INTER FAITH WEEK
Background
Inter Faith Week is an annual initiative held in November that aims to strengthen interfaith relations across the UK. It aims to raise awareness of the diverse contributions of faith communities and promote understanding among people of different religious and non-religious beliefs.
Since its launch in 2009, thousands of events have taken place during Inter Faith Week. These have included discussions, dialogues, community walks, cultural festivals, and various educational activities.
The Inter Faith Network for the UK originally initiated Inter Faith Week in 2009, following the 2008 Department for Communities and Local Government report, 'Face to Face and Side by Side – a Framework for Partnership in our Multi-Faith Society'. Following the closure of The Inter Faith Network for the UK in April 2024, a dedicated coalition of national inter-faith organisations now organises Inter Faith Week. This
coalition includes NASACRE, United Religions Initiative UK, Faith and Belief Forum, Religions for Peace UK, the Council of Christians and Jews, Mitzvah Day, and the All Faiths Network. A few additional members have also joined, bringing valuable perspectives from local and regional inter-faith bodies, youth groups, and communications expertise.
Hundreds of activities are held each year to mark the Week, organised by a wide range of bodies. Local inter-faith organisations are central to Inter Faith Week, with many hosting week-long programmes. These diverse activities often include picnics, inter-faith pilgrimages, social action events, dialogues, conferences, lectures, and sports matches. Inter Faith Week 2025 will take place from Sunday 9 – Sunday 16 November. The Week always begins on Remembrance Sunday, continuing through to Mitzvah Day (the following Sunday).
These dates are chosen specifically: starting on Remembrance Sunday honours the contributions of people of all faiths and none. The concluding Sunday, 16 November, coincides with Mitzvah Day, the annual inter-faith social action day. This year, Mitzvah Day will take place on Sunday, 23 November, celebrating its 20th year.