Welcome
Location: Lincoln Bishop University, UK
Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)
Activities: Keynotes, workshops, panel discussions.
We warmly invite you to join us for the Reconciliation in Action Conference 2026, exploring the theme “Using Religion and Belief to Build a Better Society.”
The conference brings together faith leaders, academics, community practitioners, and participants from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to explore how shared values can contribute to reconciliation, understanding, and positive social change.
Over three days, the programme will include keynote talks, interactive workshops, reflective sessions, and opportunities for dialogue and networking.
Together we will explore how faith communities and individuals can help build bridges, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more compassionate and just society.
Whether you are a faith leader, academic, practitioner, student, or someone committed to interfaith dialogue and reconciliation, you are warmly invited to take part.
We look forward to learning together, sharing experiences, and exploring practical ways to put reconciliation into action.
Keynote Speakers
Rabbi Mark L. Solomon
Building Bridges: Deepening Inter-Religious Understanding Through DialogueA Rabbi and Senior Lecturer in Rabbinic Literature at Leo Baeck College, specialising in Jewish law, theology, and interfaith relations. He is widely involved in Jewish–Christian–Muslim dialogue and interfaith initiatives.
Dr Aziz Hafiz
Serving Humanity: Compassion without bordersDr Aziz Hafiz is a General Practitioner and Chairman of Humanity First UK, an internationally recognised humanitarian charity providing disaster relief and sustainable development worldwide. Through his medical and humanitarian work, he has helped deliver vital aid and healthcare to vulnerable communities across the globe.
Barbara Butler
Building Understanding Across Faiths: Christian Aware in Leicester and Global EngagementBarbara is the Executive Secretary of Christians Aware. She has a background in history, with a particular interest in Christian Socialism. While living in Zambia, Barbara encountered real poverty for the first time. This experience made her realise that, on a global level, little had truly changed. When she returned home, she decided to become involved in bringing people together across cultures and countries—encouraging them to listen to one another and work collaboratively for justice and peace. Through Christians Aware, Barbara has supported and connected with people around the world. She has participated in many international visits, worked alongside numerous charities, and engaged with people of different faiths. Barbara has also edited the organisation’s magazine and published a range of books.
The Right Reverend John Stanley Kenneth Arnold
Caring for Our Common Home: Faith in Action for a Reconciled and Sustainable World.Bishop John Arnold has served as the Roman Catholic Bishop of Salford since 2014. Born in Sheffield, he studied law at Trinity College, Oxford, before entering the priesthood with the Institute of Charity (Rosminians). Ordained in 1983, he later served as Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster before his appointment to Salford. Bishop Arnold is the Catholic Bishops’ Conference spokesperson for the environment and a strong advocate for care of creation, inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. He has been actively involved in promoting practical responses to climate change and encouraging communities to care for our shared planet.
The Revd Andrew Thompson MBE
Hillingdon Interfaith CommunityThe Reverend Andy is a vicar in the Diocese of London and former chaplain in Abu Dhabi. He is Chair of the Hillingdon Interfaith Network and a trustee of St George’s Chapel at Heathrow Airport. He has written several books on Christianity in the Arabian Gulf, including Christianity in the UAE and Jesus of Arabia. He received an MBE in 2011 for services to human rights and interfaith dialogue and holds a PhD by Publication.
Rae McGrath
Realties of Armed Conflict in the 21st Century: Civilian Impact, Humanitarian Response, and the Challenges of PeaceHumanitarian expert and co-founder of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997. His work focuses on the civilian impact of armed conflict and humanitarian responses to war.
Dr Dawid Stelmach PhD
Reconciliation in Practice: Sessions from Rwanda’s Journey of HealingA scholar of comparative religion at Adam Mickiewicz University whose research explores Abrahamic traditions and reconciliation processes.
Rabbi Mark L. Solomon
Building Bridges: Deepening Inter-Religious Understanding Through Dialogue
Dr Aziz Hafiz
Serving Humanity: Compassion without borders
Barbara Butler
Building Understanding Across Faiths: Christian Aware in Leicester and Global Engagement
The Right Reverend John Stanley Kenneth Arnold
Caring for Our Common Home: Faith in Action for a Reconciled and Sustainable World.
