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Dharmapeople Latest News :
Nov 2009
Buddhist Chaplaincy
Support Group Meetings
NASACRE : Recruitment and Training
Programme (East, South-East, South-West)
Interfaith Week Event at the Buddhist Society
Looking
for a Chaplaincy Course in the South East ?
RE Council Newsletter Nov 2009
Immigration
Rules changes for Ministers of Religion
Consultation on new single Equality Duty on public bodies
National Interfaith Week : Resources/Events
FIFE Newsletter:
November 2009
Pandemic Flu guidelines and
FCCC minutes
DFID Community Linking
Programme (DCLP)
Free screening of ‘A Zen Life – D.T.Suzuki
Religious Advice to the Armed Forces :
an update
Questionnaire for Religious leaders who use interpreters
in religious settings
Consultation on Interim Policy on Assisted suicide
Funding opportunities for faith organizations
Funding opportunities for schools celebrating diversity of
religious and non-religious beliefs
South East Faith Forum Regional Coordinator
SACRE : Buddhism Education Pack
SACRE : Three competitions ... and an opportunity
SACRE : REsilience – CPD for RE teachers
SACRE : Community Cohesion – teacher survey – can you help?
ECU:
Religious observance in higher education facilities and services
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Buddhist Chaplaincy
Support Group Meetings
A meeting of the Steering Committee, and then Activities Committee
were held on Saturday 24th of September at the Buddhist Society,
both chaired by Frederick Hyde-Chambers from the Buddhist Society Council.
A proposed business plan for the BCSG activities for the coming
year was presented by the Dr Sunil Kariyakarawana and analyzed in detail,
before it could be presented to the next Council meeting of the Buddhist
Society for approval and financing.
The Business Plan has since been approved and the
Kalyana Mitra project is now off the ground.
An initial tentative plan for a structured training
programme for Chaplaincy spanning 3 years will be presented to the Council of
the Buddhist Society in the New Year
A further meeting was held in the course of November to
prepare the ground for the Multifaith Chaplaincy event to be held at the
Buddhist Society on the 13th of December, and the official launch of
the Kalyana Mitra project early in the New Year.
A new technical meeting will be held in the second week
in December, with the aim of coming up with consistent format for the web site,
to see us through the first 6 months of 2010
The project is open to all Buddhist individuals and
groups involved in Chaplaincy and 'Caring for others' in the South East
and beyond, subscribing to the principles of tolerance, inclusiveness and
openness in a non-political framework, taking as a guide the original Teachings
of the Buddha.
Watch this space for further developments and keep an
eye on the Calendar :
http://www.dharmapeople.com/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=201&extmode=cal&date=2009-11-01
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NASACRE
: Recruitment and
Training Programme (East, SE, SW)
An update on the NASACRE recruitment programme
We have so far managed to find candidates for the
Following SACRE Authorities :
We still need Buddhist reps for :
There is a last minute request for
reps in Haringey and Hackney in North East London, but they
will need to be confirmed
You may be aware that NASACRE has received
funding from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the
Curriculum Cohesion Unit to develop its recruitment and training programme
designed to build SACRE capacity. This funding is phased over two years and the
second year is about to commence. The programme will be focused principally on
filling vacancies on Group A (basically any other faith group apart from CoE)
in the East of England, in the South East and the South West. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_regions)
A Report for the RE Council of the NASACRE Recruitment and Training
programme phase-1 can be downloaded from the REC website : http://www.religiouseducationcouncil.org/images/stories/pdf/report%20for%20rec.pdf
You will find information on what a
SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education) does on the National
SACRE web site : www.nasacre.org.uk
You might also want to have a look at the following documents :
http://www.dharmapeople.com/ftp/SACRE_RE/NASACRE/NASACRE_training.htm, and http://www.dharmapeople.com/ftp/SACRE_RE/Lewisham_SACRE.doc
Candidates should be aware that between two and four
days of their time will be taken up by induction/training activities, but some
of those might take place in the evenings.
Financial compensation is only envisaged for expenses
(e.g. travel) but not for taking time off for the training as such.
Ideally suitable candidates would have some experience
of education, and certainly an interest in Religious Education. The role
involves liaising with the faith communities, schools (Teachers and children)
and the Local Authorities.
