sfl newsletter june 2016 - surrey faith...
TRANSCRIPT
Interfaith Football Tournament 2
Guidance on Freedom of Expression 2
Read My Lips! 3
Reforms on Death Certification 3
Interfaith Week Toolkit Launched 4
Latest News from 3FF 4
Vacancy: Manager of SAAVS 5
Vacancy: Services Manager with
Woking Mind
5
Funding Opportunities 6
Upcoming Events 7
Inside this issue:
June 2016
www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk
“The great secret of true success, of true happiness, is this: the man or woman
who asks for no return, the perfectly unselfish person, is the most successful.”
(Swami Vivekananda—Hindu)
Thank you for your contributions this month, please keep them coming in for
future newsletters. Visit the Surrey Faith Links website and Facebook page for
updates: www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk
Kauser Akhtar (Faith Links Adviser)
Main Faith Festivals in June 2016
4 - Savitri Pooja (Hindu)
6 June—7 July: Ramadan (Islam)
11—13: Shavuot (Jewish)
16 - Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev
(Sikh)
Woking People of Faith AGM with a difference
“I’ve never been to an AGM that was so entertaining – great idea!” Jane.
The end of the year AGM bred new life
into the supporters of Woking People of
Faith with many filling new membership
forms and signing up to expand this
community charity. New Chair Simon
Trick delivered the exciting vision but
much praise goes to outgoing Chair
Somia Shafiq.
“Somia has led us well for three years delivering new ideas,” reported Simon.
“We are in a stronger position now thanks to her leadership.”
The regulation AGM agenda was smoothly pushed through and everyone settled
into an entertaining yet thought provoking talk from keynote speaker Captain
Naveed Mohammad, Chair of the Armed Forces Muslim Association. He left us
with, ‘Faith should unite us, not divide us.’
“So True!” said Debbie. “What a wonderful meeting;
inspirational presentation.”
As people reflected singer Gloria Garcia pounced with a
rhythm and words that were just as inspiring. “Really
wonderful, what a voice!” said Ron. “Excellent format.”
P A G E 2 S U R R E Y F A I T H L I N K S
www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk
Head of Woking Borough Council, Ray Morgan, closed the meeting
with some hard truths and powerful direction. As people gathered for
the meal of thanks wonderful praise was gratefully received. “Very
good meeting. The AGM was much better than expected.” “What a
strong and purposeful organisation!” “Lots of hope. Lots of positive
energy!” “Fabulous AGM! Really love the work you do.”
Fully lifted and motivated for a fun filled, outreach year ahead, we
had only one complaint; we forgot the pudding!!!
Reported by: Garry Shore, Co-ordinator WPOF
E q u a l i t y a n d H u m a n R i g h t s C o m m i s s i o n g u i d a n c e o n f r e e d o m o f e x p r e s s i o n The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published legal guidance on freedom of expression. The guide explains the legal framework which protects freedom of expression and the circumstances in which that freedom may be restricted in order to prevent violence, abuse or discrimination. It explores the boundaries between freedom of expression, unlawful discrimination and harassment, and hate speech. It also considers various contexts in which freedom of expression is curtailed. The guidance is available from: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/publication-download/freedom-expression-legal-framework
WOKING PEOPLE OF FAITH SPRING FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
The Shah Jahan Team lift the trophy!
On Saturday 21st May, Woking People of Faith held their Spring 6-a-side
Football Tournament at the Winston Churchill School.
Seven teams; three from Islam, one from Surrey Hindu Community and three
Christian churches battled for the trophy in pleasant football weather; cool
and mostly dry.
The standard of football was very high with some great goals and close
finishes. As players tired the team skills began to show with some awesome
passing and slick finishing.
The Shah Jahan Mosque team clinched victory by pipping the Al ASR team in a
close final. The Coign Church claimed third place after beating St. Dunstans in
the play-off. All teams were presented with their medals by new Mayor Cllr
Anne Murray.
Many thanks to unsung hero, John West, for organising the
event and Chillis Restaurant for providing the awesome lunch
time biryani.
Reported by: Garry Shore, Co-ordinator WPOF
P A G E 3 J U N E 2 0 1 6
R e a d M y L i p s !
