Inter Religious
The Archbishop of Canterbury is widely respected as a leading advocate and proponent of dialogue between the different faiths. His inter religious engagement is rooted in a concern for the good of humanity in society and a conviction that religious belief and practice have immense contributions to make to the common good.
This potential is heightened when communities of faith understand each other and work together on inter religious relations or dialogue.
Furthermore both the Church of England and the Churches of the global Anglican Communion are increasingly required to be able to engage with people and communities of other religions around them; and in ways that are consistent with the Church's understanding of its gospel based mission and ministry.
The Archbishop is therefore leading a process of engagement with an increasingly religiously plural English society, as well as with those parts of the world where religious plurality has been normal for centuries.
He has taken forward the Building Bridges Seminars, initiatives begun by his predecessor that bring together Christian and Muslim scholars from across the world and regularly speaks on Christian themes to audiences of different faiths. He has supported frameworks in the UK for dialogue within which greater understanding and mutual respect can develop, such as the Christian Muslim Forum and the further development of the Hindu Christian Forum. He has also formed close relationships with the Chief Rabbi and Jewish communities through the Council of Christians and Jews and in support for events such as the annual Holocaust Memorial Day.
Recent items relating to Inter Religious dialogue are shown below:
January 2008
Archbishop's Holocaust Memorial Day Statement 2008
28 January 2008
The Archbishop of Canterbury gave the following statement at the national Holocaust Memorial Day event…
Archbishop to visit Liverpool
24 January 2008
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, is to visit Liverpool this weekend. During his visit…
December 2007
Archbishop's Speech at the Launch of Inter Faith Consultation
17 December 2007
The Archbishop spoke at the launch of a new document, issued by the Department of Communities and Local…
Why Social Cohesion Needs Religion - Building Bridges Conference, Singapore
6 December 2007
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams has given a wide-ranging lecture today in Singapore,…
The Archbishop of Canterbury at the Opening Session of the 6th Building Bridges Seminar
4 December 2007
A video and transcript of the Archbishop's address at the Opening Session of the 6th Building Bridges…
Brief Press Encounter at Singapore University
4 December 2007
The Archbishop responds to press questions about the content of the Building Bridges seminar, the environment…
November 2007
Transcript of Newsnight Interview Concerning Events in Sudan
29 November 2007
The Archbishop is interviewed by the BBC's Religious Affairs correspondent about the jailing of a teacher…
Greetings for Diwali 2007
9 November 2007
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has sent a message of greeting to the Hindu community…
October 2007
Archbishop meets Chief Rabbis in Jerusalem
31 October 2007
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, today held talks in Jerusalem with Israel's Chief Rabbis.
Archbishop's response to A Common Word
11 October 2007
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, today received a copy of a key letter from Muslim scholars…