Communities across Lincoln are being invited to come together this November for a week of activities celebrating friendship, understanding, peace and cooperation across faiths, beliefs and cultures.
Inter Faith Week 2026, taking place from 8–15 November, has the national theme “Lighting the Way for a Shared Future.” A varied programme of events across Lincoln will provide opportunities for people to meet, listen to one another, learn about different traditions and build new relationships.
The programme is being coordinated through The Centre for Reconciliation (TCfR) and Lincolnshire Faith Council, working alongside local faith communities, schools and community partners.
The week will begin on Sunday 8 November with The Light We Share – Opening Lantern-Making Celebration, from 2–4pm at Lincoln Unitarian Chapel. People of all ages will be invited to make lanterns and contribute to a Lantern Garden, using light as a shared symbol of hope, peace and unity.
On Monday 9 November, Lincoln Hygiene Bank & Coffee and Chat – Serving Different Faiths and Cultures will take place from 10am–12pm at the TCfR Interfaith Centre at Central Methodist Church. Alongside practical support, tea and coffee will be served, providing an informal space for conversation, friendship and opportunities to learn more about volunteering.
On Tuesday 10 November, Stories That Change Us – A Human Library will take place at St Peter at Gowts School from 10am–2pm. Through personal stories from people of different faiths, cultures and worldviews, young people will have opportunities to listen, ask questions and challenge assumptions.
On Wednesday 11 November, the regular Taste of Unity Kitchen will become a special Inter Faith Week gathering from 4–6pm at the TCfR Interfaith Centre. The event will feature a Jewish-inspired meal, connecting with the spirit of Mitzvah Day and bringing people together through food, friendship, volunteering and acts of kindness. As the event falls on Remembrance Day, there will also be an opportunity to pause and remember together.
On Thursday 12 November, TCfR will officially launch its Interfaith Library from 12–2pm at the TCfR Interfaith Centre. The library will provide a shared resource where people can learn more about different faiths, beliefs, cultures and worldviews, encouraging greater understanding across the community.
Throughout Inter Faith Week, The Centre for Reconciliation will also invite the public and partner organisations to help shape its future through an online consultation on plans for a permanent, accessible and welcoming central hub in Lincoln. People of different faiths, beliefs and backgrounds are encouraged to share their views on the facilities, activities and services a future hub could provide. The survey takes approximately 8–12 minutes to complete, and the feedback will help demonstrate local need and inform future property and funding plans.
Have your say: TCfR Central Hub Consultation
Thank you for taking the time to complete our consultation survey. As a thank you for sharing your views, you will be entered into a prize draw, with one participant receiving a £50 high street shopping voucher.
On Friday 13 November, Woven Together – Sustainable Fashion Showcase & Cultural Celebration will take place from 6pm at Central Methodist Church. The evening will explore the connections between clothing, culture, identity and sustainability through a short film, fashion showcase, child-friendly creative activities and a clothing swap.
A major feature of the week will be Lighting the Way: A Walk for Peace on Saturday 14 November from 10am–12pm. The interfaith walk will begin at Carlton Centre Mosque and travel through Lincoln, stopping at Lincoln Cathedral, Jews’ Court, Quaker Meeting House, St Hugh’s Catholic Church and Lincoln Unitarian Chapel, before finishing at the TCfR Interfaith Centre at Central Methodist Church. Short welcomes and reflections for peace will be offered along the route.
At the end of the walk, participants and the wider community will be invited to gather at the TCfR Interfaith Centre at Central Methodist Church for a shared closing celebration and to make a Reconciliation Pledge — choosing a practical commitment such as making a new friendship, sharing a meal, undertaking an act of service, making an environmental commitment or developing a new partnership.The afternoon will then place young people at the heart of the programme through Next Generation – Youth Interfaith Takeover, from 12.30–3.30pm at the TCfR Interfaith Centre.
As part of the Youth Takeover, young people aged 11–16 will be invited to prepare and present either a 2–3 minute talk or a 2–3 minute spoken-word poetry piece inspired by the theme “Lighting the Way for a Shared Future.” Young people will be encouraged to creatively explore what the theme means to them and share their hopes and ideas for greater understanding, friendship, peace and stronger communities. Presentations will be assessed by a panel, with a £50 voucher awarded to the winner.