Lip Reading Course. Part of the Diocese of Guildford Hear Here! Project Do you need to ask people to repeat what they say, turn up volume on the TV or find it difficult to follow conversations in a group situation? Learning to lip-read may help. Lip-reading is a vital communication skill for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and can help tackle isolation. It is widely recognised that lip-reading can help people of all ages, with any degree of hearing loss, to communicate better. Friday mornings, 10.30am – 12.30pm: 23rd September – 2nd December (half term 28th October) The John Monsell Room, St Jude’s Church, St Jude’s Road, Englefield Green TW20 0BZ Thursday afternoons, 2 – 4pm: 22nd September – 1st December (half term 27th October) The Octagon, St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Borough Road, Godalming, GU7 1ES Classes are £5 per session, payable termly in advance. The first class is a taster session and will be free. Classes are limited to 10 people, completion of a booking form is required. Contact for bookings Tracey Wade, Sensory Inclusion Adviser. Telephone: 01483 790327 Textphone: 07531 268476, Email: [email protected]
Government seeks responses from faith groups on reforms to death certification
The Government has asked FaithAction to help ensure that faith groups have the opportunity to respond to a consultation on reforms to how deaths are certified. The consultation closes on 15 June and can be found at https://consultations.dh.gov.uk/death-certification/death-certification-process/ Carolyn Heaney, Deputy Director Department of Health, Death
Certification Reforms, has written a guest blog for us explaining why the voice of faith groups is important on this issue:
http://www.faithaction.net/2016/05/31/my-death-might-be-important-to-you/
The reforms to death certification propose introducing a new independent medical examiner post. A death can only be registered and the funeral go ahead once the medical examiner is satisfied. This has implications in those faiths and cultures where the funeral occurs as soon as possible after death. However, in pilots of the new scheme, it has been shown that the procedures can take place quickly. There would also be a cost involved in this procedure. This would be less than the cost of the certification currently required for a cremation, but would be a new cost in the case of burials. The Government would like to hear from people whom these changes will affect. For a more detailed summary of the changes, see www.faithaction.net/news/consultations or go to the consultation, where you can respond online: https://consultations.dh.gov.uk/death-certification/death-certification-process/
P A G E 4 S U R R E Y F A I T H L I N K S
www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk
I n t e r F a i t h W e e k 2 0 1 6 - N e w T o o l k i t l a u n c h e d
National Inter Faith Week takes place this year from 13-20 November. Its aims are to:
Strengthen good inter faith relations at all levels
Increase awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK, celebrating and building
on the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society
Increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs
An Inter Faith Week Toolkit has just been launched. This short guide is packed with suggestions for marking the
Week and examples and illustrations drawn from the many successful activities held for the Week to date. It
also includes practical guidance and links to further information.
http://www.interfaithweek.org/resources-16/inter-faith-week-toolkit
Inter Faith Week is a week about respect, understanding, relationship building and genuine discussion about
issues - about 'living well together'. It is a tremendous opportunity to reach out, learn, make new connections
and develop friendships and working partnerships which help make for greater neighbourliness and more
cohesive communities. It is also a great platform for all who want to increase religious literacy and
understanding of diversity.
The Week is a programme of the Inter Faith Network for the UK whose Trustees hope that you will join the
many faith, belief and inter faith bodies, community and voluntary organisations, businesses, local authorities,
emergency services, SACREs, schools, colleges, universities, chaplaincies, sports organisations and others who
will be taking part this year.
For more information please visit: www.interfaithweek.org
F a i t h a n d b e l i e f n e w s f r o m 3 F F S o m e o f t h e t o p s t o r i e s t h i s m o n t h :
Bassist: Prince found 'real happiness' as Jehovah's Witness
Alf Dubs: ‘Antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism are all equally abhorrent’
Sadiq Khan attends Holocaust memorial in Barnet in first event as Mayor of London
Commentary: London's new Muslim mayor, already tilting the world’s political chessboard
As U.S. Attitudes Change, Some Evangelicals Dig In; Others Adapt
Pope Francis: Let’s study idea of ordaining women as deacons
Solar Project Pairs Muslims and Jews to Aid West Bank Farmers
White House adds gender and religious diversity to advisory board
People of no religion outnumber Christians in England and Wales – study
Sikh Filmmaker Takes On Times Square To Teach People About His Religion
P A G E 5 J U N E 2 0 1 6
J o b : A n e x c i t i n g n e w r o l e a t W o k i n g M i n d – S e r v i c e s M a n a g e r
Expiry date: 01/07/2016. Salary: circa £12k.
