Faith & Belief News from 3FF 2

Neighborhood Angels 3

Dementia Awareness 3

Worrying Signs 4

Peace One Day 4

Continuing work with Refugees 5

Improving Religious Literacy 5

Interfaith Week 5

Funding Opportunities 6

Upcoming Events 7

Inside this issue:

September 2016

www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk

“By three things is the world sustained: justice, truth and peace”

(Avot, 1:17)

Thank you for your contributions this month; the October newsletter will be the

last newsletter before I go on maternity leave. If you would like to be kept up to

date with events please visit the website www.surreyfaithlinks.org or the

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/surreyfaithlinks

Kauser Akhtar (Faith Links Adviser)

E: Kauser.Akhtar@cofeguildford.org.uk

Main Faith Festivals in September 2016

1st—Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh)

5th— Ganesh Charurthi (Hindu)

12th—Eid-al-Adha (Muslim)

Difficult Relationships: Muslims in Germany in the Past and Today

Elmbridge Multi Faith Forum invited Professor James Hodkinson from the

University of Warwick to talk about Germany’s relationship with Muslims in the

past, how this relationship changed over the years till the present time and how

it relates to us in the UK.

Prof. James mentioned how Germany wasn’t

a unified nation until 1971 and how they

didn't have a colonial interest in the Muslim

world until the 19th century.

Germany’s early encounters with Islam were

quite negative; David Friedrich Megerlin

translated the Qur’an from other translations

in 1772, he had mistranslated and

manipulated the verses, left out chapters and distorted the message to create a

negative image of Islam.

In 1819 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a poet and novel writer, changed all that;

towards the end of his life he began to travel eastwards in Germany and began to

think about the East. He spent several year studying the Qur’an, various

commentaries and books about Islam. He was greatly inspired by the 12th

century Persian poet Hafiz Shiraz as he preached the message of tolerance. Prof.

James quoted a verse from one of his poems: ‘God speaks through all men, why

not be polite and listen?’.

P A G E 2 S U R R E Y F A I T H L I N K S

www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk

Goethe considered Hafiz Shiraz his brother; he was an early interfaith worker. He wrote a book of poems

called ‘West-Eastern Divan’. He portrayed a positive message of Islam and

wrote in his Divan ‘If Islam means to submit to God then surely we all live

and die to Islam.’

Goethe’s positive portrayal of Islam changed things in Germany but

towards the end of the 19th century this relationship with the Muslims

became more sinister and political.

Post World War II the Germans were forced to look back at their history

and change their constitution to guarantee freedom of religious

observance and practice. Germany had a more liberal policy towards

refugees from conflict zones because it was forced to reckon with crimes it committed in the past. This is

when Germany went from being mono to a mixed cultural society but with pressures.

Germany took in over a million Syrians after the Syrian crisis in a space of 18 months. In January 2016 a group

of Germans began to propagate against Muslim immigrants by saying they are culturally incompatible with

Germany. There was a call to Germanise non Germans living in Germany. A patriotic group called the PEIGIDA

became very vocal against the Islamification of the West; they perceive Islam as a threat to their way of life.

The group roots from the East of Germany, which has the lowest Muslim population. It is where wages are

low, employment is low, there are a lot of disappointed men of a certain age.

On the political left there are groups who continue to welcome refugees. There are positive responses from

German Muslims such as Navid Kermain who is a Persian German and award winning author. He, along with

other writers, politicians and intellectuals are into the third generation of Muslim Germans who are very

much part of German society and hold on to their Islamic roots at the same time.

Prof James concluded by taking about the ‘two chairs exchange’ where a block of granite is carved into two

chairs facing each other representing the two poets Goethe and Shiraz meeting and how this concept can be

used today to create better understanding between people of different faiths and cultures.

F a i t h a n d b e l i e f n e w s f r o m T h r e e F a i t h s F o r u m :

Powerful tributes at funeral of priest killed in France terrorist attack

Antisemitic incidents in UK rise 11% in first six months of 2016

'Burkini-only day' at French waterpark criticised

In numbers: Has Britain really become more racist?

