Ethos

'Groundrules:'
guidelines for encounter

Inter faith initiatives are most likely to be successful if their meetings and activities are carried out in a way which reflects members’ commitment to developing mutual respect and understanding and where people feel that their faith identity is respected.

The Inter Faith Network’s code, Building Good Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs gives some helpful guidelines for encounter and many inter faith and multi faith bodies have opted to adopt these as part of their ‘groundrules’ for discussions.

	When asking questions of others about their faith, offer a genuine, personal reason for your query
	Find out what others actually believe and value, and let them express this in their own terms. Remember that there is diversity of practice and thought within each of the main religions
	Find out what you have in common; what connects you rather than divides you
	Respect the other person’s right to express their beliefs and convictions and to disagree
	We are not all the same - accept and respect the fact that the religious beliefs of someone may affect what they eat, what they wear and many of the ways they deal with other people
	Ensure your faith is presented with integrity - be prepared to say ‘I don’t know the answer to that, but I’ll find out’
	Take care that everyone understands the religious terms that you are using - ask, “Is this clear?” every so often
	A sense of humour is good, but take care - jokes on religious topics can cause offence

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