National Inter Faith Week Launch Inspires Lincolnshire to Light the Way for a Shared Future
The official launch of National Inter Faith Week 2026 took place on Tuesday 3 November at the Nishkam Centre in Birmingham, bringing together faith leaders, civic representatives, educators, young people and community organisations from across the country.
The Centre for Reconciliation (TCfR), based in Lincoln, was represented at the national gathering ahead of Inter Faith Week, which takes place from 8–15 November 2026 under the theme “Lighting the Way for a Shared Future”.
The event was coordinated by the Faith & Belief Forum, United Religions Initiative UK and the National Steering Group for Inter Faith Week, with support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Nishkam Civic Association hosted the launch.
Birmingham: A City of Faith, Diversity and Civic Leadership
Birmingham provided a particularly meaningful setting for the occasion. With its rich history of religious and cultural diversity, industrial development, faith-inspired social reform and civic leadership, the city offered a powerful reminder of how communities can work together for the common good.
The afternoon began with the Sparks of Hope exhibition, a welcome from Har-Joht Kaur and sacred Shabad Kirtan performed by volunteers from Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha.
Reverend Dr Carver Anderson and Arielle Friedlander encouraged participants to connect with one another, setting the tone for an afternoon of reflection, conversation and shared learning. The programme also included a video message from Florence Eshalomi MP, Minister for Homelessness, Democracy, Communities and Faith. Beyond the formal presentations, the gathering created valuable opportunities for participants to reconnect with existing partners, establish new relationships and exchange experiences from their communities.
The conversations throughout the afternoon reinforced an important message: interfaith engagement is not simply about organising events, but about building trust, strengthening relationships and identifying opportunities to work together for the common good.
Faith, Education and Shared Values
One of the central themes of the national launch was the importance of education in nurturing understanding, respect and compassion from an early age. Dr Gopinder Kaur Sagoo, representing the Guru Nanak Nishkam Education Trust, explored Birmingham’s values-based approach to religious education, particularly its framework of 24 dispositions that encourage young people to develop positive qualities and put them into practice.
Emma Wilks, Headteacher of Nishkam High School, spoke about the school’s multifaith ethos, where children from different religious and cultural backgrounds learn together and develop mutual respect. She was joined by Mohamed, a Year 10 student, who reflected on how studying in a multifaith environment had helped him appreciate different beliefs, develop confidence and prepare for life in a diverse society.
Professor Andrew Davies, from the University of Birmingham’s Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion, explored Birmingham’s historic Civic Gospel movement. He highlighted how nineteenth-century religious leaders, including George Dawson, R. W. Dale and H. W. Crosskey, helped inspire improvements in education, public health and civic life. His presentation offered a timely reminder that faith has historically motivated people not only to worship but also to improve the communities in which they live.
Derrick Anderson CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, reflected on the values of fairness, respect, excellence, service and honesty. He emphasised that meaningful interfaith engagement should bring people together to develop practical projects that strengthen communities.
Youle Peng, a PhD student from China, offered an international perspective, reflecting on the contribution of religious charities to education and healthcare and the importance of rebuilding trust across cultural and national boundaries.
Civic Leadership and a New Commitment to Partnership
Ed Cox, Chief Executive Officer of the West Midlands Combined Authority, highlighted the importance of faith communities in strengthening social cohesion and building connected neighbourhoods. Drawing on his own background as a United Reformed Church minister, he reflected on the theme of light and the responsibility shared by individuals and institutions to contribute positively to society. A significant announcement was the development of a new Civic Faith Breakfast initiative, bringing together faith communities, civic leaders and regional partners to encourage ongoing dialogue and collaboration across the West Midlands.
The initiative demonstrates how interfaith relationships can extend beyond annual celebrations into sustained partnerships and practical action.
Bhai Sahib Professor Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia OBE, KSG, Spiritual Leader and Chair of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and Nishkam Civic Association, delivered a call to action rooted in Sikh spiritual teachings. He identified compassion, truthfulness, contentment, humility and love as essential values for building a more peaceful and just society. He also encouraged greater accountability, responsibility, optimism and practical action, emphasising that faith must be expressed through the way individuals live and serve others.
Young People Bringing Hope for the Future
Young people played a particularly meaningful role in the national celebrations. Representatives from The Feast shared personal reflections on how interfaith friendships and conversations had helped them build confidence, challenge assumptions and develop a stronger sense of belonging. Through an interactive activity, participants were encouraged to discuss questions about faith, identity, light and the people who inspire them.
