Times for meetings
Inter faith initiatives succeed best when care is taken
to schedule meetings at times when people of all faiths involved are
able to attend.
When planning meetings, check that these will not clash
with one of the key annual festivals or fasts of a group that you are
hoping to involve. Members of all faith traditions involved in your
initiative should be consulted about the days that are significant for
them.
The annual
Shap Calendar of
Religious Festivals is a helpful planning tool and comes with a
booklet explaining the significance of each festival. Calendars are
also produced by a range of other bodies, including many local
authorities. There are also multi faith calendars on the internet,
such as the
BBC calendar.
Two faith traditions have extended fasting periods
which it is a courtesy to bear in mind. Consult with Muslim members
about the timing of any events during the period of Ramadan (dates
vary each year) and with Baha’is about the timing of events during
the Baha’i Fast (2-20 March). Some Christians fast during the period
of Lent, and in particular on Ash Wednesday (dates vary each year).
Members of other faiths, such as Hindus and Jews, also fast at
particular times.
It is also important to remember that some days or
times of the week are wise to avoid, depending on the faith make up
of your initiative. For example, from late afternoon on Friday until
sunset on Saturday is problematic for observant Jews in relation to
events involving travel and what could be construed as ‘work’ (though
interpretations of this vary within different parts of the community).
Fridays can also be difficult for observant Muslims, and especially
for imams, because of the importance of the Friday midday prayer. For
churchgoing Christians, Sunday mornings can be difficult (some
Christians, such as Seventh Day Adventists, keep Saturday as their
Sabbath). Other faith communities will also have days of the week
which are significant for them, although these may vary.
During day-long events, it is important to leave times
when those who wish can retire separately for prayer or meditation,
and to ensure that there is a suitable place for this.
For more information, see calendar matters.
Useful links
The Multi Faith Centre at the
University of Derby - Multi Faith Net
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