15 hours per week. Mon, Tue, Wed 10-2, some Fridays
Woking Mind is affiliated to National Mind. Our Charity aims to ensure no-one in Woking has to face a mental
health problem alone.
The particular focus of this new role is to work directly with our members and volunteers to develop and
manage interesting, informative and stretching programmes of activity that raise self-esteem, boost
confidence, encourage community involvement and build resilience to poor health.
The application form and job description can be obtained from Pauline Rogers,
Chairman. [email protected]
The Diocese of Guildford seeks to recruit
M a n a g e r o f t h e S u r r e y A p p r o p r i a t e A d u l t V o l u n t e e r S e r v i c e ( S A A V S )
for the Diocesan Communities Engagement Team (CET)
Salary: £34,500 f.t.e. plus 15% pension provision
Part-time: (18 hours)
Duration: The appointment will be initially for 1 year; then will be subject to ongoing funding.
SAAVS exists to offer support to young and vulnerable people in police custody. It operates 24 hours per day,
365 days per year. Established in 1994, this pioneering service reaches out to the most vulnerable people at
the time of their greatest need. The mainstay of the service is the committed and dedicated team of volun-
teers who cover the Surrey police custody centres and attend around a twelve hundred calls per year – to
date they have helped well over 25,000 vulnerable people in police custody.
The manager will ensure the smooth running of the Service, Line-manage any paid staff and assist them to
recruit, screen and train volunteers. The post requires a flexible working arrangement recognising that most
calls for support happen out of office hours and at weekends.
They will need to engage with partner agencies including police, social services and county council to discuss
standards, case reports, management issues, formal inspections and service development.
The Manager will also support the wider work of CET and the Diocese and must be committed to the values
of the Church of England.
The closing date for applications: Thursday 9th June
Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 15th June
For an informal discussion please contact:
email: [email protected], tel: 01306 631143
For an application pack please contact Gerardine Brown:
email: [email protected], tel: 01483 790302
P A G E 6 S U R R E Y F A I T H L I N K S
www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk
F U N D I N G O P P O R T U N I T I E S
The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund is offering funding to voluntary organisations in order to aid the
research into learning disability and to aid the care and relief of those affected by learning disabilities or
autism.
For organisational/project funding up to £10,000, applications may be submitted at any time. For
organisational/project funding over £10,000, the next deadline for application is 1st July.
For more information: http://www.bailythomas.org.uk/applications/applicationguidelines
The Discovery Foundation (formerly the Santander Foundation) has launched a new community
programme, the Discovery Project (combining its previous grant schemes), which offers grants of up to £5,000
to registered charities, CICs, and credit unions to support community projects helping disadvantaged people.
Grants are awarded on a rolling monthly basis.
For more information: http://www.santanderfoundation.org.uk/
W e b s i t e f u n d i n g
No website? Bad website? Help is at hand thanks to the Transform Foundation which helps charities overcome
barriers to reach their digital potential. The £18,000 New Website Grant provides not for profit organisations
with a new website built on a charity-specific platform. The stage one application can be filled in
at https://www.transformfoundation.org.uk/
B a g s o f H e l p
Tesco are inviting local community groups and good causes to apply for their share of a £12 million carrier bag
charge fund. The supermarket teamed up with Groundwork to launch its Bags of Help initiative, which sees
grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to environmental and
greenspace projects.
As well as applying direct, suggestions for projects can also be nominated all year around by people living
locally. All interested charities and community groups have to do is apply online or call the helpline on 0121
237 5780.
The finalists will receive grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000. Customers will be able to vote for their
favourite project from early October.
Administration of the local funding is being handled by environmental improvement charity Groundwork,
which specialises in supporting communities to transform local green spaces for the better.
To find out more go to: www.groundwork.org.uk/tescobagsofhelp
P A G E 7 J U N E 2 0 1 6
UPCOMING EVENTS
Woking Debates 2016
Christ Church (Gallery), Woking, GU21 6YG
18 June: Refugees: Who is responsible? Maurice Wren, Refugee Council UK and Nadia Potts from Red Cross
and other speakers to be finalised.
The Woking Debates are organised by: Woking Action for Peace, Churches Together in Woking, Friends of the
Earth, Woking LA21, Woking Quakers, Surrey Faith Links, Transition Towns and Woking People of Faith.
Free Entrance; donations welcome.
