The National Federation of Atheist, Humanist and
Secular Student Societies
A Guide to
Interfaith
1 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6HD
http://www.ahsstudents.org.uk
Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................... 4
The role of interfaith ......................................................................................... 5
Is the name “interfaith” appropriate? .............................................................. 6
Working with religious organisations ............................................................... 6
Some basic ground rules ............................................................................... 6
Potential problems dealing with faith-based societies ............................. 7
Broad religious/cultural requirements ......................................................... 8
Specific information on other religions ........................................................ 8
Buddhism .................................................................................................. 8
Christianity ................................................................................................ 8
Hinduism ................................................................................................... 9
Islam .......................................................................................................... 9
Judaism ..................................................................................................... 9
Sikhism .................................................................................................... 10
Different types of interfaith event .................................................................. 10
Panel event ................................................................................................. 10
Interfaith Course ......................................................................................... 11
Debate ......................................................................................................... 11
Arranging a debate.................................................................................. 11
Title ......................................................................................................... 12
Speakers .................................................................................................. 12
Social ........................................................................................................... 13
Sport ........................................................................................................ 13
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Interfaith Forum .............................................................................................. 13
Getting religious speakers............................................................................... 14
Societies within the University.................................................................... 14
Example invitation .................................................................................. 14
External groups ........................................................................................... 15
Funding ........................................................................................................... 19
Exclusion ......................................................................................................... 19
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Introduction
Many AHS member societies have played a fairly prominent role in the
organisation of interfaith events on campus. For example:
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Warwick Atheists set up the Warwick Interfaith Forum, which led
them to win the Best New Society Award at the end of their first year
of existence;
University of Southampton Atheist Society similarly set up their
University's Religious Societies Union;
University of Bristol Atheist, Agnostic and Secular Society have a seat
on the University's Multi Faith Committee;
Oxford Atheists, Secularists and Humanists used to organise
“Interfaith Football”, where people from OxASH and each of the faith
societies... well it's obvious; and
Leeds Atheist Society run an interfaith course, whereby each week a
representative or representatives of a different faith would come and
talk to the society about the particular practices of their belief. This
informative exercise has included some of the less prominent
religions such as Mormonism and Scientology.
Interfaith events can help AHS societies debunk the negative preconceptions
that people may have, and help get their name out there. Many small
societies find organising a joint event with a faith society are a great way to
increase the number of people attending meetings.
However in other places, AHS societies have been excluded from interfaith
activities in a discriminatory way. Oxford Interfaith Week, which ran once in
March 2009, had amongst its aims “to promote the role of religion in the
university”, and to “celebrate the diversity of religious expression”. The
irreligious societies at the University were not even invited to participate.
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This leads to several questions. What is the role of interfaith on campus? Are
interfaith events worth it? Should irreligious societies take part in inter‘faith’
events?
This guide will first deal with these questions, and then detail how to go
about holding interfaith events.
The role of interfaith
The British Humanist Association (BHA)'s position on Interfaith is as follows:
Interfaith initiatives, by their very name and nature, are exclusive and
do not involve humanists and other non-religious people in the
community... We believe that, rather than making a fetish of faith,
social cohesion and other community initiatives must focus on the
contribution that all individuals and groups in the community can
make. Where there are legitimate reasons for working with
communities identified by beliefs, then this must include humanists and
other non-religious people, as well as religious people.
This statement is not intended to strictly apply to the kind of activity this
guide deals with, however the basic message still holds: Take part if it's worth
it. For example, events intended to foster understanding of different religions
and beliefs (such as the course in Leeds) and events intended to harmonise
relationships between different religion and belief groups to the promotion
of none (such as in Southampton and Bristol) would meet the criteria.
However, events such as Oxford Interfaith Week, which are intended to
promote faith to the detriment of those with none, should be avoided. In fact
the motives of this last kind of event should be actively questioned.
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Is the name “interfaith” appropriate?
Many non-religious people feel the term “interfaith” is not appropriate as
atheists and agnostics are people without a faith, and as such they should not
be taking part in events described as being “between faiths”.
When it comes to their work with the Government on community and other
initiatives, the British Humanist Association prefers to use the terminology
“religion or belief”, with “belief” intended to capture all non-religious life
stances. This is also national and local Government’s preferred term, and the
term you will find in, for example, the Equality Acts. However, this term is
generally used when dealing with equalities – a slightly different area.
Unfortunately there is no non-cumbersome replacement for the term
“interfaith”. When a panel event comprising people of different religions and
beliefs was organised as part of Oxford Think Week 2010, the term
“interfaith/interthought” was used, but this is obviously unattractive.
