faith2faith Project

Hull and East Riding SACREs are continuing to work with Hull DEC to offer more young people an opportunity to explore faith in today’s society.  Building on the success of last year’s project and conferences held in Hull and Leeds, young people across Hull and the East Riding are meeting together to plan the Images of Religion conference which will take place in Bridlington in Spring 2008 as part of the Spirit of the East Riding project.

For further information contact Hazel at the DEC.

10 November 2006
from 9.30 to 3.00 at the City Hall, Hull 

The faith2faith Dialogue Conference was held at the City Hall in Hull on 10^th November 2006.  The aim of the conference was for young people (14-21) to have the chance to talk to people of different backgrounds and cultures, and learn about different faiths and views.  The event was funded by the National Association of SACREs, with generous support from Hull City Council, and donations from the East Riding Council, Hull Youth Service and Creative Partnerships. 

Conference

‘I learnt that there is a lot more to the world than meets the eye and a bit about religions.  I also confirmed some of my own beliefs’.   This was the view of one student who took part in the faith2faith  conference which took place on Friday 10^th November.  Attended by 163 young people from eight Hull and East Riding schools (Archbishop Thurstan, David Lister, Endeavour, Howden, Newland, Snaith, St Mary’s College, Wolfreton), the conference offered workshops in Drama, Philosophy, Indian Dance, Gamalan, Music Making, Creative Writing, Living Islam Today and Face2Face.   

This was the first ever regional inter-faith conference in the country and featured the work of students from Archbishop Thurstan, Newland School for Girls and Wolfreton schools who had been working on the interfaith project throughout the year, visiting each other’s places of worship and, under the guidance of a professional photographer, producing films of their experiences. The City Hall in Hull was the ideal venue for a stimulating, fun day of activities enjoyed by students, teachers, invited guests and speakers, workshop leaders and organisers alike.  Guests’ comments included:  ‘an eye-opening experience … there is a real buzz about the day’; ‘important that faith is about action’;  ‘the key to movement forward is getting young people talking about issues so we can overcome barriers and break down stereotypes’.  One teacher commented:  ‘thoroughly absorbing, full of life and vitality.  All of our young people had an invigorating, stimulating experience’ and another ‘really enjoyable, good range of workshops.  Pupils enjoyed the day and all of our group came up with something new about RE!’ 

Revd. Dr Inderjit Bhogal, Director of Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum stated that he was  ‘impressed with the event.  Meetings like this are essential to our education and understanding.  Don’t let it be a one off event’.

It is hoped that funding will be available to continue the project, with Hull and East Riding SACREs working with Hull DEC to offer more young people in the region an opportunity to look into faith within today’s society.  Visits to places of worship, continued film work and future events and conferences are planned.