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:
December 2011
Archbishop of Canterbury visits Providence Row homeless day centre
6 December 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, together with the Joint Presidents of the Council of…
November 2011
Launch of Hindu Christian Forum - an opportunity for 'dialogue and depth'
23 November 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury and Sri Shruti Dharma Das Ji launched the Hindu Christian Forum at Lambeth…
'Long life to the diversity of communities'
21 November 2011
Archbishop Rowan Williams, speaking at the launch of Inter Faith Week 2011, said that society desperately…
Archbishop and faith leaders tour London 2012 Olympic Park
8 November 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, joined other faith leaders and representatives on a…
October 2011
Archbishop attends 'day of reflection, dialogue and prayer for peace' in Assisi
27 October 2011
Archbishop Rowan Williams joined Pope Benedict XVI at a 'day of reflection, dialogue and prayer for peace'…
Archbishop wishes a joyful and blessed Diwali to Hindu communities in his 2011 greeting
26 October 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury today sent wishes for ‘a very joyful and blessed Diwali’ to Hindu communities.…
Archbishop’s visit to Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Hounslow
18 October 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, today visited the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Hounslow.…
September 2011
Archbishop sends greetings and prayers on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah 2011
28 September 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has sent a greeting to Jewish communities on the occasion…
August 2011
Archbishop's 2011 Eid message
30 August 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has sent his annual greetings to Muslim communities…
July 2011
Archbishop meets with Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Ali Gomaa
21 July 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, met today with the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Ali Gomaa,…