Interfaith Education

Nov 18, 2021

My interest in interfaith education stems from my own upbringing. Living in Birmingham, I have the privilege of being fully immersed in a multicultural and multi-faith community. My grandparents moved to England from Northern Ireland in the 1950s, with my Grandad being raised Presbyterian and my Nan raised Catholic, meaning that my household had both influences and I was always interested in how these differing Christian denominations came to life in one space. This really kickstarted my interest in further exploring the different faith paths of the world leading me to train as a Religious Studies teacher.

The Importance of Interfaith Education

Many of us now live in incredibly diverse and multi-faith societies, and interfaith education has an important role to play in our ever-changing world. It holds an incredibly unique position in building trust and respect across communities, going beyond ‘tolerance,’ and working as a cornerstone of peace.

The Inter Faith Network for the UK champions the importance in gaining a deep understanding of the world’s diverse faiths and works across organisations and educational contexts to raise awareness of the different faiths throughout the UK.

Interfaith education allows for existing networks of interfaith collaboration to strengthen, as well as opening the door to cultivating new ones; many networks dedicate their time to social action, so it is clear to see why interfaith education is so important.

Studying Interfaith Education

Interfaith education is not limited to the classroom! It should be seen as an opportunity to get to know the community you live in, to interact with everyone and a chance to even learn something new. Given the current times we live in, this year’s interfaith week offers the opportunity to reach out to different members of your community and learn more about how their faith impacts their daily lives.

In a world that can often feel divided, studying interfaith education allows you to learn not just ‘about’ different religions but also ‘from’ different religions resulting in a greater understanding of lived religion. A fundamental outcome of interfaith education is religious literacy, which is the ability to learn about and from different religions in an informed and sensitive manner. Globalisation has resulted in the creation of highly diverse communities, and with that comes the exciting responsibility to learn more about our neighbours.

Photograph of my nan on her confirmation.

References: https://www.interfaith.org.uk/

Deborah Court & Jack L. Seymour (2015) What Might Meaningful Interfaith Education Look Like? Exploring Politics, Principles, and Pedagogy, Religious Education, 110:5, 517-533

Religious Literacy: A Way Forward for Religious Education? A Report Submitted to the Culham St. Gabriel’s Trust Gert Biesta, David Aldridge, Patricia Hannam & Sean Whittle June 2019

~ Written by OneSpirit’s Learning Design Specialist, Maddy

GO BACK

Changing the Narrative on Suicide: How We Speak, How We Listen, How We Heal

Suicide prevention begins with language, listening, and presence. This reflection for World Suicide Prevention Day explores how shifting our words and offering deep care can create connection, safety, and healing in spiritual community.

The Gentle Art of Holding Space

Holding space is a sacred act of presence. This reflection explores how spiritual communities can support mental wellbeing not with fixes or formulas, but through deep listening, compassion, and the quiet ministry of simply showing up for one another, exactly as we are.

Beyond Words: The Sacred Art of Conscious Communication

Learn how Conscious Communication turns dialogue into sacred encounter. Discover the five principles that transform conversations and create space for healing.

Formation, Not Information: Why OneSpirit’s Approach Changes Everything

Discover how OneSpirit transforms lives by moving beyond facts into spiritual formation, embodied wisdom, and meaningful learning communities.

The Sacred Art of Deep Connection: Why Conscious Communication is Essential for Our Times

Conscious Communication is more than a skill, it’s a spiritual practice that transforms how we listen, speak, and connect. At OneSpirit, it forms the living heart of our training, shaping authentic ministers and compassionate leaders.

The Sacred Ground Beneath Our Feet

What if spiritual practice began with the ground beneath our feet? From ancient forests to urban parks, nature invites us into healing, presence, and connection. This reflection explores how OneSpirit honours the sacred in the natural world and expands ministry beyond traditional walls.

Aspen Class of 2025 I Ordination Ceremony Details

Celebrate the Aspen Class as they become interfaith ministers! Access the online ceremony, view the program, and join us in celebrating them.

The Art of the Pause

True listening isn’t about waiting our turn, it’s a loving gesture of presence. In interfaith spaces, listening deeply creates space for stories, identity, grief, joy. It’s not about understanding perfectly, but about saying, “I’m here with you,” and offering connection as an act of love.

Introducing the Cherry Tree Pathway

The Cherry Tree Pathway is our new blended learning programme, offering a mix of online and in-person experiences for those seeking a flexible approach to spiritual development.

Redefining Interfaith

We celebrate a new, inclusive vision of interfaith, one that welcomes all spiritual paths, honoring the richness of personal experience beyond traditional religions.

Demystifying Interfaith: Moving Forward

Interfaith dialogue goes beyond religious boundaries, embracing diverse spiritual and secular perspectives. This inclusive approach fosters understanding and respect for all paths.