maintain a balance between the four interdependent forms of dialogue:
1. the dialogue of faith;
2. the dialogue of life;
3. the dialogue of action;
4. the dialogue of religious experience.
(Cf. Dialogue & Proclamation 42-43)
to ensure that we remain true to Catholic teaching in the way our faith is presented in interfaith dialogue and to seek reciprocity;
to provide training and workshops about dialogue and understanding for both clergy and lay-people;
to network & communicate with all Catholics in the diocese who identify with our vision and aims;
to identify and make available resources for interfaith dialogue, prayer and action;
to make contact with key leaders of other Faith Communities in the diocese and encourage people to do the same at local level with a view to dialogue;
to keep abreast of communications from relevant sources (Rome, the Committee for Other Faiths of CBCEW, Interfaith Co-ordinators of other dioceses, CTBI, the National Inter Faith Network, West Midlands Faith Forum etc);
to collaborate with organisations and diocesan programmes that might share common ground with us (e.g. Justice & Peace and Catechetics);
to keep the Archbishop advised on interfaith matters.
Values
Love & Respect - recognising every person as a beloved child of God in whom God's Spirit dwells. (Cf. Dominum et Vivificantem)
Freedom - based on the dignity of the human person. "Everyone has the right to the free exercise of religion in society" (Dignitatis Humanae 1&2; Pacem in Terris 14; c.f. UN Declaration of Human Rights).
Unity - "considering what people have in common and what draws them to fellowship. One is the community of all peoples, one their origin... One also is their final goal, God." (NA 1).
Truthfulness - understanding that "the Church rejects nothing that is true and holy" (NA 1).
Justice & Peace - aware of the injustices that have been done in the name of religion yet also aware that we are "called to live in peace with all men" (Rom 12:18).
Honesty & Forgiveness - forgiveness given for past offences against us, just as we ask for forgiveness from other religions for Christian offences against them.
Hope - that with God's help his scattered children will be gathered into one human family (Cf. Jn 11:52), so providing the dynamic for pursuing our mission.
to raise the profile of interfaith dialogue and understanding in the diocese as an integral part of our own evangelising mission and spirituality;
to maintain a balance between the four interdependent forms of dialogue:
1. the dialogue of faith;
2. the dialogue of life;
3. the dialogue of action;
4. the dialogue of religious experience.
(Cf. Dialogue & Proclamation 42-43)
to ensure that we remain true to Catholic teaching in the way our faith is presented in interfaith dialogue and to seek reciprocity;
to provide training and workshops about dialogue and understanding for both clergy and lay-people;
to network & communicate with all Catholics in the diocese who identify with our vision and aims;
to identify and make available resources for interfaith dialogue, prayer and action;
to make contact with key leaders of other Faith Communities in the diocese and encourage people to do the same at local level with a view to dialogue;
to keep abreast of communications from relevant sources (Rome, the Committee for Other Faiths of CBCEW, Interfaith Co-ordinators of other dioceses, CTBI, the National Inter Faith Network, West Midlands Faith Forum etc);
to collaborate with organisations and diocesan programmes that might share common ground with us (e.g. Justice & Peace and Catechetics);
to keep the Archbishop advised on interfaith matters.
Values
Love & Respect - recognising every person as a beloved child of God in whom God's Spirit dwells. (Cf. Dominum et Vivificantem)
Freedom - based on the dignity of the human person. "Everyone has the right to the free exercise of religion in society" (Dignitatis Humanae 1&2; Pacem in Terris 14; c.f. UN Declaration of Human Rights).
Unity - "considering what people have in common and what draws them to fellowship. One is the community of all peoples, one their origin... One also is their final goal, God." (NA 1).
Truthfulness - understanding that "the Church rejects nothing that is true and holy" (NA 1).
Justice & Peace - aware of the injustices that have been done in the name of religion yet also aware that we are "called to live in peace with all men" (Rom 12:18).
Honesty & Forgiveness - forgiveness given for past offences against us, just as we ask for forgiveness from other religions for Christian offences against them.
Hope - that with God's help his scattered children will be gathered into one human family (Cf. Jn 11:52), so providing the dynamic for pursuing our mission.
For Inter Religious Web Links, go to the LINKS page.
Inter Faith Groups in the Diocese with Catholic Representatives:
Banbury Inter Faith info@barec.co.uk
Birmingham Council of Faiths Birmingham_council_of_faiths@hotmail.com
Birmingham Faith Leaders' Group classicjon@hotmail.com
Burton upon Trent Inter Faith Network sgbill@btopenworld.com
Coventry Inter-Faith Group
Coventry Multi-Faith Forum supriyo@samukh.plus.com
Dudley Borough Interfaith Network interfaith@dudleycvs.org.uk
Moseley Inter Faith Group administrator@moseleycdt.com
North Staffordshire Forum of Faiths 1945kp@talktalk.net
Nuneaton
Oxford Round Table of Religions peter_riddell@ntlworld.com
Perry Barr Multi-Faith Network joy.hazell@birmingham.gov.uk
Rugby Inter Faith Forum briandavies4@tiscali.co.uk
Sandwell Multi-Faith Network sandwellmultifaith@yahoo.co.uk
Solihull Faiths Forum ntromans@solihull.gov.uk
Solihull Inter Faith Dialogue Group issam_ghannam@yahoo.co.uk
Sparkbrook Muslim-Christian Dialogue Group
Stafford and District Friends of Faith Network h.h.iqbal@staffs.ac.uk
Stratford upon Avon
Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Group (TWIG) bcrawforth@btinternet.com
Walsall Multifaith Forum secretary.wmff@tiscali.co.uk
Warwick District Faiths Forum wdfaithsforum@yahooo.com
Wolverhampton Faith and Regeneration Network info@faithregeneration.org
Wolverhampton Inter Faith Council admin@wifc.org.uk
Worcestershire Inter-Faith Forum msb@waitrose.com
Council of Christians and Jews Branches in the region
Birmingham ccj.bham@yahoo.co.uk