Perhaps “interthought” and “interbelief” would be suitable substitutes, but
these terms are not as widely understood, and AHS societies will likely often
find they have no say in whether something is called “interfaith” or not. So it
is up to the society as to whether they want to work with this term.
Working with religious organisations
So you’ve decided to organise, or take part in, an interfaith event! Is there
anything in particular you should be aware of when working with religious
individuals and societies? What cultural and religious requirements do
different faiths have?
Some basic ground rules
Some people find it useful to set ground rules before an interfaith event.
These are there to help make people feel comfortable and hopefully reduce
the chance of anyone getting offended. Some examples are:
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Don’t speak on behalf of others.
Respect the right of others to disagree with you.
Think about the language you use.
Be straightforward about your intentions for taking part.
Say when you feel uncomfortable with something that has been said
or done.
Correct misunderstandings and misrepresentations of your own and
other people's beliefs when you come across them.
Take responsibility for preventing disagreements getting out of hand.
Listening as well as speaking is necessary for a genuine conversation.
Make sure that when it is your time to listen you listen and are not
just waiting to respond.
Understand that no derogatory comment will go unchallenged.
Potential problems dealing with faith-based societies
You may sometimes find that faith-based societies are less than enthusiastic
about arranging joint events. There are a few reasons for this. Some of these
reasons may not sit well with you, but it is helpful to bear them in mind.
Firstly people of faith often place their religion as one of the most important
influences in their life. Some believers may have trouble understanding what
they have in common with someone that does not share their belief
especially if that person does not believe in a God or Gods.
Faith societies can sometimes also be ignorant as to what atheism, humanism
or secularism mean. They may have heard bad things about non-believers
and maybe even your society. They may be sceptical that your society really
does want to get to know them and actually wants to hear what they have to
say.
When approaching a faith-based society, firstly explain what your society
does and what your members believe. Point out that your society's members
respect the beliefs of others. Say what you hope to achieve from the event
and how their society will benefit – they will have a good event for their
members, and the event will help non-believers understand them. Make sure
you tailor your message for each society you contact.
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Broad religious/cultural requirements
Many faiths are strict about the food they eat. Many Jews and Muslims eat
ritually slaughtered meat, whilst many non-religious people, and those of
other religions, disagree with meat slaughtered without pre-stunning, such as
some halal and all kosher meat. Some religions avoid certain meets, such as
Hindus not eating beef, and Jews not eating pork or shellfish. Some people
are vegan and many are vegetarian. Providing a vegetarian or vegan dietary
option at interfaith events is one simple way to most peoples’ everyone’s
needs.
If food is to be provided, it may be best to get each group to bring their own
food.
Muslims, Jains, Bahá'í and many other religious people do not drink alcohol.
If an event is over a long period of time you need to make sure there is
somewhere for people to pray.
Specific information on other religions
Basic information on other religions is provided here. This can be a
complicated manner, and there are many different religions and beliefs. If
you are unsure, it is always best to ask. More detailed descriptions can be
found here.
Buddhism
Buddhism includes a huge variety of beliefs – there are Eastern and Western
views. Buddhists may be vegetarian or vegan and some do not drink alcohol.
No special day of the week is associated with Buddhism.
Christianity
Christians have no specific dietary requirements, but some Catholics do not
eat meat on a Friday, with fish traditionally eaten instead. Some Christians
partially fast during lent, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
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Hinduism
Many Hindus are strict vegetarians and some are vegan. Hindus see killing a
cow as great sin and therefore do not eat beef. Pigs are considered unclean
and so many Hindus do not eat pork or pig products. Many Hindus will not
eat Halal meat. Some sects do not eat onions or garlic. There are also Hindus
that do not drink alcohol or smoke because of their beliefs.
Islam
Some Muslims do not touch people of the opposite sex, unless they are
married to them or close family.
Traditional Muslims eat halal meat. This means an Islamic blessing is said at
the time of slaughter. Additionally, most (but not all) halal meat is
slaughtered without the animal being stunned prior to slaughter. Many nonreligious individuals consider this unethical.
Many Muslims abstain from drinking alcohol and eating pork or meat not
drained of blood.
Traditional Muslims do not gamble. Many also feel required to “dress
modestly”, which in the case of women, is interpreted to mean covering
some or all of their skin by wearing a hijab, a jilbab, a niqab or a burqa.
Muslims pray five times a day, so if your event is around the time they pray,
make sure there is somewhere they can go to pray.
Judaism
Some Jews do not touch people of the opposite sex, unless they are married
to them or family.
