The Interfaith Network is a national charity, with many local member bodies, that brings together people of different faiths and builds strong relations and partnerships. It was founded in the 1987 and is reliant on Government support to continue its good work.
However the network has recently announced that it is being forced to close due to the withdrawal of Government funding.
A list of local interfaith bodies, many of which work very closely with local authorities, can be found here. Local faith groups can also be searched by region here.
The template council motion below is adapted from Watford Liberal Democrats and calls for Secretary of State Michael Gove MP to reverse the decision to cut funding for the organisation.
Council notes:
- The considerable and positive work done by the [AREA NAME] Interfaith Association.
- That the [AREA NAME] Interfaith Association brings people of all faiths and none closer together with mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.
- Reports of a concerning rise in hate crimes in the UK, including increased cases of antisemitism and Islamophobia.
- The decision of the UK government to end all funding for the Interfaith Network for the UK, which will result in the closure of the charity.
Council believes:
- The work of Interfaith Associations has never been more important.
- At this time, every effort should be made to bring faith communities together to tackle the challenges our society faces.
- That it is deeply regrettable that the government has decided to end all funding for the Interfaith Network for the UK.
Council calls on the Chief Executive and all Group Leaders to write to the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to outline our opposition to this decision and urge that it is reconsidered.