The Revd Andrew Thompson MBE
Hillingdon Interfaith Community
Rae McGrath
Realties of Armed Conflict in the 21st Century: Civilian Impact, Humanitarian Response, and the Challenges of Peace
Dr Dawid Stelmach PhD
Reconciliation in Practice: Sessions from Rwanda’s Journey of Healing
Workshop Leaders
Martin Walmsley
Strengthening Communities in Difficult Times: Partnership, Compassion & Practical ActionA local government specialist in public welfare systems with over 35 years’ experience in revenues and benefits administration. He focuses on partnership approaches to supporting communities during economic hardship.
Natasha Ereira-Guyer
TogethernessA project manager and civil society researcher specialising in community engagement, social analysis, and peacebuilding initiatives.
Sadia Akram
Not Importing the Conflict: The Role of Faith CommunitiesProgramme Director for the Forum for Discussion of Israel and Palestine and a practitioner in mediation and conflict awareness, focusing on interfaith dialogue and civic engagement.
Rabbi Warren Elf MBE
Not Importing the Conflict: The Role of Faith CommunitiesA Reform rabbi and interfaith leader recognised with an MBE for his work promoting community cohesion and dialogue across faith communities.
Sr Savat Sultana Ujra Mulla
From Mosque to Society: Practical Contributions of Women Towards a Better SocietyAn Islamic educator and researcher whose work focuses on Muslim women’s contributions to education, community leadership, and faith-based institutions.
Abdul Nasir Siddiqui
Supporting Communities: How Active Muslim Nation is Tackling Food Poverty in LincolnshireCo- founders and Board member of Active Muslim Nation, a grassroots initiative supporting communities in Lincolnshire through food aid and practical social support.
Malik Ehsan Ejaz
Supporting Communities: How Active Muslim Nation is Tackling Food Poverty in LincolnshireCo- founders and Board member of Active Muslim Nation, working to address food poverty and strengthen local community networks.
Ramasubbu
Building Peace from the Ground Up: The Grassroots Work of PeaceBridge India in South IndiaCommunity leader and former village president in Tamil Nadu who has led major health, environmental, and development initiatives and now serves with PeaceBridge India.
Arul Little Snita S
Building Peace from the Ground Up: The Grassroots Work of PeaceBridge India in South IndiaResearch scholar in environmental studies and director of Peace Bridge India, working to promote interfaith understanding and humanitarian engagement.
Adrienne Gill
Faith in Action: Building a Welcoming and Inclusive Community in CarlisleI have been living and working in Carlisle for 21 years. I run the Carlisle World Centre and support Carlisle International Women’s Group, Fairtrade, the City of Sanctuary projects and inter-faith work in my role. I feel fortunate to be able to see great things happen through working with the community and with our partner organisations.
Maureen O’Callaghan
Interbeing in Action: Reimagining Business as a Force for GoodMaureen O’Callaghan is a researcher, author, and mindfulness practitioner dedicated to reimagining the role of business in society. Her work brings together rigorous research, contemplative practice, and real-world application to help organisations move beyond purely profit-driven models toward more prosocial, ethical, and interconnected ways of operating. Through her writing, teaching, and leadership, you support businesses to cultivate awareness, foster meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to the wider social fabric
Martin Walmsley
Strengthening Communities in Difficult Times: Partnership, Compassion & Practical Action
Natasha Ereira-Guyer
Togetherness
Sadia Akram
Not Importing the Conflict: The Role of Faith Communities
Rabbi Warren Elf MBE
Not Importing the Conflict: The Role of Faith Communities
Sr Savat Sultana Ujra Mulla
From Mosque to Society: Practical Contributions of Women Towards a Better Society
Abdul Nasir Siddiqui
Supporting Communities: How Active Muslim Nation is Tackling Food Poverty in Lincolnshire
Malik Ehsan Ejaz
Supporting Communities: How Active Muslim Nation is Tackling Food Poverty in Lincolnshire
Ramasubbu
Building Peace from the Ground Up: The Grassroots Work of PeaceBridge India in South India
Arul Little Snita S
Building Peace from the Ground Up: The Grassroots Work of PeaceBridge India in South India
Adrienne Gill
Faith in Action: Building a Welcoming and Inclusive Community in Carlisle
Maureen O’Callaghan
Interbeing in Action: Reimagining Business as a Force for Good
Conference Schedule
Workshop Groups
• Adrienne Gill
• Sr Savat Sultana Ujra Mulla
• Abdul Nasir Siddiqui & Malik
• Natasha Ereira-Guyer
• Sadia Akram
• Arul Little, Snita & Ramasubbu
If a day pass is purchased on the day, a small surcharge will apply to cover administrative and catering adjustments:
Friday on-the-day pass: +£10
Saturday on-the-day pass: +£15
Weekend on-the-day pass: +£20
What to Expect at the Conference
Inspiring Keynotes & Panels – Hear from leading international faith leaders, peacebuilders, academics, and cultural practitioners on reconciliation, justice, and healing in today’s world.
