Inter-Faith Issues

Paignton (Palace Avenue) Methodist Church

Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3EQ.

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Inter-Faith Issues

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Paignton (Palace Avenue) Methodist Church is an active participant in Torbay Inter-Faith Forum.

Click to find our more about the Torbay Inter-Faith Forum
Click to find out more about the Torbay Inter-Faith Forum 4 Youth

'The Golden Rule' is found in the scriptures of nearly every religion. It is often regarded as the most concise and general principle which lies at the heart of human behaviour.
The key concepts which it embraces are:
MUTUAL RESPECT : INTER-DEPENDENCE : COMPASSION : HARMONY.

Click to download references to the Golden Rule from the world's religions.
(This file is in .pdf format - you will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to open the file)

THE INTER FAITH NETWORK CODE OF CONDUCT

BUILDING 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:

Respecting other people's freedom within the law to express their beliefs and convictions

Learning to understand what others actually believe and value, and letting them express this in their own terms

Respecting the convictions of others about food, dress and social etiquette and not behaving in ways which cause needless offence

Recognising that all of us at times fall short of the ideals of our own traditions and never comparing our own ideals with other people's practices

Working to prevent disagreement from leading to conflict

Always seeking to avoid violence in our relationships

When we talk about matters of faith with one another, we need to do so with sensitivity, honesty and straight-forwardness. This means:

Recognising that listening as well as speaking is necessary for a genuine conversation

Being honest about our beliefs and religious allegiances

Not misrepresenting or disparaging other people's beliefs and practices

Correcting misunderstandings or misrepresentations not only of our own but also of other faiths whenever we come across them

Being straightforward about our intentions

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.

Contact our Minister – Revd Dermot Thornberry
Contact us with a General Enquiry

View the Plymouth and Exeter Methodist District Training Calendar

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Music - Copyright © Derek Elson 2000 - Paignton (Palace Avenue) Methodist Church
Last modified: March 2010