We are recognising the fantastic achievement of our Chaplaincy Network which has been successful in its application to join the Inter Faith Network for the UK.
This achievement affirms work over recent years to develop a diverse chaplaincy team serving students and staff of all faiths, beliefs and worldviews. It will enable the Chaplaincy Network to raise the profile of its interfaith work here at Durham and connect it to a national network of faith communities and academic/educational bodies engaged in interfaith dialogue.
Inter Faith Network for the UK was founded 35 years ago to increase understanding and cooperation between people of different faiths and to widen public awareness of the distinctive religious traditions in the UK. It comprises national faith bodies as well as local and regional interfaith organisations. In the last few years, educational and academic bodies have been invited to apply for membership. Durham University’s Chaplaincy Network is one of only 15 that have been successful.
This achievement affirms work over recent years to develop a diverse chaplaincy team. Our chaplains come from a range of differing faiths, beliefs and worldviews: Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish and Muslim. Chaplains provide pastoral, spiritual and religious support to both students and staff, and individuals don’t need to be ‘religious’ to speak to a chaplain. They either serve specific colleges – where chaplains are available to all members of their college – or work across the university. The work of chaplains is vast: from Choral Evensong in an ancient chapel to discussions on Muslim faith and practice, from a one-to-one with a student having a tough time to Mindfulness sessions.
Membership of IFN will enable the Chaplaincy Network to raise the profile of its interfaith work here at Durham. This includes collaborating with the Durham Interfaith Student Network in organising informal, student-led interfaith events in Interfaith Week, an annual national celebration. DISN comprises five student societies: Catholic Society, Hindu Society, Islamic Society, Jewish Society and Joint Anglican-Methodist Society. Interfaith Week events enable students of differing faiths, beliefs, cultures and nationalities to make friends, learn about one another and, importantly, enjoy food together! Indeed, our interfaith events will be included in the national Interfaith Week 2021 report.
The Revd Gavin Wort, Lead Chaplain, said, ‘I’m thrilled with this achievement. It’s a really positive affirmation of our work as chaplains, especially our commitment to interfaith engagement’.
The University’s Chaplaincy Network is looking forward to connecting with a national network of faith communities, local and regional interfaith organisations and academic/educational bodies engaged in interfaith dialogue as a member of the Inter Faith Network for the UK.
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