Remaining true to your own faith – the value of interfaith encounter

filed in Event on 27 Jul 2014

Not many would have thought a few years ago that the London School of Economics, a university of the social sciences, would have a purpose built interfaith centre.  Rev Dr James Walters, the Director explained the background and the benefits in a talk at HFOF’s AGM on 16th July. Drawing a parallel with residents in some parts of Hounslow, Dr Walters highlighted how many students come originally from overseas and that for many their faith is part of their identity. Faith and belief are now a strand in the Equality Act which organisations must provide for.  The centre has developed as a place where students can practise their faith, meet and learn from others and take part in discussions and dialogue on issues of interest and common concern, particularly justice and peace. Many return to their home country and use what they have learnt through understanding better people of other faith traditions. Each year a group visit local primary schools.  The children learn that university could be a possible choice for them and see people of different faiths working positively together. Dr Walters recognised how faiths have different emphases.  However the search for truth is universal and we should look beyond ourselves and be open to the wisdom of others.  Challenge is good he felt and can make us look at our own faith with fresh eyes.  People may be drawn to the more fundamentalist form of any faith because it offers simple answers.  This may be because we do not feel knowledgeable enough to provide the answers people are seeking. There is a need to speak more clearly about our own faiths and to support religion which is life affirming he said.

The photo shows HFOF committee member Anne van Staveren presenting Dr Walters with a thank you gift.