The Parish of Four Saints, Bournemouth, has been engaged in interfaith work in local secondary schools for some time, ever since local faith leaders became aware of media reports of racial and religious bullying amongst school children, particularly in areas with high deprivation which are more diverse. To mark Inter Faith Week, we spoke to Pioneer Minister James Sharp who has been part of this important ministry from the beginning…
“We work across multiple schools in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole area. We go into about two schools every half-term and as a group we are comprised of a Christian (myself), a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Jew and a Humanist.”
The group was convened by Linda Ford-Horne who is a Jewish retired teacher who chairs SACRE, the RE advisory group for the area. Through her contacts and networks she brought together Revd James, who is Pioneer Minister at the Parish of Four Saints, along with David Warden, Chair of Dorset Humanists, Sister Tama Merdaci who is a Muslim who also runs the local aid charity ‘BCP Shout Out’, and Salimata Knight, Buddhist and member of SGI-UK. The group are also supported DEED which is an educational charity which supports teachers and pupils in learning about global issues and cultural diversity.
James describes how the a group spent significant time meeting together first to build trust and friendship. “It was very clear to us that we couldn’t start going into schools until we got to know each other better. So we spent 6 months eating together once or twice a month, sharing our stories, losing our suspicion of one another and becoming friends. We were determined from the outset that we were there to be curious and learn from one another and not to try and convert one another. We knew we would disagree, but we were going to disagree well and lovingly – and now we even feel comfortable to tease each other a bit!’
James will wear his collar and will sometimes take in his clerical robes in to show the young people. The group always give time to chatting and mingling afterwards to answer further questions. James always makes it clear, however, that he is sharing his personal perspective rather than representing a singular Christian position.
Before the hour long sessions, the students will have had a preparation session to plan the questions they want to ask. “Some questions are theological, like about our faith journeys, or heaven and hell,” said James, “some are more ‘issues’ based – so LGBT+ always comes up, ethical issues such as abortion and women’s rights. We try to steer a more general route through very political questions, such as the current Middle East situation, rather than getting specific, as there are two people in the group who have lost friends and family in the conflict and it’s very painful. We always want to make sure we are protecting and being sensitive to one another.”
This work of creating dialogue and unity across difference is arguably more important than ever given the current climate of rising intolerance in the UK and anti immigration marches. Several the people in the Interfaith group who are of ethnic heritage have shared their experiences of the rise of racist abuse, hostility and harassment, including instances of verbal and physical assault.
“It’s very upsetting to hear. But, interestingly, the Muslim and the Buddhist women always say that when feel under threat they go to an area with lots of young people, as they feel more likely to find an ally there,” said Revd James. “We always tell the children this, to show them that largely the problem lies with a different generation and that instead they can shape a different future and build a better world.”
Revd James explained that his interfaith work in schools is part of a wider parish exploration of interfaith dialogue, and they have even founded a community action group called ‘Many Faiths Together’ (the website is under construction). The church has organised interfaith events where they explore rituals such as singing psalms in Hebrew. The church has also hosted meetings in collaboration with Stand Up to Racism, which has brought together people from different faiths, to consider how to respond constructively to recent anti immigration marches and vandalism in the Bournemouth area, including the de-facing of the church building with a spray painted flag.
The Rector, Revd Michael Smith, said: “Jesus preached a message of love, tolerance and respect for all. As a church community we are here for everyone, whatever their background, race, colour.” Revd Michael will be part of an interfaith panel this weekend at Bournemouth Library, described as an opportunity to ‘Talk, respect, appreciate, reflect and learn’.
The church are also planning a Silent Vigil for early December which will be another opportunity to bring together people of different backgrounds and faiths. Watch this space for more details!
