|
|
Paignton
(Palace Avenue) Methodist Church
|
|
|
|
Click
here to find our more about the Torbay Inter-Faith Forum THE INTER FAITH NETWORK CODE OF CONDUCTBUILDING GOOD RELATIONS WITH PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS In Britain today, people of many different faiths and beliefs live side by side. The opportunity lies before us to work together to build a society rooted in the values we treasure. But this society can only be built on a sure foundation of mutual respect, openness and trust. This means finding ways to live our lives of faith with integrity, and allowing others to do so too. Our different religious traditions offer us many resources for this and teaches us the importance of good relationships characterised by honesty, compassion and generosity of spirit. The Inter Faith Network offers the following code of conduct for encouraging and strengthening these relationships. As members of the human family, we should show each other respect and courtesy. In our dealings with people of other faiths and beliefs this means exercising goodwill and:
When we talk about matters of faith with one another, we need to do so with sensitivity, honesty and straight-forwardness. This means:
Accepting that in formal inter faith meetings there is a particular responsibility to ensure that the religious commitment of all those who are present will be respected All of us want others to understand and respect our views. Some people will also want to persuade others to join their faith. In a multi faith society where this is permitted, the attempt should always be characterised by self-restraint and a concern for the other's freedom and dignity: Respecting another person's expressed wish to be left alone Avoiding imposing ourselves and our views on individuals or communities who are in vulnerable situations in ways which exploit these Being sensitive and courteous Avoiding violent action or language, threats, manipulation, improper inducements, or the misuse of any kind of power Respecting the right of others to disagree with us Living and working together is not always easy. Religion harnesses deep emotions which can sometimes take destructive forms. Where this happens, we must draw on our faith to bring about reconciliation and understanding. The truest fruits of religion are healing and positive. We have a great deal to learn from one another which can enrich us without undermining our own identities. Together, listening and responding with openness and respect, we can move forward to work in ways that acknowledge genuine differences but build on shared hopes and values.
|
Click here to contact our
Minister – Revd Paul Saunders If
difficulties are experienced accessing our website or contacting any of our e-mail
addresses please contact us explaining the difficulty. If you notice
a broken link please contact us to tell us about it - thank you.
|
