Inter Faith week will usually begin on Remembrance Sunday, and run until the following Sunday. The additional Sunday is intended to provide the opportunity for other weekend events to take place as well as those linked to Remembrance Sunday. It is a programme of the Inter Faith Network, of which the URC is a member. The aims of this specially designated week are to:

• strengthen good inter faith relations at all levels in our increasingly diverse society;
• encourage local faith groups and communities to reach out to each other and build stronger bonds of understanding and cooperation;
• increase awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK, with a particular focus on the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society;
• increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs and;
• encourage the development of new partnerships within local communities and by faith communities with statutory and third sector partners.

Information about the week can be found at www.interfaithweek.org (for England and Wales) and www.interfaithscotland.org/scottish-interfaith-week (for Scotland).

The use of church buildings by people of other faith communities

In an increasingly diverse society, local churches are often approached by other faith communities seeking premises where they can hold worship or events. The URC last issued guidance about how a local church might host another faith community back in 1974.

It seemed very appropriate therefore to provide more up to date advice. Working with Baptist interfaith colleagues, the URC has produced a brand new booklet for local churches entitled, ‘The use of church buildings by people of other faith communities’. The document gives helpful pointers to assist churches as they discern whether such hospitality would work in their particular context.

• Download the booklet (PDF |  5.9mb)