Earlier this year, I was honoured to be appointed as the Civil Service Faith and Belief Champion. It's a responsibility I take very seriously, but it's also one that fills me with hope and purpose. Faith and belief – whether religious, spiritual, or secular – shape how many of us see the world, make decisions, and connect with one another.
Reflecting on Inter Faith Week (November 9th - 16th), the opportunity to deepen our understanding of diverse faiths and beliefs within the Civil Service (CS) felt more timely than ever. This annual celebration week serves as a powerful reminder of the rich tapestry of perspectives that we bring to all that we do.
The three aims of Inter FaithWeek this year were:
- Strengthening good inter faith relations at all levels
- Increasing 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
- Increasing understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs
Inter Faith Week is a time for both reflection on our shared values and appreciation of our diverse backgrounds. It encourages open dialogue and greater interaction, allowing us to learn from one another and build stronger connections.
The Civil Service is fortunate enough to have dedicated departmental and cross-CS faith and belief networks, alongside departmental champions. Both groups encourage employees to better understand those who have a faith or belief, and those who have none. We have cross-CS faith and belief networks, and within these exist multiple denominations and view points. Having recently met with our faith and belief networks, I can attest to them being fantastic places for everyone to learn more. All networks are open to all civil servants, regardless of whether you have a faith or belief, or none.
I encourage everyone to engage in conversations about faith and belief in the workplace, not just this week but at any point. By doing so, we actively contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Should you require resources to better understand and support colleagues from different faith and belief backgrounds, the Civil Service faith and belief toolkit offers an excellent starting point. If you would like to learn more about events to celebrate Inter Faith week in your department, contact your departmental Faith and Belief Champion.
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