Birmingham Poet Laureate Ayan Aden delivered moving spoken-word performances exploring human connection, belonging and shared humanity. Her poetry reflected on the importance of recognising one another beyond religious and cultural differences, reminding participants that our lives are shaped by the relationships we build.
The programme concluded with a shared langar, a traditional Sikh community meal, at the Spiritual Centre of the Nishkam Campus. The meal, served with the support of Nishkam volunteers and Birmingham Scouts, provided a practical expression of equality, hospitality and selfless service.
Lincoln MP Welcomes Inter Faith Week
The Rt Hon Hamish Falconer MP, Member of Parliament for Lincoln, has welcomed Inter Faith Week 2026, highlighting the importance of celebrating diversity, strengthening relationships and bringing communities together.
In a statement shared with The Centre for Reconciliation, he said:
“Inter Faith Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our community and bring people together. Whatever our faith or beliefs, we have far more in common than that which divides us, and by coming together, listening to one another and building understanding, we can make Lincoln a stronger and more connected community.”His message reflects the spirit of this year’s theme, “Lighting the Way for a Shared Future”, and reinforces the importance of cooperation between faith communities, civic organisations and residents across Lincoln and Lincolnshire.
Lincoln and Lincolnshire Prepare to Celebrate Inter Faith Week
Building on the inspiration of the national launch, The Centre for Reconciliation is working with the Lincolnshire Faith Council, local faith communities, schools and partner organisations to deliver a varied programme of activities across Lincoln and Lincolnshire. The programme aims to create welcoming opportunities for people of different religions, beliefs and none to meet, learn from one another and build stronger community relationships.
A wide range of events and activities will take place across Lincoln and Lincolnshire from 8–15 November 2026, including opportunities for interfaith dialogue, community engagement, education, creativity and practical support.
For the full programme, event details and information on how to participate, visit:
https://www.tcf-reconciliation.org/inter-faith-week-2026
Local Conversations Through a Special Inter Faith Week Podcast
As part of the preparations for Inter Faith Week 2026, The Centre for Reconciliation has recorded a special podcast bringing together representatives involved in organising the Lincolnshire programme.
Recorded on Tuesday 3 November, the conversation explores the importance of interfaith relationships, the value of listening to different perspectives and the opportunities for people of all faiths, beliefs and none to participate.
The discussion also highlights initiatives including the Human Library, community support projects, interfaith dialogue and opportunities for young people to contribute to a more peaceful and connected society.
Watch the Inter Faith Week podcast here:
Turning Conversations into Community Action
The national launch offered an important reminder that meaningful interfaith engagement must extend beyond individual events and celebrations. Its lasting value lies in the relationships established, the trust developed and the practical partnerships that emerge when people are willing to listen, learn and work together.
Reflecting on the gathering, Subash Chellaiah, Founder and Executive Director of The Centre for Reconciliation, said: “Birmingham was a fitting setting for the national launch, with its rich history of religious diversity and civic cooperation. What stood out most was the opportunity for genuine conversations between people from different backgrounds. “Here in Lincolnshire, we hope to build on that spirit through our partnerships and community activities. Inter Faith Week is for everyone, whether they follow a religion or have no religious affiliation. Sometimes the most important step towards reconciliation begins with a simple conversation.”
An Invitation to Everyone
The Centre for Reconciliation warmly invites individuals, families, schools, faith communities, civic organisations and residents across Lincoln and Lincolnshire to take part in Inter Faith Week 2026.
Whether through attending an event, visiting a place of worship, joining a community conversation or simply meeting someone from a different background, everyone has an opportunity to contribute to a more welcoming, understanding and connected society.
Inter Faith Week 2026 takes place from Sunday 8 to Sunday 15 November.
All events are free and open to everyone, with some activities requiring advance registration.
For the full programme, event details and registration information, visit:
https://www.tcf-reconciliation.org/inter-faith-week-2026
Issued by: The Centre for Reconciliation (TCfR), Lincoln
Media enquiries: The Centre for Reconciliation
Photographs: Official National Inter Faith Week Launch, Nishkam Centre, Birmingham, 3 November 2026.
Parliamentary contribution: A statement from the Rt Hon Hamish Falconer MP, Member of Parliament for Lincoln, supporting Inter Faith Week 2026.
Podcast: Inter Faith Week 2026 – Lincoln and Lincolnshire
