A TOTAL of seventeen interfaith groups got together for interfiath week at a Jain Temple discussing the impact of religion in the world.

The conference called IF...IF...IF...: Inspiration of Faith, Influence of Faith, Impact of Faith was held at the Jain Temple in Levenshulme, Greater Manchester

A TOTAL of seventeen interfaith groups got together for interfiath week at a Jain Temple discussing the impact of religion in the world.

The conference called IF...IF...IF...: Inspiration of Faith, Influence of Faith, Impact of Faith was held at the Jain Temple in Levenshulme, Greater Manchester

Keynote speaker on Inspiration of Faith was councillor Jim Battle, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, who lauded the work of interfaith groups and how it inspired him. He also focused on the important role of faith groups in delivering services, particular in the current difficult economic climate.

Other speakers included professor Richard Wilkinson, author of The Spirit Level and co-founder and co-director of The Equality Trust, who spoke about the widening gap in incomes on the negative impact on social cohesion. He was able to show that, where societies were more equal, less social problems occurred.

Gillian Walnes, co-founder and executive director of the Anne Frank Trust UK. She gave a very moving presentation on the Trust's work over the last 20 years and the huge impact it has had in challenging prejudice and reducing hatred through its educational projects in schools, prisons and communities.

Following each speaker, the 70 participants discussed key questions around their tables, sharing best practice and coming up with ideas for future initiatives. An additional opportunity to influence practice came from the Greater Manchester Police Authority, who supported the event and ran a consultation exercise as part of Influence of Faith.

Presentations were also given on local initiatives, including the Jain Temple, Bolton's Interfaith work and the proposed Multifaith Centre in Manchester.

The 17 partner groups in the Greater Manchester Interfaith Network are Altrincham Interfaith Group, Bolton Interfaith Council, Bury Christian Muslim Forum, Council of Christians and Jews (Manchester Branch), Faith Network for Manchester (FM4M), Faiths United (Tameside), Manchester Christian Muslim Forum, Manchester Hindu Jewish Association, Muslim Jewish Forum Greater Manchester, Oldham Interfaith Forum, Rochdale Multi Faith Partnership, Salaam Shalom (Bury Muslim Jewish Forum), Salford Interfaith Network, Stockport Interfaith Group, Stockport Partnership Interfaith Network, Trafford Faith Forum, Wigan Borough Faith Network.

Picture: Gillian Walnes speaking at the conferance

Comments...
No Comments Posted yet
Do you have comments on this?

Name	:	*
E-mail	:	* Invalid Email
Contact No.	:
Comment	:	*
		*
Security Code	:	*