“Young Voices of Interfaith”
Religious hate crimes have reached record levels in the UK, often surging after global conflicts and fuelled by divisive narratives online.
The world we are living in...
Religious hate crimes have reached record levels in the UK, often surging after global conflicts and fuelled by divisive narratives online.
Behind every statistic is a person made to feel unsafe simply for expressing their faith or belief and for being who they are. Hate crime doesn’t just target individuals; it has a ripple effect, fragmenting communities and breeding fear and mistrust. We are reminded of how fragile social cohesion can be. Yet, our response to rising hate and intolerance cannot be isolation from each other.
Across the UK today, many are grappling with profound questions about the kind of society we wish to live in. Increasing polarisation, division, and prejudice challenge our sense of unity, while the media amplifies these tensions and often portrays religion as the cause. As a result, we risk losing sight of the more profound truth: these divisions reflect a shared crisis of identity, as individuals and communities alike struggle to understand who they are, where they belong, and how they should act in an increasingly complex world.
Could interfaith be part of the solution?
Research and lived experience show that sustained, meaningful contact and dialogue across diverse communities break down prejudice and foster understanding. Dialogue is more than talk; it changes minds and strengthens unity, and it’s a proven way to humanise the ‘other’. Interfaith spaces do this every day, turning difference into connection, and strangers into allies.
Interfaith offers a way forward. It creates spaces where people of all faiths and beliefs can come together to explore meaning, nurture their talents, and contribute to the common good. Interfaith efforts play a vital role in shaping our culture, with each community adding its unique thread to the rich tapestry of British society. By working selflessly, persistently, and collaboratively, a transformation of hearts and minds can take place, and, in doing so, we write a new story together.
A reflection on interfaith.
As a young person working in the interfaith sector, I’m often asked, “What is the point of interfaith work?”. For me, interfaith dialogue helps us to address one of the most significant problems in our society – an underlying fear of the unknown, of the “other”.
Sometimes this fear is the result of opposing political views, perceived culture clashes or contentious religious differences. Our response to these challenges can be loud, abrasive and antagonistic. Or, we can choose a different path.
Interfaith work provides us with an environment where we can courageously see the good in others and where understanding comes not from argument but from encounter. It is a place where we don’t need to hide our religious beliefs or worldviews, but where we must wear our differences, realising that difference does not naturally lead to disunity.
We must use interfaith as a vital tool to dispel a pervasive culture of fear and to joyfully enter into a refreshing community of dialogue.
A reflection on the role of young people.
My interaction with interfaith work has been brief in years but profound in impact. Over the past two years, I have worked with a range of interfaith organisations, grassroots community groups, and young people, and I’ve seen the impact a young person can have. As a young British-Sikh, I’ve found in serving both my local and wider communities.
My impact has come through volunteering with homelessness charities to tackle economic insecurities, setting up a food bank on my university campus, and working with people of all faiths and non-faith environments to bring positive change to our communities.
It was through interfaith work that I first became involved in local politics and began working for a Member of Parliament. A couple of years later, I find myself studying at a prestigious university and working in Parliament. All stemming from seizing the opportunities in front of me as a young person, expanding my network, and embracing interfaith collaboration.
Through this journey, I’ve witnessed the power of faith, dialogue, and action to transform communities. I’ve sought to help as many people as possible, and I haven’t looked back. Other young people can too. They must take the leap of faith when opportunities are presented to them, and they will find that there is nothing that they cannot achieve.
Inter Faith Week 2025.
Interfaith is not about agreeing on everything; it’s about learning to live well together. Young people have a crucial role to play in shaping that future. By stepping forward, building bridges, and choosing dialogue over division, we can make the UK a place where every faith and every person belongs.
If you’re curious about interfaith work, Inter Faith Week is a great place to start.
Inter Faith Week is a powerful annual initiative dedicated to strengthening interfaith relations, fostering mutual understanding, and showcasing the invaluable contributions of faith communities.
In 2025, Inter Faith Week takes place from Sunday 9 to Sunday 16 November. This Inter Faith Week is our chance to listen, learn, and build trust and friendship that make our communities stronger in the face of hate.
The best way to get involved is to join an event near you. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, learn about different traditions, and connect with your neighbours. You can use the Inter Faith Week website to find events and activities near you.
You could also run your own event! You can use the website to find lots of Resources to help you with this.
As the Young Advisory Panel for Inter Faith Week 2025, we’ve created a brand-new Interfaith Action Starter Pack to help you plan and run your first interfaith event.
If you have any questions about Inter Faith Week, email us at: comms@interfaithweek.org