Press Release - Launch of new resource for secondary schools about inter faith activity
Inter Faith Network for the UK launches new, free-to-download, resource for secondary schools
1 April 2021
This time rich in faith festivals is a reminder of the diverse nature of the UK today as well as of the importance of faith in the lives of many people and of good inter faith relations.
The Inter Faith Network for the UK (IFN) today launches a new, free to download, resource for secondary schools to help them teach about inter faith encounter, dialogue and action in the UK.
Packed with real life examples and hyperlinks the resource enables teachers to construct a learning journey for their pupils to contribute to their understanding of the place of faith and the importance of cooperation in building a better society for all.
“In our diverse UK and our globally connected world, people are increasingly likely to interact with those of other faiths and beliefs. So it is more important than ever that young people have the chance to develop and strengthen skills for inter faith dialogue, learning and cooperation.”
- The Rt Revd Jonathan Clark and Narendra Waghela, Co-Chairs IFN
“There’s real opportunity for local inter faith groups to engage with secondary schools, through this resource and through their local SACRE’s to help implement the resource in schools across the country.”
- Paul Smalley, NASACRE and Edge Hill University
Teacher comments:
“Really love how relevant this is to do with current issues.” - Coventry
“These units are a great way to promote and embed inter faith dialogue in schools.” - Milton Keynes
“An extremely valuable resource for teachers.” - Wrexham
Developed with IFN’s member bodies from across the UK the resource has five Units which start with a broad introduction to inter faith activity in the UK and then explore: inter faith dialogue; inter faith response to social needs from homelessness to food poverty and climate change; and faith communities responding in solidarity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an amazing faith and inter faith response to help others. Unit 4 Faith communities in service for the wellbeing of others draws on examples of that.
The Teacher Resource follows IFN's 2019 Resource for teachers working with primary school pupils.
“A brilliant teaching resource…an excellent series!”
- Riaz Ravat, Deputy Director, St Philip’s Centre Leicester
Notes for editors
- Press queries to the Inter Faith Network: email ifnet@interfaith.org.uk or 020 7730 0410.
- Dr David Hampshire, Asst Director of the Inter Faith Network, is available for interview. A former local authority RE Adviser and RE specialist, he led on this project and can be contacted on Mob: 07855 235865.
- The resource can be found here: https://www.interfaith.org.uk/resources/inter-faith-activity-in-the-uk-a-teacher-resource-for-secondary-pupils
- The Inter Faith Network for the UK www.interfaith.org.uk was founded in 1987 to advance public knowledge and mutual understanding of the teachings, traditions and practices of the different faith communities in Britain and to promote good relations between people of different faiths in this country. It works with its member bodies and others to carry out these aims.
- Member bodies of the Inter Faith Network include: national faith community representative bodies; national, regional and local inter faith bodies; and academic institutions and educational bodies concerned with inter faith issues. http://www.interfaith.org.uk/members
- The Inter Faith Network for the UK is grateful for support towards its work from faith communities, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government,Trusts, and other donors.
- The resource was developed in consultation with the member bodies of IFN, including the Religious Education Council of England and Wales, National Association of Standing Advisory Councils of Religious Education (NASACRE) and the Welsh Association of SACREs (WASACRE), Interfaith Council for Wales/Cyngor Rhyngffydd Cymru, Interfaith Scotland, the Northern Ireland Inter-Faith Forum and with input from a number schools.
- The earlier primary resources can be found at https://www.interfaith.org.uk/resources/learning-about-inter-faith-activity-a-primary-resource