Some Jewish women do not sing or dance in front of men and men to not
listen to women sing. Do not let this put you off organising karaoke. The way
around it is that they must sing in groups.
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Many Jews eat kosher meat slaughtered using the schechita method. All such
meat is slaughtered without the animal being stunned prior to slaughter.
Many non-religious individuals consider this unethical. Jews keeping Kosher
also abstain from pork and shellfish.
Some Jews, such as Orthodox Rabbis, will only drink water served in a glass or
disposable vessel.
If your event if going to last all day, be aware that Jewish men maybe need
somewhere to pray.
Mormons
Mormons do not take any drugs unless they are ill. This means no coffee,
alcohol and in some cases chocolate. They fast on the first Sunday of each
month.
Paganism
Some pagans are vegetarians or vegans.
Sikhism
Sikhs may be vegetarian. If they do eat meat it must have been killed quickly,
without ritual. Therefore most halal and all kosher meat is strictly forbidden.
Many do not eat beef. Some are teetotal and refrain from tobacco.
Baptised Sikhs traditionally do not cut their hair (kesh) – men often wear a
turban. Additionally, they must wear a kirpan (ceremonial dagger) at all
times.
Different types of interfaith event
What types of interfaith event could you consider holding? Options include a
panel event, an interfaith course, a debate or a social.
Panel event
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An Interfaith Panel is where people of different beliefs discuss their points of
view in a non-debating manner.
Such events could have a relatively large number of speakers. Ideally you
want no more than eight. Having a good range is important.
When introducing the speakers, point out that, although they are
representing their religion, this does not mean every member of that religion
would answer the questions exactly the same.
Make sure you have a good chair, so no speaker or member of the audience
hogs the event.
Interfaith Course
An interfaith course is where you have a number of speakers, each of a
different religion or belief, come in consecutive weeks to discuss their
particular belief.
An example of this is Perspective, a course has been run by 2010-11 AHS
Secretary Nicola Jackson on behalf of Leeds Atheist Society since 2009. It runs
one night a week for eight weeks. Each week a different speaker from a
different faith is invited to speak. The event is run in the style of a round
table discussion. The speaker is given 40 minutes to talk about their belief,
and then the attendees get 40 minutes to question the speaker.
Debate
Most AHS societies have at some point run a debate with a religious society.
They usually make successful events, attracting good numbers.
The winner of the debate is not important – getting your views heard and
improving understanding between different beliefs are what matters.
Arranging a debate
Debates can be arranged with or without a religious society. It is more
productive to arrange it jointly with a religious society, and also likely to draw
a larger attendance, but other societies might be worried about it getting out
of control. Remind them that you are all only students and many other
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university's societies have arranged comparable events without any
problems. Ask them to provide a speaker or speakers.
If it is not possible to arrange a joint debate, inviting an outside speaker to
debate the other side is always an option (see the section on getting
speakers). If you advertise well you can get members of the faith society that
refused to debate with yours to still come along. Hopefully they will go back
to their society and tell them what a good event it was, and then next time
they might be more inclined to accept your offer of a debate, now they have
seen it run successfully!
You could try and get your University’s debating society involved. They can
advertise and host the event, provide an experienced impartial chair, and
maybe also provide speakers.
Title
The title of the debate is very important. You will find many faith societies are
not able to debate on much, because their members do not agree. For
example, debates on evolution, contraception and homosexuality may not be
possible. It may be easier to ask them to think of something to debate. You
can also have a look at the AHS's Debate Directory, which gives possible
debate titles.
Speakers
The debate should be arranged to have a chair and one or two speakers on
each side.
You could represent your side with members of your society, or use external
speakers. The AHS can help you find a good speaker and you can use the
AHS’s Speakers Directory.
Top Tip – Fishbowl Dialogue
A fishbowl dialogue is a popular group activity that can be used to ensure
that a wide range of topics are discussed, and that everyone has a chance to
ask questions. More details on how to run a fishbowl dialogue can be seen
here.
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Social
For a social you could hold a pub quiz, have a music night, go bowling, have a
picnic, show a film or hold comedy night.
When holding an interfaith social, it is important to think carefully about how
the religious beliefs of other participants could affect their participation. The
day of the week, time of day, food, drink, activity and venue all must be
checked with the committee of each faith society you wish to attend.
Food makes an event in itself and is the kind of event faith societies regularly
run for their members anyway. You could ask each society to do food suitable
for their members.
