Published on 6th November 2023

Bowl of food

Different faith communities will come together once again from 12 to 19 November to mark National Inter Faith week.

2023's theme is ‘sharing our spiritual homes and helping in the community’.

This year, throughout the week, a number of Cheltenham’s faith groups will open their doors to members of other faiths, and those with no faith. You can find details of all the week’s events at ticketsource.co.uk/cheltenham-interfaith.

The week will end with an evening of reflection at the Cheltenham Hindu Centre on Monday 20 November. A free vegan curry will be provided. Everyone is welcome, tickets are free and pre-registration is essential so please book your space.

The local events are being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Inter Faith and Cheltenham Borough Council.

Revd Kevin Devaney, chair of Cheltenham Inter Faith, said: “It is great to have the support of so many local faith communities to help bring Inter Faith Week once again to Cheltenham.  Inter faith working goes on behind the scenes in Cheltenham and up and down the country every day so it’s great to have a week of celebrating the community work of people of different faiths and beliefs in our town and being invited into their spiritual homes.

“I hope lots of people take the opportunity to find out about a faith they know little about, to go into another’s place of worship, meet others, ask questions, have conversations, and enjoy themselves throughout the week, just as so many did last year!”

Cllr Flo Clucas said: “When faiths come together, meet together, talk and work together so much that is good can happen.

“Welcoming those from different faiths, growing the interfaith community or inviting those who have no faith to come and learn about different faiths and beliefs will be the focus of the week's celebration. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a meal!”

To find out about Inter Faith Week nationally please see www.interfaithweek.org/about.

For more details, contact Corey McIntyre, the council’s engagement and social value lead, on 01242 264170.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231, email [email protected].

Notes:

National Inter Faith Week www.interfaithweek.org aims to:

  • Strengthen good inter faith relations at all levels
  • Increase awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK, in particular celebrating and building on the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society
  • Increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs.