A celebration of Inter Faith Week in Cheltenham

Cheltenham’s faith communities will come together once again from 10 to 17 November to mark National Inter Faith Week. The theme of the week is ‘stronger together’ with a focus on the sharing of our spiritual homes and how we can collectively help in our communities.

Collage of images of churches, photographed by Mikal Ludlow Photography.

Throughout the week, some of Cheltenham’s faith groups will open their doors between Monday 11 and Monday 18 November to anyone who would like to visit and learn more about them. You can find details of all the week’s events here.

One of the events will showcase the work of Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees and be an opportunity to explore the involvement and aspirations of local faith groups to support refugees and asylum seekers living in Cheltenham.

The week will end in an evening of reflection and celebration with music, poetry, dance and a free vegetarian meal at the Hindu Community Centre on Monday 18 November. Please use the above link to book your ticket. We ask attendees for the final event to have attended at least one of the open events taking place the preceding week.

Everyone is welcome to attend these open day events and tickets are free. However, pre-registration is essential for all events, so be quick to book your place.

These events are being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Inter Faith and Cheltenham Borough Council.

Kevin Devaney, chair of Cheltenham Inter Faith, said: “We are really pleased that so many of our local faith communities are supporting Inter Faith Week this year as we highlight and celebrate the wide variety of community work of people of different faiths and beliefs in our town. I hope lots of people take the opportunity to go and visit the spiritual homes of our local faith groups, especially to ones they’ve never stepped inside before, to find out more about them, ask questions, have conversations, and enjoy themselves.”

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “As a person of faith myself, faith is very important to me, and I know how important it is for others too. All faiths share many common values such as treating others as you would like to be treated yourself and doing good work in the community. It’s important we respect and are tolerant of each other’s views and Inter Faith Week provides a fantastic opportunity for us all to learn. You may even be considering joining a faith group but have not had the confidence yet to give it a try, so I encourage you to use this week as your stepping stone.

“It's great we can celebrate the annual activity of different faith groups coming together here in Cheltenham, to appreciate the fantastic work being done by groups in our local communities across the town.

“All events are free, so why not pop along to one of these Inter Faith Week open days, remember to book your place in advance and join us for meal together at the end of the week.”

For more details, please email [email protected] or call 01242 264376.