The candidate should have some time to spare (not a lot,
just a few days per term perhaps, and therefore people not in full-time
employment, or just retired, or young single parents, young teachers, etc might
make ideal candidates). They should also be prepared to represent their whole
faith community, regardless of their own specific background (either in terms
of culture or tradition), and be ready and willing to engage representatives
from other faiths in meaningful and constructive dialogue.
Should multiple suitable candidates apply for the same
Authority, the size of the community they represent would become the
discriminating factor. Candidates are selected by the Local Authority itself.
If anyone from yours, or other Buddhist groups you are
in contact with, are interested in exploring the possibility of engaging in
SACRE activities, please ask them to get in touch with me, and where vacancies
are available, I will endeavour to put then in touch with the NASACRE
Recruitment Officer.
To find out more
about your local SACRE, look under the Members page in the NASACRE site, or search the web specifying : e.g. ‘
If you or someone in your group would like to become
Buddhist Representative on your local Authority SACRE ,
and you live in one of the mentioned Regions please let me know as soon as
possible, sending me any details about yourself and your experience that would
enable your local authority to make on informed decision about your application
: please send it to :
mmarcigaglia(_at_)yahoo.co.uk where the (_at_)
stands for @;
Mariano M. , Tel 020 72520804
(evenings and weekends)
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Interfaith
Week Event at the Buddhist Society
Following on
from National Interfaith Week, at the Buddhist
Society we are planning to hold an event on Multifaith Chaplaincy, to be held
at our premises :
When :
on
Where
: The Buddhist Society, 58,
http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=SW1V+1PH&countryCode=GB
What
: Panel discussion moderated by F. Hyde-Chambers
(OBE, Secretary General, International Association of Business and Parliament)
Topic : Challenges and opportunities of
Multifaith Chaplaincy, with special regards to Faith, Ethnicity and
Gender
We look
forward to receiving your questions for the panel ; please
send them to :
mmarcigaglia(at)yahoo.co.uk,
or buddhistchaplains(at)googlemail.com
Please let us
know how many people intend to turn up, for logistical reasons.
Also note
that the building is not provided with lifts, and
unfortunately access for the disabled would be difficult,
as the meeting would
be held in the lecture room, on the first floor.
AGENDA
Some
initial suggestions :
1.
Significance of Spiritual Care and Physical care in the various traditions
2. Are we
really bridging the gaps or just muddling the waters, out of P.C. and driven by
the Community Cohesion agenda ?
3. What does it mean to be a (Muslim) woman and lead a Multifaith Chaplaincy
Team
4. Is Chaplaincy in the NHS worth the millions
spent annually on it ?
5. Future of
Multifaith Chaplaincy
6. How do we
evaluate care being given?
7. How do we keep updated on the developing needs of chaplains
?
8.
The Invitation is going out to many multifaith
Chaplaincy teams in the
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday
afternoon
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Looking for a Chaplaincy Course in the South
East ?
This
flexible, part-time programme is intended for those who work in situations
where faith, religion and culture are important issues and will enable you to
approach these with sensitivity and understanding. It has been designed to work
in partnership with a variety of employers, such as the police, NHS, armed
services, prison service, local government, as well as voluntary and faith-based
organisations. It is guided by the conviction that the well-being of society
depends on understanding how value systems of all kinds interact with and
influence each other. The programme will look not only at the specific beliefs
of particular communities but also at the historical and cultural forces which
have formed, and continue to form these commitments.
-------------------
The University Of East London is offering
a Certificate in Spiritual, Religious and Cultural Care
One year, part-time, evening programme with fieldwork
placements.
More details here : http://www.uel.ac.uk/psychology/programmes/undergraduate/spiritual-care.htm
---------------------
St Mary's
What: 2 year minimum day/block release
course run by St Mary's
Who: St Mary's
Where: St Mary'S
---------------------
What: 3 year full
time course run by Newham College Of Further Education
in Newham.
Who:
Where: University
Centre
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RE Council
Newsletter Oct 2009
Extracts
from : http://www.religiouseducationcouncil.org/content/view/136/62/
RE Council Newsletter
October 2009
Welcome to
this issue of the REC e-newsletter. If you have information about projects, conferences,
reports or developments you’d like included in the next one please email it to
me by 28th November. It should be in the format of a heading, two or three
sentences giving the basics and a website or email address where readers can
obtain fuller details.