Sport
Sporting events, for example 5-a-side football, can be successful at starting
friendships between members of different societies. Oxford Secular Society
organised interfaith football twice. Leeds Atheist Society have organised
interfaith assassins for three years in a row. Sporting events could take place
as a league or as one-day events. The only thing to consider when organising
sporting events is that some faith societies might not be comfortable with
men and women playing sport together.
Interfaith Forum
Often it is hard to run interfaith events though your society. Setting up a
separate forum, if one doesn’t already exist, is worth considering. This is of
course more work, but can help to establish an ongoing dialogue.
Warwick Atheists set up the Warwick Interfaith Forum, which led them to
win the Best New Society Award at the end of their first year of existence.
University of Southampton Atheist Society similarly set up their University's
Religious Societies Union. University of Bristol Atheist, Agnostic and Secular
Society have a seat on the University's Multi Faith Committee. And Leeds
Atheist Society have attended Interfaith Assembly meetings.
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Getting religious speakers
So you’ve decided what event(s) you’re going to run, and now you want to
invite speakers.
It is more productive to get religious speakers arranged by religious societies
than to arrange religious speakers yourself. Their support means they will
increase publicity, and bring their members along. On the other hand, if the
religious societies are not interested, outside organisations are likely to
support you.
Societies within the University
Freshers’ fair is a good opportunity to make contacts and get emails,
Facebook details and phone numbers. It is also worth establishing contact
with the Theology society if you have one.
Contact the society’s President in the first instance, before moving on to
other members of the committee as well as any personal contacts you may
have.
Example invitation
Dear Stephen,
I hope you are well.
I would like to invite you to sit on our annual Interfaith Panel. The event will take
place at 7pm on 8th November in Meeting Room 3, and the panel will have around 6
different people, each representing a different religion or belief. The audience will
likely be made up with religious societies, the AHS society, theology students and
people that are just interested. They will ask the panel questions related to their
religious views.
Last year Joel, your society’s interfaith rep, did a great job representing Christianity. I
am sure he will tell you how much he enjoyed taking part. The rest of Christian Union
is of course very welcome to attend the event itself.
If you have any questions let me know.
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Warm regards,
Nicola Y Jackson
Atheist Society Interfaith Co-ordinator
External groups
Most faith groups have national organisations that will probably have a group
in your area. These can be easily found and contacted on the internet. It is
easy to contact your local places of worship for each faith. They should be
more than happy to supply a good speaker, for free. Here’s a list of
organisations that can help you out if you are struggling:
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Bahá'í Faith: National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the UK: 27
Rutland Gate, London, SW7 1PD. Tel: 020 7584 2566. Email:
nsa@bahai.org.uk
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Buddhism: The Buddhist Society: 58 Eccleston Square, London, SW1
1PH. Tel: 0207 834 5858. Email: info@thebuddhistsociety.org
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Christianity:
o
Anglicanism: Church of England
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Anglicanism: Scottish Episcopal Church
o
Anglicanism: Church in Wales
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Anglicanism: Church of Ireland
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Catholicism: Catholic Church in England and Wales
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Catholicism: Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
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Catholicism: Catholic Church in Ireland
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Christadelphianism: The Christadelphians: Freepost MID
30912, Birmingham, B27 6BR. Tel: 01217 776328. Email:
enquiry@godsaves.co.uk
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o
Greek Orthodox Christianity: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of
Thyateira and Great Britain: Thyateira House, 5 Craven Hill,
London, W2 3EN. Tel: 020 7723 4787. Email:
mail@thyateira.org.uk
o
Jehovah’s Witnesses: Watch Tower House, The Ridgeway,
London, NW7 1RN. Tel: 020 8906 2211
o
Mormonism: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: 751
Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3DQ. Tel: 0121
712 1161. Email: AdcockMP@ldschurch.org
o
Pentecostalism: United Pentecostal Church of Great Britain
& Ireland
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Presbyterianism: Church of Scotland
