In 1997 the Faith & Belief Forum was founded as the Three Faiths Forum by Sir Sigmund Sternberg, Sheikh Dr Zaki Badawi and Revd Dr Marcus Braybrooke. The aim was to encourage friendship, goodwill and understanding between people with different points of view, different faiths, especially between Muslims, Christians and Jews.

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Over the years its work has expanded to include people of all faiths and beliefs, both religious and non-religious and build good relations between people, to create a society where difference is celebrated. In our diverse society, positive relations between people of different faiths, beliefs and cultures are essential.

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Each year over 20,000 people are reached by Faith & Belief Forum Programmes; teachers and students, artists and professionals, political leaders in Parliament and upcoming leaders at university. Everyone is welcome to join in building a more connected and supportive society. The Faith & Belief Forum believes that intolerance has no place in our communities and that diversity adds value.

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This Year, on Tuesday 27th November, several London based Methodist or Methodist associated projects received awards and commendations in the London Faith and Belief Awards. All were presented with certificates from The Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, acknowledging the various contributions made towards creating a better society and offering what was described as ‘an antidote to numbness.’

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Those Methodist Projects and individuals recognised were:

 

• Lindsey Macfarlane - Croydon Methodist Youth & Safeguarding Officer

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• The Listening Place (Hackney and Stoke Newington Circuit)

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• Band For Life (Methodist Church in Tower Hamlets)

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• Peace Garden (Southwark and Deptford Circuit)

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• HIV Awareness (Revd Steve Penrose)