Best wishes,
Sarah Smalley, Executive
Support Officer, RE Council of England and
In this issue :
The Joseph Interfaith Foundation
James Hemming essay competition
Commission for
Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE)
Code of conduct
for RE teachers
Resources from Shap
RE and
New RE guidelines
for C of E secondary schools
Independent
Schools Religious Studies Association
Examination
Results for 2009.
European
Federation of Teachers of RE (EFTRE)
New schools award
for religious inclusion and equality
The Subject
Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies (
Reonline/TeachRE Booster Course
The Joseph Interfaith Foundation
The Foundation works in education and youth work contexts
to promote dialogue between young people from Muslim and Jewish backgrounds and
aims to promote a clearer understanding of both faiths amongst the general
public and also in education contexts. Following the Foundation's very
successful academic conference in 08, it will be holding this year's conference
in November 09.
Further details on the website at www.josephinterfaithfoundation.org
James Hemming essay
competition
The British Humanist Association (BHA) has congratulated the
winners of the first annual James Hemming essay competition, which is sponsored
by the BHA, New Humanist magazine and the South Place Ethical Society. Andrew Copson, BHA Director of Education, commented, ‘What was
clear from so many of the essays, not least the winning entries, was the
ability of young people to think critically about life’s ultimate questions ...
We see this new competition as not only testament to the great contribution
that James Hemming made to education throughout his life, but as part of our
role to encourage free and critical thinking by all people in society.’
The winning essays from the 2008 competition are now on the website (http://www.www.hemmingprize.org.uk ); where
there is also information about the 2009 competition. The BHA provides
resources for schools on its dedicated education websitewww.humanismforschools.org.uk
Commission for Architecture
and the Built Environment (CABE)
CABE has two current announcements which may be of
interest to teachers of RE. First there is a competition open to teachers to
win a framed signed original architectural drawing for their school. CABE is
inviting all teachers to submit a lesson idea that uses a building or place.
The most inspiring idea will win a framed signed drawing from a renowned
architectural practice for their school.
Visit www.engagingplaces.org.uk/news/art71140
to enter by
CABE is also offering six grants of up to £1,500 to schools in
For full details on the application process, categories and previously funded
projects please visit: www.cabe.org.uk/educationgrants
Code of conduct for RE
teachers
This draft code aims to complement the GTCE’s
general code for teachers. It is completely voluntary and has been developed by
an REC working group to help teachers, headteachers,
parents and faith and belief communities see more clearly where there are
distinctions between personal belief and professional responsibilities and how
these can be dealt with in practice.
The draft code and address for responding to the consultation (by 24th October)
are on the REC website atwww.religiouseducationcouncil.org
Resources from Shap
The Shap Working Party on
Education in Religions has developed a series of helpful and user-friendly
resources (free to download) for schools e.g. for KS1 on ‘The food we eat and
why’, and for KS2 on ‘Living ethically’.
See the website for full details (http://www.shap.org )
RE and Community Cohesion
Project
The RE and Community Cohesion project which ran from January
to June 2009, involved about a dozen Greater London RE teachers who are already
developing the role of RE in community cohesion. Each teacher was asked to
develop examples of best practice from within their teaching which could then
be used as exemplars for national dissemination via a website and for a local
exhibition within the City towards the end of the summer term.
For full details of the case studies, each illustrating work in a very
different school context. please see http://www.community-cohesion.org.uk
The Hindu Academy continues to offer Hindu input towards
postgraduate courses in RE at various colleges and universities. This month it
will be holding sessions with students at: University of East
For further details see http://www.hinduacademy.org
New RE guidelines for C of E
secondary schools
Guidelines for RE in Church of England secondary schools
have been written by Heads of RE and Diocesan Advisers. These seek to show the
distinctive nature of RE in Church of England secondary schools in the light of
the new secondary curriculum. They include classroom examples of discrete RE
lessons on Christianity in KS3 as well as cross-curricular RE planning using
the cross-curricular dimensions.
For further details see http://www.natsoc.org.uk/reresources/
A working party is currently working on guidance for
Primary Church of England schools in light of the Rose report. For further details contact Jane Brooke, RE Project Development
Officer for the National Society, on 07540 722670.