For more information please contact Keith Scott, T: 01483 824980, E: [email protected]
W: www.wokingdebates.com
R e f u g e e W e e k E v e n t s
J o u r n e y T o g e t h e r
Journey Together is a photographic exhibition of thought provoking images by creative director Marksteen
Adamson detailing the journeys of refugees he met and befriended in Lebanon, Calais and the UK. The event on
Tuesday 21st June 2016, 7.30pm – 10pm, at the Woking United Reformed Church will host talks on ‘Surrey as a
place of Refugee’ presented by the Surrey History Centre, talks from British Red Cross and Andy Lyll and
performances by Bashir Abdul, a well known artist and activist who promotes messaged of peace and stability
through his performances. The event will also see the community coming together to enjoy a well prepared
Iftar feast, as people of different faiths and backgrounds come together to break the fast.
To book a place please email [email protected] and please help us spread the work by forwarding the flyer to
your contacts / networks!
The photographic exhibition will be in place until Saturday 25th June from 9am to 4pm and 10 to 5pm on
Saturday.
W o k i n g P e o p l e o f F a i t h E v e n t s
Refugee Week:
Woking People of Faith (WPOF) are working in partnership with the URC to organise events during Refugee
Week from 21st to 25th June
Wednesday 22nd June, 7pm—9pm Dr James Hodkinson will talk about refugees in Germany; a two chairs
dialogue with an artistic response
Friday 24th June, 5pm School theatre group production about refugees called 'Forced to Flee'
Saturday 25th June:
11 am-1pm Two Chairs performance
2.30pm - 5pm WPoF 'A Conversation With' three refugees tell their true stories
Annual International Day of Peace event: Saturday 24th September 2016, Mercia
Walk, Woking from 11.00 am—12.00 pm. Primary school aged children take part in a
poster/poem competition
For more information please contact Garry Shore: E: [email protected], W: www.wpof.org.uk
P A G E 8 S U R R E Y F A I T H L I N K S
www.surreyfaithlinks.org.uk
L i f e i n a R e f u g e e C a m p A talk organised by Amnesty International, Guildford Group, to mark Refugee Week.
Presentation by a member
Sean Darby
based on his work in a camp in Uganda
Monday 13 June
7.30 for 7.45pm
St Nicolas Church Hall, Bury Street, Guildford
Entrance Free - All Welcome
E l m b r i d g e M u l t i F a i t h F o r u m E v e n t s
Tuesday 21st June - Visit to the Zoroastrian Centre for Europe Alexandra Avenue, South
Harrow, HA2 9TL.
Zoroastrianism was revealed over 3000 years ago by Zoroaster (aka Zarathustra) and
was the dominant religion of three Persian empires over the period 559BCE to 227CE.
The Magi (aka Meji) who followed the star at the time of Christ's birth were, almost
certainly, Zarathustrian astrologers from Persia or India. The Centre occupies a Grade 2 listed building which
was a Victorian music hall.
As usual, a bus will leave Mercer Close at 10am to arrive at the Centre at 11am. The charge for the bus will be
£15. The Director of the Centre and his colleagues will welcome us and speak about the teachings of Zoroaster
and the activities of his many past and present followers.
Tuesday, 12th July at 7 for 7.30 pm at the EMF Centre, Mercer Close - AGM
The AGM will be followed by refreshments and brief presentations by representatives of Hindu, Jewish,
Christian and Muslim religions on practices surrounding the birth of a child and his or her introduction to faith.
There will be ample opportunity for questions and discussion.
Tuesday, 23rd August, at 7 for 7.30 at the EMF Centre, Mercer Close -" Difficult Relationships: Muslims In
Germany Today and in the Past
German Attitudes to Islam and the Middle East in the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries" - a discussion introduced
by Professor James Hodkinson of Warwick University. This is highly relevant to current migration issues!
To help us estimate numbers for bus and refreshments please let Geoff Morris know, as soon as possible, if you
are able to come, particularly to the Zoroastrian Centre: tel. 01932 868454 or [email protected]
Amnesty International Guildford Group
P A G E 9 J U N E 2 0 1 6
Faith and Inner Peace
Elmbridge Multi Faith Forum in partnership with Surrey Faith Links are organising an event
to learn about the faith perspectives on mental health and how faith communities help
people suffering from mental health
Monday 19th September 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm start at Thames Ditton Centre
Speakers:
Christian—Suzette Jones, Health and Wellbeing Adviser, Diocese of Guildford
Muslim—Ujala Ilyas, Outreach Manager, Inspirited Minds.
