It has been a busy time for the APPG on Faith & Society. Take a look at some of the recent highlights and developments.
Inter Faith Week 2021
Celebrating Brent’s Faith Covenant
Brent Council and Brent Multi Faith Forum (BMFF) came together during Inter Faith Week to mark the fourth anniversary of Brent’s accession to the Faith Covenant. The event was celebration of all the Covenant had allowed the borough to achieve, and an opportunity for BMFF and the council to renew commitment to the covenant.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Brent and other key figures from the council in addition to members of the faith community, including Daniel Singleton of FaithAction, who commented that just as a dog isn’t just for Christmas, the close relationships formed between the Council and local faith groups during the height of the pandemic cannot be allowed to wither and must be actively maintained by both sides.
Renewal of Barnet’s Faith Covenant
Barnet Council and faith partner Barnet Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) renewed the Barnet Faith Covenant – the covenant was signed again at a short ceremony in Hendon Town Hall. The event marked the beginning of Inter Faith Week 2021 and was a public renewal of the council’s partnership with the borough’s diverse faith communities. The re-signing of the covenant follows the publication of Barnet’s Community Participation Strategy earlier in the year.
The event was attended by councillors and members of BMFF. Esmond Rosen, President of BMFF said “BMFF are honoured to represent Barnet’s faith community in this renewal and celebration of our partnership with the council.”
Coventry Faith Compact Discussion
FaithAction’s Matthew Allen presented at the discussion in Coventry, along with Together in Action Trust. Coventry hosted discussion on the Faith Covenant and Faith Compact, and Deputy Leader of the Council, Abdul Salam Khan signalled intent to sign up to the Covenant.
Other Faith Covenant Developments:
- Leeds have proposed some additions to the Covenant and currently have a consultation open. Also looking at potential regional/metro area covenant (see Geoff email).
- Birmingham looking to refresh the Covenant.
- Cornwall are interested in signing the Faith Covenant and met recently to discuss.
- We are continuing discussions with Hertfordshire County Council and faith representatives in the area.
