Inter Faith

Archbishop Rowan Williams and Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks This potential is heightened when communities of faith understand each other and work together on inter Faith relations or dialogue.

Furthermore both the Church of England and the Churches of the global Anglican Communion are increasingly required to be able to engage with people and communities of other religions around them; and in ways that are consistent with the Church's understanding of its gospel based mission and ministry.

The Archbishop is therefore leading a process of engagement with an increasingly religiously plural English society, as well as with those parts of the world where religious plurality has been normal for centuries. Within this he is helping to stimulate intellectual debate between the religions and between the religious world and wider society.

He has taken forward the Building Bridges Seminars, initiatives begun by his predecessor that bring together Christian and Muslim scholars from across the world and regularly speaks on Christian themes to audiences of different faiths. He has supported frameworks in the UK for dialogue within which greater understanding and mutual respect can develop, such as the Christian Muslim Forum and the further development of the Hindu Christian Forum. He has also formed close relationships with the Chief Rabbi and Jewish communities through the Council of Christians and Jews and in support for events such as the annual Holocaust Memorial Day.

By supporting this 'Presence and Engagement' programme, the Archbishop is helping parishes and dioceses to stay fruitfully present in the midst of other faith communities whilst living out an authentic Christian witness.

The articles below are the most recent examples of that programme in action.