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.
3 comments
Comment by Gavin Thomas posted on
Congratulations Susanna McGibbon on your appointment.
I must admit that about 10 years ago I had felt that my faith had failed me when I was at my lowest point. It was only when I went to Istanbul a few years later and I was invited by the Cannon of the Christian Church to attend Sunday services that I rediscovered my faith.
Being in Turkey, also gave me the opportunity to learn about the Muslim faith and my colleagues kindly invited me on a couple of occasions to join them when they broke their fast.
My faith has helped me to appreciate my natural environment and to look at ways in which I can help to maintain it. It has also help me to understanding of the importance of kindness and respect and look at ways in which I can support others.
Comment by Dr Pamal Sharma posted on
Recently appointed as the Senior Leadership Team's Faith Champion at Cefas, I would be interested to know what others do to support colleagues throughout the year: Any events that might take place or be shared; perhaps inter-organisational activity and knowledge-sharing; any collaborative events; etc. Please email me at the address provided for this post. I have asked to be notified of any responses, so will be able to pick up through that route, I hope.
Comment by Subrata Dey posted on
Congratulations, Susanna, on your appointment as the Civil Service Faith and Belief Champion. I am an Executive Committee member of the Civil Service Hindu Connection and I look forward to working with you so that our network continues to support its members and strengthens its collaboration with faith and belief and other networks across the Civil Service.
At this highly polarised juncture, increasing understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs and promoting social cohesion is essential. Hopefully, we can all play our part being a collective force for change.