Practical Workshops – Take part in hands-on sessions exploring leadership, listening, and interfaith action through real case studies and shared experiences.
Creative Arts & Storytelling – Experience reconciliation expressed through music, poetry, and the arts as tools for dialogue and transformation.
Global Networking – Connect with over 100 delegates from the UK and abroad, including faith leaders, community activists, and young changemakers.
Intercultural & Interfaith Dialogue – Engage in conversations that bridge divides across cultures, religions, and communities, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.
Hybrid Participation – Join us in person in Lincoln or online via Zoom, with opportunities to contribute and connect wherever you are.
Online Payment
Travel by Air
The nearest international airport to Bishop University is East Midlands Airport, located approximately one hour by car from Lincoln. The airport offers regular domestic and European flights and provides convenient onward connections by train, coach, or taxi to Lincoln city centre.
Alternative airports include Humberside Airport (around 45 minutes by car) and Birmingham Airport (approximately 1.5–2 hours away), both offering a wider range of international connections. From these airports, visitors can travel onward to Lincoln via rail or coach services.
Travel by Rail
Lincoln is well connected to the national rail network via Lincoln Central railway station, located a short distance from Bishop University. There are direct services to Lincoln from major cities including London (with trains from King’s Cross), Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds. Journey times from London are approximately two hours. Taxis and local bus services are readily available from the station to the University campus.
Travel by Coach
Long-distance coach services operate to Lincoln from a range of UK cities. National Express runs regular services connecting Lincoln with destinations such as Manchester and Birmingham. Coaches arrive at Lincoln Central Bus Station, conveniently located near the city centre. From there, Bishop University can be reached by a short taxi journey or local bus service.
Getting to Campus
Bishop University is conveniently located approximately 10–15 minutes from Lincoln city centre by car or taxi. Taxis are available at both the railway station and bus station, with typical journey times of 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Several local bus services also operate between the city centre and the University, with regular departures throughout the day.
For those travelling by car, Lincoln is accessible via the A46 and A15 road networks. On-campus parking is available; however, spaces may be limited during busy periods. Delegates are advised to check parking arrangements in advance. Clearly signposted visitor parking areas are located near the main reception.
Walking from the city centre is also possible and takes approximately 20–25 minutes, offering a pleasant route through Lincoln’s historic surroundings.
Map
Volunteers Needed – International Conference 2026
Registration & Welcome Team X 4
Greet delegates, manage registration desks, distribute badges and welcome packs.
Hospitality & Delegate Support x 6
Guide guests, assist international visitors, and support accessibility needs.
Session & Workshop Stewards X 4
Help facilitators with room setup, manage session flow, and collect feedback.
Technical & Hybrid Support X 2
Assist with Zoom sessions, microphones, projectors, and presentations.
Communications & Media
Capture photos/videos and support social media updates.
Logistics & Venue Support X 2
Help with signage, room setup, and coordination of materials.
Interfaith & Wellbeing Support
Support prayer and quiet spaces for delegates.
