INTERFAITH WEEK has prompted three organisations which focus on youth work to come together and explore interfaith youth work and how organisations can develop a practice which recognises and responds to the faith of young people.

The three organisations – including the Youth Race Equality Network and the Institute for Youth Work – are hosting an online discussion from 5-6.30pm on Wednesday, 17th November. Here they explain why.

“For many years it has been known that faith as a social capital exists and it has support community development and regeneration, irrespective of whether the government, statutory sector or financial sector are fully participating or not. 

“How do we know this? Just look at what the faith communities do! Rising to the acute challenge of the tragedy of Grenfell Tower, responding to floods all over the UK, or supporting the welfare and illnesses during Covid-19: the faith communities are always there to help at times of crises. 

“In a time when secularisation in modern Britain exists and no religion or no faith is commonplace, faith communities are still going strong to ensure justice, fairness and and equality for all, no matter whether the person in need is identified as a person of faith or not.

“Young people's participation supports individuals by:
•expressing faith and belief as connectivity with practical worship;
•being part of the full community and provide for others in need;
•working to build bridges between those of faith or no faith.

“Each of the major religions of the UK – Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh, as well as Baha'i, Bhuddist, Jain, Humanists, Zoroastrianism – have played a significant part in UK communities to support community bonds and benefits.

“As a diverse, multicultural, multifaith young population, against the backdrop of socio-economic and political divide, young people in particular are finding their place in faith based social action. Rather than be seen as projects or programs, this inner belief and participation lends itself to being just as accurately described as community-based youth work.

“This conversation is an opportunity for organisations, youth work practitioners and interested individuals and parties within communities to discuss and deliver ideas how we can continue to support interfaith youth work for the common good as well as increasing the capacity of young people. ”

●To register for the event, go to:
Developing Interfaith Youth Practice

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