Launch of the Inter-faith framework

On 21st July, FaithAction were present at the launch of the Inter-faith framework at Central Hall in Westminster.

The paper Face to Face and Side by Side: A framework for partnership in our multi faith society, was launched by Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The three core principles that underpin the Framework are as follows:

• Partnership: valuing the contributions made by partners and working together to increase their impact
• Empowerment: people and government, working together to make life better
• Choice: local communities deciding what works best for them

The framework is built up around four main building blocks. These are:

• Developing the confidence and skills to ‘bridge’ and ‘link’
• Shared spaces for interaction
• Structures and processes which support dialogue and social action
• Opportunities for learning which build understanding

Hazel Blears said at the launch: “Faith cannot be contained within a building ... There is a role for government, but what works best is when we work together with those committed individuals and organisations sharing our ambitions, energy, expertise and resources to achieve real and positive change within communities."

There are a number of practical steps in the framework. Of particular interest were:

• £7.5 million to be invested including a:‘Faiths in Action fund’ which will aim to support local activities and initiatives which have direct links to the four building blocks and a programme of investment in Regional Faith Forums for the next three years
• A cohesion delivery framework to guide local authorities on support dialogue and social action
• Regional Faith Links will be set up in the English regions by 2011 coordinated by Government Offices providing Local Authority Faith Leads
• CLG to produce a standardised version of a charter for excellence in public service delivery by faith communities.

Daniel Singleton, National Executive Director of FaithAction supports the framework:

"This Framework has been developed through a wide consultation process and is a demonstration of the benefits of connecting with a broad range of groups. FaithAction welcomes the framework and we note with interest the additional funding to support the work of Faith communities, as well as the efforts that CLG is leading to establish recognisable standards for the field, the charter for excellence.

Face to Face and Side by Side wets the appetite of those of us who want to see further government support for public services and social enterprise lead by Faith Based and Faith Inspired Organisations. It is the Third sector and the Faith Sector in particular which has the greatest reach in to what is commonly termed ‘hard to reach communities’. As service providers FaithAction members are on the front line of giving more people a share and a part to play in society today.”

To get a copy of the framework, go to http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/facetofacesummary.

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Bruce Cockburn - Tokyo.