Archbishop of Canterbury Debates Inter Faith Relations with London School Children

24/11/09

On Tuesday 17 November the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, visited the London Inter Faith centre at St Anne’s Brondesbury to discuss inter faith relations with west London school children.

The event was organized by the Revd Fergus Capie and his team at the centre as part of Inter Faith Week and brought together school children from eight faith schools from across west London. The purpose of the event was to encourage the school children to consider how their own faith can help them relate to people of other faiths.

As part of the events on the day, the students formed mixed school groups and worked together to produce advice for a hypothetical new school on the three most important subjects to include in the school curriculum.

The students presented their thoughts to the Archbishop who responded to the presentations and led a discussion around the issues raised.

The Rt Revd Pete Broadbent, Bishop of Willesden, who attended the event, said:

"As a way of celebrating Inter Faith week, this was an exciting and really hopeful occasion. To see the rising generation working together on the values we share - and thinking together from their different faith contexts about what makes a good society - was encouraging and enriching. The students really enjoyed meeting and working together. The whole event showed the vibrant contribution our faith-based schools make to the life of London today. I’m extremely grateful for the Archbishop making time to be with us and share his insights."

The London Inter Faith Centre was founded by the Church of England ten years ago and aims to provide a space where inter faith meetings, study and dialogue can take place amongst different world religions.