Religious groups in Cheltenham are putting aside their differences and joining together to show appreciation towards other beliefs. Next week marks the annual National Inter-Faith week, a wider event which aims to connect and educate people about various religions. Communities in the town will be holding a number of events, inviting people who practice different faiths or those with no faith with the theme being, ‘sharing our spiritual homes and helping in the community’.
Everybody is welcome with open arms and are encouraged to engage and learn about how others live their life and practice their beliefs. The events will begin on the 12th of November and will celebrate different religions such as Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. The week will end with an evening of reflection at the Cheltenham Hindu centre on the 20th, where a free vegan curry will be offered.
Chair of Cheltenham interfaith, Reverend Kevin Devaney, has said “I hope lots of people take the opportunity to find out about a faith they know little about, to go into another’s place of worship, meet others, ask questions, have conversations, and enjoy themselves throughout the week”.
This comes as an increase in discrimination and abusive behaviour since the outbreak of the Israel and Hamas conflict. Charity organisations such as Community Security Trust and Tell Mama say they are seeing a big increase in reports of antisemitism and Islamophobia involving schools and pupils since the Hamas attacks on October 7th and Israel’s invasion on Gaza.
Sarah Mar has been both a member of the Baha’i community and Cheltenham inter-faith for a number of years and is hosting an event at her home next week. She said “When we look around the world we can see that religious differences can cause huge problems if people don’t talk to people who have different beliefs… the inter faith movement is about dialogue between people to understand what the other person believes and that can make such a difference to the way that communities can operate and to deflect issues that may come up”.
An event like this is even more relevant now considering the current climate. There is a growing importance on having a mutual respect and understanding of others beliefs as to stop negative prejudice and discrimination towards certain religious groups.