Many Americans hear politics from the pulpit

Muslim women most disadvantaged, say MPs

Single Mormons, far from Utah, throw a Scandinavian speed-dating party

Here’s how British Muslims are reacting to news about Anjem Choudary

Faith-based groups mobilize to aid Louisiana flood victims

The moral tribalism of contemporary politics

French police make woman remove clothing on Nice beach following burkini ban

Burkini ban suspended: French court declares law forbidding swimwear worn by Muslim women

‘clearly illegal’

P A G E 3 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Befriending Service Volunteers Befrienders Urgently Required In all areas of Guildford Borough but especially: Central Guildford, North Guildford (i.e. Park Barn, Westborough, Stoughton), Merrow and Burpham. Neighbourhood Angels are volunteers who support older people or vulnerable adults who may be lonely or isolated. Being a Neighbourhood Angel may involve:

Simply listening Helping to access community activities Taking someone on local outings Support with practical tasks such as shopping

Induction Training Dates Tuesday 6th September, 6-8pm ‘The Essentials of Befriending’ Tuesday 13th September, 6-8pm ‘Conversations Skills and Encouraging Change’ Both will be held at Diocesan House, Quarry Street, GU1 3XG. All welcome to come and find out more- attendance does not tie you to a commitment. Alternative training dates may be arranged. No previous experience is required, just compassion and the availability of an hour or two each week. Timing and location is flexible. Training and ongoing support is provided. For more information or to book onto training please contact: M: 07796 098077 E: Rachel.guilford@cofeguildford.org.uk W: www.cofeguildford.org.uk/neighbourhood-angels Diocesan House, Quarry Street, Guildford, GU1 3XG

V o l u n t e e r f o r a W o r l d W i t h o u t D e m e n t i a

The annual Surrey Memory Walk will take place on Sunday 9 October 2016

at Painshill Park, in Cobham. You can help by volunteering or taking part in this

fantastic event and also enjoy the historical landscape of Painshill Park. Get

involved and make a difference. For more information:

http://sccadultservices.newsweaver.com/ageingwell/1842dkud77g1w2yx72509o?email=true&a=2&p=507336

74&t=28987475

A u t u m n D e m e n t i a A w a r e n e s s e v e n t s i n S u r r e y

There are several events taking place this autumn at various locations throughout Surrey. Please visit:

http://sccadultservices.newsweaver.com/ageingwell/15rvumk26h51w2yx72509o?email=true&a=2&p=507336

74&t=28987475

P A G E 4 S U R R E Y F A I T H L I N K S

www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk

W h a t w i l l y o u d o f o r P e a c e D a y 2 0 1 6 ? Peace One Day’s objective is to institutionalise Peace Day on 21 September, making it a day that is self-sustaining, an annual day of global unity, a day of intercultural cooperation on a scale that humanity has never known. In 1999, Jeremy Gilley founded Peace One Day, a non-profit organisation, and in 2001 Peace One Day’s efforts were rewarded when the member states of the United Nations unanimously adopted the first ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on 21 September – Peace Day. Peace One Day is impartial and independent of any government, political persuasion, corporation or religious creed. Through a multi-platform approach, Peace One Day utilises different tools to raise awareness, advocate for Peace Day and engage the global community in its broad observance. Over the years, millions of people have organised all kinds of events to promote awareness of Peace Day, and to encourage reconciliation and peace-building in their own local community. No matter what you have planned for Peace Day, we are here to support you in any way we can. Check out these excellent resources to assist you in raising awareness of your Peace Day activity: Peace Day Toolkit: http://www.peaceoneday.org/sites/default/files/peace_day_tool_kit.pdf Promotion Resource Pack: http://www.peaceoneday.org/sites/default/files/pr_deck_2016_-_global_ngos_v25.pdf What’s happening in Surrey? The Surrey Heath Faith Forum will hold some activities at the town centre on Saturday 17th September Elmbridge Multi Faith Forum are making peace with people with Mental Health Illnesses with the event

‘Faith and Inner Peace’ on Monday 19th September Woking People of Faith are holding their annual event at the Woking Town Centre (Mercia Walk) on

Saturday 24th September where children will be awarded prizes for their winning entries of the Peace Day competition by the Mayor of Woking, live entertainment and Readings of peace.

More information with details of these events on page 7 onwards of this newsletter under ‘Upcoming events’.

W o r r y i n g S i g n s — U n i t e d A g a i n s t H a t e On 24th June 2016, Britain voted to leave the European Union. Following this, there has a been spike in hate crimes across the UK. A Facebook photo album called Worrying Signs, later turned into a group is documenting examples of this wave of emboldened racism sweeping the UK. From tweets and screenshots to videos and anecdotal accounts, we hope to raise awareness of this problem. We believe that having these conversations and bringing this issue into the fore is the first step to healing the divisions that are now clear to see across the country. For more information please visit: https://worryingsigns.com/

P A G E 5 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6

C o n t i n u i n g w o r k w i t h r e f u g e e s

Home Secretary and Archbishop of Canterbury launch new scheme to encourage

community groups to sponsor a refugee family.

