Interfaith
Interfaith Relations Officer, Canon Charles Dobbins
Charles takes on new interfaith role
Canon Charles Dobbin has been appointed Inter Faith Relations Officer for the diocese, a newly created one day a week post “to enable the Diocese to respond to the mission 
of God by engaging proactively with people of other Faiths”.
Charles writes, “This new post is a recognition of the importance of relating to people of other faiths. Ever since the 7.7 bombings, civic and faith leaders have particularly recognised that we need to understand each other. Dialogue is needed if we are to understand each other. It is the least we can do if we are to observe the chief commandments to love God and to love our neighbour.
“Dialogue does not mean that we dilute the force of the Christian gospel. On the contrary, inter-faith dialogue only works if each side has a clear understanding and commitment in its faith.
Some feel a threat to their Christian identity in the recognition of people of other faiths like this. I would say that our identity is affirmed not by avoiding contact with others but by engaging with them.
People are engaged with inter faith issues in a number of areas of ministry. My work is to recognise that, support people in what they are already doing; and, where necessary, develop work which can strengthen the ministry and witness in the diocese.”
The Inter Faith Relations Officer
The responsibilities of the new post are principally to advise the Bishop; develop dialogue and research; monitor inter faith work; and resource congregations. This role is to be carried out with the support of the inter faith task group and in partnership with the Leeds Methodist District.
Much work is being done through the Inter Faith Task group, which Charles formerly chaired, to build awareness of inter faith issues and of the way the Church of England is responding to them.
“Generous Love” Conference
One of the first interfaith initiatives this year was the conference “Generous Love” on Saturday 28 March at St Mark’s Harrogate. Read a report of the conference here
Inter Faith and the Environment
Work is also been done through the Leeds Faiths Forum which represents nine of the Faiths in Leeds. This Forum is a means of expressing the faith voice in Leeds in a way that engages with the Leeds Strategic Plan. Recentl;y through his membership of the Board of the Leeds Faiths Forum, Charles Dobbin has been involved with Diocesan Environment officer Ian White in organizing an Inter Faith Conference on the Environment. Speakers included John Battle MP. Read about the Conference by cliicking here
May I Call You Friend
In Summer 2008 the diocese pioneered a new introductory course for inter-faith dialogue, “May I Call You Friend”, in partnership with Bradford Churches for Dialogue and Diversity. This 4-week course took place on an ecumenical basis in Alwoodley, Chapel Allerton, Leeds Parish Church, and Beeston. Some 100 people were involved. More of these courses are planned for 2009.
What next?
It is important that we recognise the importance of issues raised in inter faith dialogue, and that we understand how best to address them. It is important also that we develop guidelines for this as a diocese, with a basic agreement on the principles by which we proceed. To that end, through the inter faith task group, a strategy for inter faith engagement will be proposed to the diocesan synod in October 2009, building on the experience of inter faith cooperation, discussion and reflection earlier in the year.
If you wish to respond to anything in this article or in connection with the events that are outlined please contact Charles Dobbin 0113 268 4598 e.mail cdobbin@aol.com
Minutes
Interfaith Task Group, May 13th 2009
PRESENT
David Berryman in the chair
Charles Dobbin, Helen Reid, Pat Hooker, Ralph Hudspeth, Adrian Alker, Peter Rosser, Mark Umpleby and Liz Smith.
Secretary, Jocelyn Brooks
OPENING REMARKS
David Berryman opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and, in particular, Liz Smith, Chair of the Leeds Methodist District.
PRAYERS
David Berryman read some reflective pieces and led the prayers.
APOLOGIES
The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, Gabrielle Syme and Brother Kentigern.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Gabrielle Syme not Symes. Mark Umpleby’s apologies had not been recorded. The date of the autumn meeting will be 25th November, not October.
With these corrections the minutes were agreed as a true and accurate record.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
There were no matters arising that would not be covered by the agenda
GENEROUS LOVE CONFERENCE
Charles Dobbin gave a report. Sixty people attended the conference, feedback sheets were circulated and many very positive comments were received. It was suggested that the DVD, the versions of the dramatised bible studies and Guy Wilkinson’s bible study should posted on the diocesan website. It was decided that a booklet be produced containing the speeches, bible studies, reflections and engagement sessions. This would make a resource pack and Charles Dobbin produced a draft of such a pack. There followed a detailed discussion on the reports from the recorders.
