The University of Surrey's Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Department is working with the newly appointed Inter Faith Education Officer to build a programme of Inter Faith Education on campus. The goals of this programme are:

• To bring together students of diverse religious and spiritual (or secular) identities who share a common interest to learn and grow together while developing relationships based on openness, trust, and mutual respect;
• To become an active and conscious presence on campus, through inter faith dialogue, educational workshops, collaborative activities and inter-cultural exchange;
• To make a connection to the wider community outside of campus, by organizing visits to sites of religious significance in the area and participating in social action.

The first meeting attracted Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Baha'is, Christians (Anglican and Orthodox), Hare Krishnas, Atheists and those of mixed faith backgrounds. They are planning the following activities:

• A series of Faith to Faith Visits to the Buddhapadipa (Buddhist) Temple in Wimbledon, Guildford Synagogue, the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, the Hindu Mandir in Neasden, and more;
• Regular inter faith meetings for students of different faiths to speak from their experience and discuss issues pertinent to their faith;
• Opportunities for inter faith participation in religious festivals, cultural events and social action projects being organized on campus;
• Themed Inter Faith Debates / Lectures, bringing in speakers of different faiths to address topics as they relate to their religion or tradition and to dispel myths or stereotypes.

Project type

• Interfaith
• University groups

Region

• Surrey