The full community sponsorship scheme will enable community groups including

charities, faith groups, churches and businesses to take on the role of supporting

resettled refugees in the UK. Further information about this can be found at

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/community-sponsorship-scheme-

launched-for-refugees-in-the-uk.

The scheme was launched by the Home Secretary and the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace in

July. Guidance for prospective sponsors can be found at

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/538794/ Full-Community-

Sponsorship-guidance-for-prospective-sponsors.pdf.

An online service has also been set up by the Government at https://www.gov.uk/help-refugees. This enables

people to note any support that they are able to provide to refugees, such as housing, fostering or donations

of goods such as clothes and toys. It is initially being piloted in 9 local authorities and has been designed to

enable local authorities to specify the type of donations they most require to support refugees in their area.

A P P G r e p o r t o n I m p r o v i n g R e l i g i o u s L i t e r a c y

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Religious Education published in July a report entitled

‘Improving Religious Literacy: A Contribution to the Debate’. This was the fruit of its inquiry over 5 months

which received evidence from teachers, academics, faith groups, faith leaders and other individuals.

The APPG’s next event in the Autumn, entitled ‘From Improving to Including: Mainstreaming Religious

Literacy’, will celebrate the launch of the report and will also seek to look forward by discussing the next steps

for Parliament, Government, civil society and the RE community in improving religious literacy.

A digital copy of the full report and a summary can be accessed at

http://www.fionabruce.mp/resources/APPG-on-RE-%E2%80%93-Improving-Religious- Literacy-(full-

report).pdf and www.fionabruce.mp/resources/Summary.pdf.

I n t e r F a i t h W e e k

Inter Faith Week 2016 runs from Sunday 13 to Sunday 20 November.

The activity registration form is now live on the Inter Faith Week website. The map and other event lists will

go live soon. If you are holding an activity linked to the Week, please do take a moment to register it on the

website: www.interfaithweek.org/submit. Registering and including detail about activities helps IFN to give

them profile, and also to tell the story of the Week and continue to grow its impact.

You can also connect with the Week on Twitter at www.twitter.com/IFWeek and Facebook at

www.facebook.com/IFWeek. We will be using the hashtag #IFWeek again.

If you are looking for activity ideas, the Inter Faith Week toolkit can be downloaded from

www.interfaithweek.org/toolkit and hard copies are available on request.

P A G E 6 S U R R E Y F A I T H L I N K S

www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk

F U N D I N G O P P O R T U N I T I E S

C o m m u n i t y C a s h F u n d 2 0 1 6 / 1 7

Healthwatch Surrey is now accepting applications for the Community Cash Fund 2016/17. The fund offers

grants of up to £1,500 to individuals, groups and small organisations to undertake new projects, events, and

activities within their communities that will help improve wellbeing and support people to speak up about

their experiences of health and social care services.

The application pack, including a set of FAQs about the criteria for the fund is available on their website

http://www.healthwatchsurrey.co.uk/community-cash-fund

Please note applications must be received by 5pm on Friday 9th September.

G r e g g s F o u n d a t i o n E n v i r o n m e n t a l G r a n t s

Applications can be made for grants up to £2,000, which improve people’s lives by improving the environment.

The closing date for this round of applications is 30th September 2016.

All projects will be expected to deliver a real benefit to the environment and priority will be given to projects

that also include one or more of the following:

Improves the local environment

Ensures involvement of local communities

Delivers a sustainable and measurable difference

Supports people in need

More information on this funding and the application process:

https://www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/environmental-grant

I n t e r F a i t h W e e k G r a n t s

The Interfaith Youth Trust has announced that it will again be making available a special programme of grants

for Inter Faith Week this year.

Grants are awarded for proposals “for inter faith activities by children and young people from Christian, Jew-

ish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and other faiths and those of no formal faith in understanding and co-operation”. The

age range for young people is 11-25 years. Priority will be given to projects which:

Actively involve young people in planning, running, and evaluation of the project.

Promote positive action, i.e. young people from different backgrounds coming together to address

shared problems like improving green spaces.

Are run by non-statutory organisations, such as youth clubs, scout/guide groups, local voluntary

and community organisations.

Completed applications must be received by email by 9 September.

Further information on eligibility and the application form are online at http://www.ifyouthtrust.org.uk/.

P A G E 7 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6

UPCOMING EVENTS

S u r r e y H e a t h F a i t h F o r u m E v e n t s

International Peace Day:

Saturday 17th September 2016, part of the Camberley Artisan Foods & Farmers

Market on Park Street in Camberley Town Centre from 10am-3pm . Look out for

the SHFF stall where there will be an interfaith quiz, henna, face painting and lots

more!

