About us

Faith Network for Manchester grew out of the Local Strategic Partnership and was set up in March 2004 by the Community Network for Manchester with the specific brief of engaging faith communities in the decision making processes of the city. In fulfilling this task FN4M works to the aspirations of the Manchester partnership, including supporting a coordinated approach to Third Sector strategy. Over time FN4M has developed into an able and committed body that delivers effective tools for engagement through conferences, meetings, newsletters, website etc.

Aims:

  • to enable the voice of faith communities to be heard at all stages of local decision making and strategic planning
  • to ensure the ethical dimension is always considered at all levels of local decision making and strategic planning
  • to provide a forum for members of different faith communities across Manchester
  • to meet together to consider the issues raised in local decision making and strategic planning

Objectives:

  • Organise conferences on 2 key issues each year
  • Create opportunities for public discussion on issues concerning local strategic planning and policy making.
  • Ensure the voice of the faith communities is heard at the local level in the strategic planning relating to these issues
  • Identify topics and issues that we believe need to be considered at the local level
  • Learn more about each others’ perspectives through talks, visits to each others’ places of worship and working on particular projects and events
  • Tackle prejudice and discrimination through awareness raising and educational programmes.
  • Publish a bi-annual newsletter to promote good practice and share information
  • Offer resources and information through the website
  • Create opportunities for volunteering and neighbourhood engagement
  • Support Interfaith Week with an annual event
  • Advise local government, the Police, hospitals and other public services on religious issues and the needs of users of different faiths
  • Assist on local multi faith civic ceremonies and events
  • Respond to any local incidents such as attacks on places of worship or cemeteries

Mission Statement:

  • To affirm and celebrate the faith, race and cultural diversity of the UK, especially in Greater Manchester, by raising awareness about the importance of peaceful and respectful coexistence in a multi faith society
  • To support the principle that dialogue and cooperation can only prosper if they are rooted in respectful relationships that do not blur or undermine the distinctiveness of different religious traditions.
  • Not to discriminate for reasons of faith, race, gender, sexuality, physical or mental ability
  • To challenge any who promote or practice views prejudicial to the public good and inclusion of all.
  • To help make the UK a place marked by mutual understanding and respect between religions where all can practice their faith with integrity.
  • To be particularly mindful of the role young people play in society and encourage their development and involvement.
  • To encourage all places of worship to become eco-centres.
  • To be strategic and effective in delivering a broad range of innovative interfaith activities.

Open To:

  • All public meetings are open to people of all faiths and none while membership of the FN4M committee is comprised of and limited to representatives of the 9 major UK faiths as detailed below
  • Baha’i
  • Buddhist
  • Christian
  • Hindu
  • Jain
  • Jewish
  • Muslim
  • Sikh
  • Zoroastrian