Shaping the Future of Inter Faith Week – Report Launch

New Report Launches Following National Consultation on the Future of Inter Faith Week  

Following a major national consultation led by the Faith & Belief Forum and with support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, a new report on the future of Inter Faith Week in England has been launched today on Thursday 1 May. The report marks a significant step forward in shaping the future of this vital national initiative. 

Between January and February 2025, the Faith & Belief Forum led a nationwide consultation involving more than 450 interfaith practitioners, activists and enthusiasts through 15 workshops and an online questionnaire. The consultation sought to understand how people currently engage with Inter Faith Week and to identify opportunities to strengthen and grow its impact. 

The findings and recommendations are published in a new report titled Bursting the Bubble: Recommendations for Enhancing Inter Faith Week in England.  The report celebrates the positive impact of interfaith work and Inter Faith Week, while acknowledging that its reach often remains limited to those already engaged in interfaith spaces, and is further challenged by societal and funding constraints. 

In a compelling set of recommendations, the report calls on interfaith bodies to work collaboratively and courageously to ‘burst the bubble’ – expanding their reach beyond traditional circles. It also calls on government and national faith and belief organisations to support this work through sustained funding and visible public endorsement. 

The full report is available to read on the Faith and Belief Forum website.

“This rich report reflects the importance, creativity, and commitment of the interfaith movement in the UK.  It highlights the urgent need to involve more people from all walks of life and for Inter Faith Week to connect with an even wider audience.” Lord Khan of Burnley, Minister for Faith, Communities and Resettlement 

“We hope this report sparks fresh energy, new strategic partnerships, and more support for interfaith activities across our country – ensuring Inter Faith Week can keep promoting unity and understanding in today’s diverse society.” Phil Champain, Director of the Faith & Belief Forum 

“This report has made clear that an annual Inter Faith Week should remain a viable and important focus for interfaith activity in the UK.” Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield 

Background: About Inter Faith Week   

Inter Faith Week is an annual initiative every November, aimed at strengthening interfaith relations, increasing awareness of the diversity and contribution of faith communities in the UK, and fostering understanding between people of different religious and non-religious beliefs. Launched in 2009 by The Inter Faith Network for the UK, the Week has seen thousands of events, from dialogues and discussions to community walks, cultural festivals, and educational activities. 

Following the closure of The Inter Faith Network in Spring 2024, a coalition of national interfaith organisations came together to coordinate Inter Faith Week in November 2024, supported by a grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. After its successful delivery, MHCLG commissioned this research to understand perspectives on and experiences of Inter Faith Week and to help determine the government’s role in supporting it. The findings of this research are summarised in the report. 

For media inquiries, interviews, or to request a copy of the report, please contact: 

Sophie Mitchell, the Faith & Belief Forum 

sophie.mitchell@faithbeliefforum.org