Interfaith lunch:

Wednesday 23rd November 2016, 12-2pm in the St. Peter’s Church Hall, Frimley

Green Road, Frimley, GU16 7AQ

Faith and Inner Peace

Elmbridge Multi Faith Forum in partnership with Surrey Faith Links are organising an event to learn about the

faith perspectives on mental health and how faith communities help people suffering from mental health

Monday 19th September 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm start at Thames Ditton Centre

Speakers:

Christian—Suzette Jones, Health and Wellbeing Adviser, Diocese of Guildford

Muslim—Ujala Ilyas, Outreach Manager, Inspirited Minds.

Buddhist—Kruawan Sookcharoen, Dhammakaya temple, Knaphill

Jewish—Jennifer Jankel, Share and Care Team Co-ordinator for NWSS

Professional—Dr Phil Ferreira-Lay, Lead Consultant Psychiatrist for CAMHS

If you are a charity that works with people suffering from mental health illnesses and you

would like a stall on the day, please get in touch. For more information please contact

Kauser Akhtar, E: Kauser.Akhtar@cofeguildford.org.uk

I n t e r f a i t h W a l k s ( K i n g s t o n U p o n T h a m e s )

Kingston Upon Thames Inter Faith Walks will take place on Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 September 2016.

Meeting point is at 11AM outside Sainsbury's (KT2 7AZ) at Norbiton Rail Station (Zone 5).

This year the mystery theme is diversity and surprise. On each day there will be visits to at least 3 different

Places of Worship ~ an opportunity to "experience Worship" ~ to "explore Faith Artefacts" and exchange

"Insights into Faiths & Beliefs" ~ indeed a unique experience!

Walkers are requested to bring packed lunch & refreshments. There will be some transport available and

refreshment breaks at or between each location. We expect walks will end after 3pm same day! Suitable

walking footwear & weather protection recommended. Children Welcome, but must be accompanied at all

times.

Please consult the finalised programme for RBK Inter Faith Walks, which will be available on the Kingston

Upon Thames pages on this year's HOD 2016 Website: www.heritageopendays.org.uk (search for Kingston

Upon Thames events). For more information please text 077 6632 7989 or Email:

rashid.laher@blueyonder.co.uk

P A G E 8 S U R R E Y F A I T H L I N K S

www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk

W O M E N I N C O N F L I C T , F R O M A W R I T E R ’ S P E R S P E C T I V E

Organised by the Women’s Interfaith Network

There are two powers in the world: one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is great competition and

rivalry between the two. But there is a third power stronger than both – that of women. (Mohammed Ali

Jinnah) !!

Shami Chakrabarti IN CONVERSATION with Elif Shafak, Bahiyyih Nakhjanvani and Saurav Dutt followed by a

Q&A session and refreshments

Venue: Berwin Leighton Paisner, Adelaide House, London EC4R 9HA [Nearest Underground: Monument or

London Bridge]

Date: Wednesday 21st September 2016; Time: 6.00 - 9.00pm

Admission: £15 WIN Members and Student / £20 Non-WIN members

To Buy Tickets: http://billetto.co.uk/en/events/women-in-conflict-from-a-writers-perspective

M o d e r n P l a c e s o f W o r s h i p , T h e N a t i o n a l D e b a t e : W o k i n g

From modern mosques to historic churches, our sacred structures have historically reflected not only our

evolving religious practices, but also our advances in art and architecture.

In a series of UK-wide debates, the Baroness Warsi Foundation wants to open a conversation

with architects, academics, local communities and practitioners of all faiths to consider what a modern place of

worship could look like.

Chaired by Baroness Warsi, our Woking panellists, Dr. Timothy Winter from the University of Cambridge,

architect Shahed Saleem, think-tank British Future, the Church of England and Woking Buddhist Centre will

explore the opportunities and challenges facing religious architecture in 21st century Britain.

An audience Q&A will follow the panel discussion.

4-6 pm Tuesday 13 September 2016

HG Wells Conference Centre, Woking, Church Street East, Woking GU21 6HJ

This a free event. No need to book, places are limited so please arrive early.

P A G E 9 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6

C o u n c i l o f C h r i s t i a n a n d J e w s U p c o m i n g E v e n t s

Tuesday 27 September: The Light Sleeper - What Drives Anti-Semitism Today?

We are delighted that the national Chairman of CCJ, The Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave, currently Bishop of

Woolwich and soon-to-be Bishop of Lichfield, will be visiting us. This meeting will be at Staines Synagogue.