Pat Hooker suggested there should be more connections made for people who are unused to inter faith dialogue.
DRAFT DIOCESAN STRATEGY
There should be four sections:
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Principles
Love thy neighbour. God was in Christ. Positive reactions to the gospel in living with others should be a basic principle.
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Policy
How do we see ourselves going forward and maintaining a presence in all communities by engaging in dialogue and respecting ‘difference’?
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Strategy
To organise reasonably high profile events and develop a ‘group work’ approach at local level, making room to develop natural dialogue. It is important to give time to developing Christian theology in the light of other faiths.
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Implementation
The IFTG should work through different agencies within the diocese with the need to explain what inter faith dialogue involves. It should be something that is not organised but happens naturally and is followed by reflection which then feed into theology.
The process should involve IFTG and the Inter Faith Officer liaising with other diocese in preparation for a presentation to the Diocesan Council for Mission. The strategy needs to allow for divergent ideas by including the opinions of a wide range of people. Although many people engage in inter faith dialogue, the majority do not.
There was consideration of the need for preparation time before the presentation to the Diocesan Synod. It was suggested there could be an interim presentation given at the October meeting and the Council for Mission could be asked to advise on this suggestion. The work should be ecumenical and owned jointly so that different denominations could adapt the template. Liz Smith spoke about the parallel movement between the Anglicans and the Methodists stressing the covenant relationship. Adrian Alker suggested creating an ecumenical focussed working party on strategy.
After a long discussion, it was decided that:
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Charles Dobbin would write a draft document.
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This should be presented to Bishop John and Liz Smith and other Christian denominations could be contacted with a minute.
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Charles Dobbin to talk to this policy document at the Council for Mission.
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The document would then be returned to the IFTG.
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At the October Synod the ideas could be introduced.
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The final policy to be presented to the Diocesan Synod in May 2010
MONITORING INTER FAITH ACTIVITIES IN DOICESAN AND DISTRICT
The following matters were discussed:
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The event at Ripon cathedral will be on 18th October 2009 and will be entitled Diversity, Dialogue and the Dales. This will be specifically targeted at the north of the diocese. Other faiths must be represented and also Leslie Morley should be contacted with regard to minority ethnic concerns. There will be exhibitions, speakers and group work leading to establishing May I Call You Friend? groups. All local Methodist Circuits must be contacted.
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Ralph Hudspeth spoke about an invitation by a Muslim group to a meeting in Hampsthwaite.
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The BNP situation is worsening and David Berryman is now on the Racial Incidents Committee. There is a week of prayer for parliamentarians.
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The Brothers of Jesus are holding a roadshow at 3pm on 10th September 2009 at St Mary’s Beeston.
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David Berryman gave a report on Faiths Together in Leeds 11 and this prompted a long discussion.
REPORTS
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Educational Establishments
Council for Christians and Jews will be holding a lecture at the Multi faith Centre at Allerton High School.
The multi-Faith Leeds Academy will possibly be built in Richmond Hill.
DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETINGS IN 2008
Wednesday 15th July 2009 at 2.30pm be held at the Ripon and Leeds Diocesan Office
Monday 7th September 2009 at 2.30pm at Oxford Place Chapel
Wednesday 25th November 2009 at 2.30pm to be held at the Ripon and Leeds Diocesan Office.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There being no further business, David Berryman led the Grace and closed the meeting.
Agenda
Interfaith Task Group, Wednesday 13 May, 2009
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Opening remarks from the Chair
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Opening Prayers
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Apologies
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Welcome to the Liz Smith
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Additions to the agenda
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Minutes of meeting of 10th March 2009
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Matters arising from the minutes
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“Generous Love” Conference on 28th March 2009 –- Review and feedback
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Draft Diocesan Strategy
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Monitoring interfaith activity in the Diocese and District
11. Reports if appropriate in connection with
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Inter Faith matters nationally
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Links with Educational Establishments
12. Confirmation of date, time and venue of next meetings;
Wednesday 15th July 2009 at 2.30pm
Monday 7th September 2009 at 2.30pm (to be held in the small interview room)
Wednesday 25th October 2009 at 2.30pm
to be held at the Ripon and Leeds Diocesan Office.
13 Any other business
14. Closing Prayers