The last twelve months have perhaps been the most thorny, challenging period in terms of interfaith
Dear Woolf Friends,
We are now back from our summer break to report to you weekly about all the work we are doing at the Woolf Institute, as the new term is about to start.
On the world stage, the last twelve months have perhaps been the most thorny, challenging period in terms of interfaith since the founding of the Institute. The horrifying events of 7 October and the ensuing Gaza war with its high toll of human loss deeply affected people all over the world and led to an increase in communal tensions. More recently, the riots in towns all over Britain highlighted failing governmental policies towards refugees and asylum seeker – crucial points addressed in the report of the Commission on the Integration of Refugees, hosted by the Woolf Institute and launched earlier this year.
Yet, in this turmoil we have also seen an abundance of goodwill: in the initiative of individuals to combat a rise of Antisemitism and Islamophobia, in the way communities mobilised in order to stay connected, in the reaction of the British public to the riots.
To capture these moments, we have started a number of new research enterprises. Our How to Continue Talking … project, led by new recruit Dr James Sunderland, is now in full swing, already with some fascinating results. Our new Senior Research Fellow Dr Lucy Peacock has set out with a blazing start to invigorate our research focus and address the most pressing problems of our times. We are proud to be part of a place which cares so deeply and tries to make a difference, although it is always tinged with sadness that our work is still so badly needed.
I am sure the next academic year will bring its share of challenges, but I am also certain that we will encounter uplifting moments and transformative outcomes. The enthusiasm and dedication of our students and academics, practitioners, trustees and supporters carries us as it always does.
With all best wishes,
Dr Esther-Miriam Wagner
Executive Director, Woolf Institute
…and this:
UPCOMING EVENT
Interfaith Connection Cambridge
Tuesday 24 September 2024 @18:00
Cambridge Gurdwara
A gathering open to all faith communities in Cambridge, exploring themes from diverse faiths about how we live in the world today.
The Interfaith Connection Cambridge brings together people of faith in Cambridge so that we can learn about one another’s traditions, understand one another better, extend hospitality to one another, and become friends.
We are open to people of all faiths. The current steering committee includes members of local Jewish, Baha’i, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities. We gather three times a year, taking it in turns to host one another.
This time we are meeting at the Cambridge Gurdwara, and the event is being hosted by the Cambridge Sikh community. We’ll consider the theme of ‘Spiritual guides’. Faith traditions have different names for spiritual guides such as teacher, guru, or leader and vary on the types of guidance they provide.
Join us as we explore our diverse faiths and create connections between people of different faith backgrounds in Cambridge.
Everyone is very welcome to attend. To respect the practices of our hosts at this event, participants are expected to observe Gurdwara protocols, namely: covering your head with a headscarf (which the Gurdwara can provide on the day); removing your shoes on entry; and not carrying intoxicants such as alcohol or tobacco. There is some bench space for those with mobility challenges, but most participants will sit on the floor unless presenting or speaking.
Light refreshments will be served. Children are welcome, supervised by an adult at all times.
Free event – registration required. Prospective participants in UK should contact Woolf website.
