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:
March 2010
Archbishop's letter of condolence on the death of Sheikh Mohammed Sayed Tantawi
12 March 2010
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has written a letter of condolence to the Grand Mufti…
Archbishop visits Diocese of Guildford
2 March 2010
During a visit to the Diocese of Guildford yesterday, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams,…
February 2010
Archbishop in Jerusalem
23 February 2010
On 22 February, the third day of his visit to the Holy Land, the Archbishop of Canterbury was received…
Archbishop in Jordan
22 February 2010
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Bishop in Jerusalem, the Rt Reverend Suheil…
Archbishop receives inter faith award
16 February 2010
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, received the Woolf Institute of Abrahamic Faiths 'Building…
January 2010
Archbishop's Holocaust Memorial Day Statement 2010: The Legacy of Hope
27 January 2010
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has issued a statement to mark National Holocaust Memorial…
November 2009
Archbishop meets with pupils of multi faiths
17 November 2009
As part of Inter Faith Week, the Archbishop visited the London Inter Faith Centre, to meet with school…
Archbishop and faith leaders launch 'Inter Faith Week'
16 November 2009
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, today invited faith leaders and Trustees of the Inter…
Archbishop - 'Inter Faith Week is about the celebration of resources'
16 November 2009
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, gives his opening address to the faith leaders and Trustees…
Dr Indarjit Singh - common values in different faiths are key to a better future
16 November 2009
Dr Indarjit Singh CBE, Director of the Network of Sikh Organisations and Vice-Chair, Inter Faith Network…