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Presbyterianism: Presbyterian Church of Wales
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Quakerism: Quakers in Britain: Friends House, 173-177
Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ. Tel: 020 7663 1000. Email:
enquiries@quaker.org.uk
o
Russian Orthodox Christianity: Russian Orthodox Church: All
Saints, Ennismore Gardens, London, SW7 1NH. Tel: 0207 584
0096
o
Seventh-Day Adventist Church: British Union Conference:
Stanborough Park, Watford, Herts, WD2 6JP. Tel: 01923
672251
o
Unitarianism: General Assembly of Unitarian and Free
Christian Churches: Essex Hall, 1-6 Essex Street, London,
WC2R 3HY. Tel: 020 7240 2384. Email: info@unitarian.org.uk
Hinduism:
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o
Bharitiya Vidya Bhaven: 4A Castletown Road, London, W14
9HE. Tel: 020 7381 3086. Email info@bhavan.net
o
Hindu Council UK: Community Hall, Shri Venkateswara
(Balaji) Temple, Dudley Road, East Birmingham, B69 3DU. Tel:
0121 552 3549. Email: admin@hinducounciluk.org
o
Hindu Forum of Britain
o
National Council of Hindu Temples: 1 Hans Close, Stoke,
Coventry, CV2 4WA. Tel: 07805 054776. Email:
sanjay.jagatia@ntlworld.com
o
Ramakrishna Vednanta Centre: Unit House, Blind Lane,
Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5LG. Tel: 01628 526 464. Email:
vedantauk@talk21.com
Islam:
o
Ahmadiyya: Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK: London
Mosque, 16 Gressenhall Road, Putney, London, SW18. Tel:
0208 870 8517
o
Sufism: Sufi Muslim Council: 2A Wanlip Road, Plaistow,
London, E13 8QP. Tel: 0207 055 5355. Email:
enquiries@sufimuslimcouncil.org.uk
o
Sunni: Islamic Cultural Centre: London Central Mosque, 146
Park Road, London, NW8 7RG. Tel: 0207 725 2213. Email:
info@iccuk.org
o
Sunni: Islamic Foundation: Marketfield Dawah Centre,
Ratby Lane, Marketfield, Leicester, LE6 0RN. Tel: 01530
244944. Email: i.foundation@islamic-foundation.org.uk
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o
Islamic Society of Britain: Central Office, Islamic Society of
Britain, PO Box 42598, London, E1 1WN. Tel: 020 7247 8088.
Email: info@isb.org.uk
o
Muslim Debate Initiative: Email: events@muslimdebate.co.uk
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Jainism: Jains UK: Email: jainsukmjk@googlemail.com
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Judaism:
o
Orthodox: Office of the Chief Rabbi: 305 Ballards Lane,
London, N12 8GB. Tel: 020 8343 6301. Email:
info@chiefrabbi.org
o
Reformed: Reform Synagogues of Great Britain: 80 East End
Road, London, N3 2SY. Tel: 020 8349 5640.
o
Liberal and Progressive: Liberal Judaism: The Montagu
Centre, 21 Maple Street, London, W1T 4BE. Tel: 020 7580
1663
o
Board of Deputies of British Jews: Tel: 020 7543 5400. Email:
info@bod.org.uk
o
Chabad Lubavitch: 107-115 Stamford Hill, London, N16 5RP.
Tel: 020 8800 0022
o
Aish: 379 Hendon Way, London, NW4 3LP. Tel: 020 8457
4444. Email: info@aish.org.uk
o
Jewish Learning Exchange: 152 - 154 Golders Green Road,
London, NW11 8HE. Tel: 020 8458 4588
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Paganism: Find your local meet up group and ask for the most
suitable person. They will be happy someone is interested and keen
to tell students what they really are about.
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Sikhism:
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o
Network of Sikh Organisations UK: Suite 405, Highland
House, 165 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1NE. Tel: 0208
544 8037. Email: sikhmessenger@aol.com
o
Sikhs in England: Tel: 07958 946868
o
Sikhs in Scotland: Email: info@sikhsinscotland.org

Spiritualism: Spiritualist Association of Great Britain: 11 Belgrave
Road,
London,
SW1V
1RB.
Tel:
020
7931
6488.
spiritualistinfo@btopenworld.com

Zoroastrianism: Zoroastrian Association of Europe: 88 Compayne
Gardens, London, W6 3RU. Tel: 0207 328 6018
There is also the AHS’s Speakers Directory, which lists speakers that have
agreed they will talk to AHS member societies if contacted. A lot are atheists,
but it does also include theists.
Funding
There is a lot of funding available for interfaith events and courses. For
example, in 2009 Leeds Atheist Society got an interfaith organisation to pay
for food during an Interfaith Panel.
Some organisations that might give you funding:
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Grassroots Grants (between £250-£500 for community/voluntary
groups – you could probably apply in partnership with faith societies
for this)
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Interfaith Youth Trust (grants up to £1,000 for projects/activities
involving under 25 year olds)
Exclusion
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Sometimes AHS societies have been excluded from interfaith activities. If you
experience any problems please contact the AHS and we will see what we
can do. Even if you think there is nothing that can be done, it is important
that we hear about any form of discrimination.
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Good luck and have fun!
Written by Nicola Young Jackson
with contributions from Richy Thompson
Copyright AHS 2011
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