Tuesday 22 November - an event for National Inter Faith Week

Inter Faith dialogue - the Kingston Quaker-Jewish experience. How an objection to the national Quaker position

on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions evolved into a five-year dialogue

Three people who have been involved in the Kingston Quaker-Jewish Dialogue Group will share their

experience. This group came together in spring 2011 when Kingston Jews approached Kingston Quakers,

concerned that the national representative body of British Quakers was recommending boycott of purchase of

West Bank Israeli settlement goods. Since then the group has met nearly forty times and in spring 2013

undertook a joint visit to Israel-Palestine. This presentation at Staines will not

discuss the overseas conflict that brought the group together, rather it will share

the experience of dialogue itself.

This event will be at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Staines.

Call 01252 622978 for more information

B A M E Y o u t h M e n t a l H e a l t h

Surrey Faith Links and Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum are working together to organise two events to raise

awareness about mental health illnesses among young people from the BAME communities.

Young people from BAME communities who have mental health illnesses often struggle to get help and/or go

undiagnosed for longer. These events aim to provide information and support to family, friends and the

community as well as the young people themselves.

Thursday 22nd September, 6.30 pm—9.00 pm (Registration and stalls from 6:15 pm) at the Parkview

Community Centre Sheerwater, Blackmore Crescent, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5NZ

Tuesday 27th September 2016 , 6.30 pm—9.00 pm (Registration and stalls from 6:15 pm) at Harlequin Theatre

- Tanners Room, Warwick Rd, Redhill RH1 1NN

More info & registration: admin@smef.org.uk | 01483 447 136

A n n u a l I n t e r n a t i o n a l D a y o f P e a c e E v e n t

Woking People of Faith in partnership with Surrey Faith Links works with local schools for their students to

enter a Peace Day Competition. Primary aged children are asked to either make a poster or write a poem about

the specific theme. The winners are invited with their parents/family friends etc. to the public event to be

awarded their prizes by the Mayor of Woking.

Local faith groups sing songs about peace from their own faith perspectives, there are readings of peace from

different faiths followed by the prize giving. The children’s work is put on display for

the public to see.

Saturday 24th September 2016, Mercia Walk, Woking from 11.00 am—12.00 pm.

All welcome! For more information please contact Simon Trick: nstricks@yahoo.com Or Kauser Akhtar: Kauser.Akhtar@cofeguildford.org.uk

Surrey Faith Links c/o CET, Diocese of Guildford

Diocesan House, Quarry Street, Guildford, GU1 3XG

T: 01483 790334, E: Kauser.Akhtar@cofeguildford.org.uk

Designed & Edited by:

Kauser Akhtar

I n s i d e A A :

C a n a N o n - e x i s t e n t G o d C u r e A l c o h o l i s m ?

Alcoholics Anonymous offers a commonly accepted "spiritual" programme of recovery. Yet

while its social worth is rarely challenged, its efficacy rate appears comparable to that of

spontaneous remission.

Jon Stewart was guitarist and songwriter for the Britpop band Sleeper. A grateful sober

member of AA for 15 years and lecturer/researcher in popular culture, Jon campaigns for

more up-to-date evidence-based secular treatment options

Sunday October 16th 7 for 7.30pm

Daniel Hall, Long Garden Walk, Farnham, GU9 7HX

Tea, coffee, biscuits. Other drinks from Hop Blossom Pub close by. Donation £2 to help cover costs.

Everyone is welcome!!

Do come along and join in the discussion

Hosted by farnhamHUMANISTS

Enquiries: 01252 723044 www.farnham.humanist.org.uk

V i s i t i n g t h e p e o p l e o f t h e H o l y L a n d

Thursday, 27th October at Church Gate House, Cobham. KT11 3EJ

Illustrated talk by Roger and Gail Partridge on their recent visit and experiences

Organised by the Elmbridge Multi Faith Forum. To help us estimate numbers please let Geoff Morris know, as

soon as possible, if you are able to come: tel. 01932 868454 or geoffreymorris@emas-bc.co.uk.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council

I n t e r n a t i o n a l P e a c e L i g h t C e l e b r a t i o n

2.00 – 2.30pm, 18th Dec 2016

The Ashley Centre, Ashley Rd, Epsom KT18 5AB

Come and welcome the Bethlehem Peace Light as it arrives in Epsom and Ewell. Epsom

Scouts will escort it into the Ashley Centre, where it will be welcomed by our Mayor, George

Crawford, and by renowned snooker star Jimmy White MBE. Everyone is invited to share in a

short ceremony and to enjoy the hand bells and to sing carols.

The light will be taken on to various events in Epsom. The Peace Light travels throughout

Europe, on to North America, Mexico and Canada. It is lit from the "Eternal Flame" from the

Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem.

"We gladly receive the light as a sign of our willingness to be channels of peace, by our words and actions."