Buddhist—Kruawan Sookcharoen, Dhammakaya temple, Knaphill
Jewish—Jennifer Jankel, Share and Care Team Co-ordinator for NWSS
Professional—Dr Phil Ferreira-Lay, Lead Consultant Psychiatrist for CAMHS
If you are a charity that works with people suffering from mental health illnesses and you would like a stall on
the day, please get in touch.
For more information please contact Kauser Akhtar, E: [email protected]
“Should prostitution be de -criminalised?”
Sunday June 19th 7 for 7.30pm
Daniel Hall, Long Garden Walk, Farnham, GU9 7HX
Talk by English Collective of Prostitutes
Since 1975, the ECP has been campaigning for decriminalisation and safety for sex workers.
They help sex workers defend themselves against criminal charges and fight for housing, benefits, higher wages
and other resources so that any of them can leave prostitution if and when they want.
Tea, coffee, biscuits. Other drinks from Hop Blossom Pub close by. Donation £2 to help cover costs. Everyone is
welcome!! Do come along and join in the discussion whatever your beliefs
Hosted by farnhamHUMANISTS
Enquiries: 01252 723044 www.farnham.humanist.org.uk
“ I n t e r f a i t h W a l k a n d T a l k ”
Organized by Guildford and Godalming Interfaith Forum
Date: Thursday 21st July.
Time: 7:00 pm—9.30 pm
Starting at the Friends meeting House in Guildford and ending at St Nicolas Church at 9/9.30pm .
We will be visiting the outside of the Undercroft on the High Street , St Catherines, URC church, St Nicolas
school and the English orthodox church at the Mount Cemetery on route. The walk does contain some climbs
and steps but we will take it slowly and are looking at whether we can take people up to the Mount by car if
they find climbing steps difficult.
For more information please contact: Bernard Jones, Tel: 01483 424257
Or email: [email protected]
Surrey Faith Links c/o CET, Diocese of Guildford
Diocesan House, Quarry Street, Guildford, GU1 3XG
T: 01483 790334, E: [email protected]
Designed & Edited by:
Kauser Akhtar
SEEFF DAY CONFERENCE AND AGM
LIVING WITH DIFFERENCE – Religion in a Diverse Society
Thursday 1 September 9.30am for 10.00am – 5.00pm Christ Church, Oxford
In the modern Blue Boar lecture theatre within the ancient University College we will look at the implications
of the Butler-Sloss report into ‘The Place of Belief and Faith in British Society’. Published last December, after
three years of enquiry by a Commission of Faith and Humanist leaders, this important report sets out
recommendations for improving and carrying forward the relationship of Britain’s Faith and Belief communities
with Civic Society.
In cooperation with the Dean and Chapter of Christ Church, this conference will be addressed by people of
distinction in the spheres of faith and civil society. There will be time to network and participate in question
and answer sessions.
The Conference Fee of £20.00 includes a vegan buffet lunch and refreshments during
the day. There will be a chance to hear of the work of SEEFF, and to participate in its
short AGM.
Further details / to register for the conference
www.se-faithforum.net; [email protected]; 01865-512 126
C o u n c i l o f C h r i s t i a n a n d J e w s U p c o m i n g E v e n t s
Tuesday 27 September
The Light Sleeper - What Drives Anti-Semitism Today?
We are delighted that the national Chairman of CCJ, The Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave, currently Bishop of
Woolwich and soon-to-be Bishop of Lichfield, will be visiting us. This meeting will be at Staines Synagogue.
Bishop Michael has had a long involvement in inter faith relations and was formerly Inter Faith Relations
Advisor to the Archbishops' Council.
Tuesday 22 November - an event for National Inter Faith Week
Inter Faith dialogue - the Kingston Quaker-Jewish experience
How an objection to the national Quaker position on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions evolved into a five-
year dialogue
Three people who have been involved in the Kingston Quaker-Jewish Dialogue Group will share their
experience. This group came together in spring 2011 when Kingston Jews approached Kingston Quakers,
concerned that the national representative body of British Quakers was recommending boycott of purchase of
West Bank Israeli settlement goods. Since then the group has met nearly forty times and in spring 2013
undertook a joint visit to Israel-Palestine. This presentation at Staines will not discuss the overseas conflict that
brought the group together, rather it will share the experience of dialogue itself.
This event will be at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Staines.
Call 01252 622978 for more information