Taking place during Inter Faith Week, Diwali Dhamaka 2026 – Festival of Lights Celebration is organised by Lincolnshire Indian Society (LIS) and will be held at the EPIC Centre, Lincolnshire Showground, from 5.30pm on Saturday 14 November.
Subash Chellaiah, Executive Director of The Centre for Reconciliation, said:“At a time when we can so easily focus on what divides us, Inter Faith Week gives us an opportunity to choose a different path. ‘Lighting the Way for a Shared Future’ is about moving beyond simply recognising our differences and creating opportunities to meet one another, listen to each other’s stories, share food, walk together and build genuine friendships. Reconciliation begins with relationships, and we hope this week will encourage people of all faiths and beliefs, and those of no particular faith, to take part and discover that each of us can play a part in building a more peaceful, compassionate and connected Lincoln.”
Revd Steve Holt, Chair of The Centre for Reconciliation, said:“Interfaith Week is a wonderful opportunity to bring people of different faiths, beliefs and backgrounds together. At a time when division can feel increasingly visible, ‘Lighting the Way for a Shared Future’ is a reminder that friendship, understanding and working together can make our communities stronger.”
Rachael Phillips, Chair of the Lincolnshire Jewish Community and member of the Taste of Unity Steering Committee, said:“Mitzvah Day is the UK’s largest faith-led day of social action, bringing people together to give their time and make a difference in their communities. Jewish-led, it brings together people of all faiths and backgrounds to volunteer side-by-side, building genuine and longstanding relationships. Taste of Unity Kitchen brings together social action, volunteering and, especially, friendship, so Mitzvah Day and Taste of Unity Kitchen will be a perfect partnership.”
Sanjay Nimavat, Chair of Lincolnshire Faith Council, said:“We are looking forward to Inter Faith Week and the many activities bringing people of all faiths together. Under the leadership of The Centre for Reconciliation, we have an opportunity to put the Golden Rule and our interfaith principles into practice, bringing faith communities together and celebrating our shared oneness.”
Martin Walmsley, Assistant Director – Shared Revenues and Benefits, City of Lincoln Council, said:“Lincoln Hygiene Bank is a fantastic important initiative, providing a whole range of support and vital products to our residents. City of Lincoln Council wholly supports communities and organisations working together with a passion to make a positive difference to peoples’ lives.”
The City of Lincoln Council has been a valued supporter of the Lincoln Hygiene Bank, which is run by The Centre for Reconciliation and provides essential personal hygiene and household products to people experiencing financial hardship. During Inter Faith Week, the Hygiene Bank and Coffee and Chat session will highlight how hygiene provision can respond respectfully to the needs of people from different faiths and cultures.
How to take part
Inter Faith Week activities are open to people of all faiths and beliefs, and those of no particular faith. Members of the public are warmly invited to take part in events throughout the week.
Lighting the Way: A Walk for Peace – Saturday 14 November, 10am–12pm
Everyone is welcome to join the interfaith Walk for Peace through Lincoln, beginning at Carlton Centre Mosque and finishing at the TCfR Interfaith Centre at Central Methodist Church.
A downloadable route map will be available for participants. The walk is open to everyone.
Download the Walk for Peace route map:
Youth Speaking Competition – Saturday 14 November, 12.30–3.30pm
Young people aged 11–16 are invited to take part by presenting either a 2–3 minute talk or a 2–3 minute spoken-word poetry piece inspired by “Lighting the Way for a Shared Future.” The winner will receive a £50 voucher.
Interested in taking part?
Register for the Youth Speaking Competition
Full Inter Faith Week Programme
For full details of all Inter Faith Week activities taking place across Lincoln and Lincolnshire from 8–15 November 2026, including dates, times, venues and information on how to take part, download the full programme here:
Download the Inter Faith Week 2026 Full Programme
All Inter Faith Week activities are free to attend and open to everyone. If you would like to make a contribution or become a member of The Centre for Reconciliation and help us continue bringing communities together, please visit our Join Our Membership page.
Notes to editors
Inter Faith Week 2026: 8–15 November 2026
National theme: “Lighting the Way for a Shared Future”
The Lincoln programme is coordinated by The Centre for Reconciliation and Lincolnshire Faith Council, working with local faith communities, schools and community organisations.
Media enquiries:
The Centre for Reconciliation
Telephone: 07540250910
Website: www.tcf-reconciliation.org
