Bury communities supporting Inter-Faith Week

People of different religious beliefs are joining together to celebrate the fifth national Inter-Faith Week, which runs from 17 to 23 November.

Nationally, the event’s aims are to:

·  strengthen good inter-faith relations at all levels

·  increase awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK, celebrating and building on the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society

·  increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for communities, said:  “It’s vital that all people in our society feel that they belong, and that they get along with others. To help that, we are keen to promote dialogue and co-operation between different faith leaders and communities. Faith communities in Bury fully embrace the national aims and we applaud groups that contribute to inter-faith relations in our borough.”

There are a number of inter-faith groups in Bury that focus on working together and building relationships, such as the Muslim-Christian Forum, Salaam/Shalom, and Whitefield Interfaith Group. Each of these groups runs events throughout the year, and details are available via the council’s website www.bury.gov.uk

During Interfaith Week, on Tuesday 19 November, the Muslim-Christian Forum will be holding a Study-Circle on prayer at 7.30pm at the Women's Centre, Fletcher Street, Bury.

There are also additional ongoing events:

·  Tuesday 26 November: Study-Circle on prayer at 7.30pm at Bury URC Church, Parsonage Lane, Bury (opposite Tesco)

·  Sunday 1 December: Christmas Cracker (Christmas/Eid party) at 7pm at the Jinnah Centre, Alfred Street, Bury

ENDS

Press release issued: 13 November 2013.