Building Good Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs (Code)
In 1993, IFN developed, in consultation with its member bodies, guidance on Building Good Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs. All member bodies subscribe to this guidance, and it has been used widely.
Background
The Inter Faith Network for the UK (IFN) works to build good relations between people of different faiths and beliefs, promoting mutual respect and understanding.
In 1993, it developed, in consultation with its member bodies, guidance on Building Good Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs. All member bodies subscribe to this guidance, and it has also come to be used by a number of inter faith organisations around the world.
The guidance, sometimes referred as IFN's 'code', was first issued as part of a consultative document Mission, Dialogue and Inter Religious Encounter published by IFN in 1993.
The 'code' is reproduced below for ease of reference, and can also be downloaded from the bottom of this page.
Building Good Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs
In Britain today, people of many different faiths and beliefs live side by side. The opportunity lies before us to work together to build a society rooted in the values we treasure. But this society can only be built on a sure foundation of mutual respect, openness and trust. This means finding ways to live our lives of faith with integrity, and allowing others to do so too. Our different religious traditions offer us many resources for this and teach us the importance of good relationships characterised by honesty, compassion and generosity of spirit. The Inter Faith Network offers the following code of conduct for encouraging and strengthening these relationships.
As members of the human family, we should show each other respect and courtesy. In our dealings with people of other faiths and beliefs, this means exercising good will and:
- Respecting other people’s freedom within the law to express their beliefs and convictions
- Learning to understand what others actually believe and value, and letting them express this in their own terms
- Respecting the convictions of others about food, dress and social etiquette and not behaving in ways which cause needless offence
- Recognising that all of us at times fall short of the ideals of our own traditions and never comparing our own ideals with other people’s practices
- Working to prevent disagreement from leading to conflict
- Always seeking to avoid violence in our relationships
When we talk about matters of faith with one another, we need to do so with sensitivity, honesty and straightforwardness. This means:
- Recognising that listening as well as speaking is necessary for a genuine conversation
- Being honest about our beliefs and religious allegiances
- Not misrepresenting or disparaging other people’s beliefs and practices
- Correcting misunderstanding or misrepresentations not only of our own but also of other faiths whenever we come across them
- Being straightforward about our intentions
- Accepting that in formal inter faith meetings there is a particular responsibility to ensure that the religious commitment of all those who are present will be respected
All of us want others to understand and respect our views. Some people will also want to persuade others to join their faith. In a multi faith society where this is permitted, the attempt should always be characterised by self-restraint and a concern for the other’s freedom and dignity. This means:
- Respecting another person’s expressed wish to be left alone
- Avoiding imposing ourselves and our views on individuals or communities who are in vulnerable situations in ways which exploit these
- Being sensitive and courteous
- Avoiding violent action or language, threats, manipulation, improper inducements, or the misuse of any kind of power
- Respecting the right of others to disagree with us
Living and working together is not always easy. Religion harnesses deep emotions which can sometimes take destructive forms. Where this happens, we must draw on our faith to bring about reconciliation and understanding. The truest fruits of religion are healing and positive. We have a great deal to learn from one another which can enrich us without undermining our own identities. Together, listening and responding with openness and respect, we can move forward to work in ways that acknowledge genuine differences but build on shared hopes and values.
If you would like to order hard copies of the 'code' for group discussion, please contact the IFN office.
Building Good Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs (Code)
This version of the 'Code' was last updated in November 2022.