Independent Schools Religious
Studies Association
The annual Religious Studies conference of the Independent
Schools Religious Studies Association took place in
Further information at www.isrsa.org.uk
Examination Results for 2009.
The provisional examination results for 2009 record the
first drop in GCSE entries for RE for 10 years, though AS/A2 numbers continue
to rise. The full data on exam entries, grades and comparisons with past years
can be found on the websitewww.gcsere.org.uk
European Federation of
Teachers of RE (EFTRE)
Are you interested in wider European issues in RE? The
EFTRE website (www.eftre.net/publications.html)
has details of a wide range of publications illustrating ways RE is approached in a variety European contexts, highlighting similarities
with and differences from the
New schools award for
religious inclusion and equality
A prestigious new prize is being offered that recognises the
achievements of primary and secondary schools which celebrate diversity of
religious and non-religious beliefs. Created by Accord, a coalition of groups
united in a desire to reform faith schools, the awards are to acknowledge work
in schools and the wider community that goes beyond legal requirements on
inclusion and equality. The awards are open to all state-funded schools,
including faith schools, and will be judged by a highly respected and
experienced panel of experts. The judges will be looking for schools that have
an ethos that celebrates inclusion and that pride themselves
on building links within and between communities.
Details about how
to apply for the Accord awards can be found at: http://www.accordcoalition.org.uk/index.php/accord-awards-how-to-apply/
The deadline for entries is 2nd November.
The Subject Centre for
Philosophical and Religious Studies (
The Centre is organising an interdisciplinary workshop to
explore issues around teaching spirituality in higher education in the
For further details please contact Dr. Rebecca O'Loughlin
at rebecca@prs.heacademy.ac.uk
Reonline/TeachRE Booster Course
In collaboration with the Culham
Institute, the REonline and TeachRE
websites have pooled their resources and created an online, distance learning
Booster Course which allows non-specialist graduates to gain the extra subject
knowledge expertise they need for the classroom. The booster course materials
are based on the QCA non statutory framework and provide access to the main
belief traditions in the
Further details of the course can be found at www.teachre.co.uk
AFAN is a programme designed to facilitate classroom dialogue and
mutual understanding between young people from diverse backgrounds of faith and
belief, with initial funding from LSC. Structured around a set of ‘Big Questions’
originally generated by 16-19 students around key topics such as Death, God,
Authority, Sex etc, AFAN materials are designed to support teachers and
students to explore these issues.
Key Resources include an
extensive website (www.afan.uk.net).
There are also guidelines for teachers, and a selection of materials and sample
sessions.
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Faith in Good Governance
Yann Lovelock (NBO) is
drawing our attention to the following :
The Charity Commission's new guidance
for faith charities
was launched today. It can be found on their website at http://www.charity-commission.
This publication contains guidance on
those aspects of the legal and good practice framework which are most likely to
be of relevance to faith-based charities. In addition to information about
generic legal requirements and good practice, it draws on our experience of
charities operating across the faith spectrum and includes the perspectives of
some of those associated with particular faith-based charities.
And Yann’s own comments about the public benefit test and the
duty to report on this as part of the annual return to the Commission.
Dear Colleagues,
I was at our latest advisory meeting with the Faith &
Cohesion Unit of the Charity Commission last week and the question arose of how
reassured faith bodies, and especially individually registered places of
worship, feel about the public benefit test and the duty to report on this as
part of the annual return to the Commission.
That, of course, depends on whether people have bothered to read
the guidance given on this on the Commission's website - especially those most
concerned with returning annual reports, Secretaries and Treasurers. There's a
lot of useful information here http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/publicbenefit/publicbenefit.asp and
answers to pertinent questions here http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/publicbenefit/default.asp which
I earnestly recommend to you.
However,
we were assured that there never were grounds for anxiety since factored into
the guidelines were most of the activities that places of worship pursue anyway
- and that includes not just the teaching of meditation and related practices
but also the encouragement of morality and ethics.
Even
greater reassurance can be gained from the result of 12 test exercizes which were published earlier this year, which
included scrutiny of the Tara Centre in
I don't
think there is either about governance issues, about which the Charity
Commission has been laying down the law. Later during Inter Faith Week a
special guidance booklet for faith-centred charities will be launched and will
appear soon after on the CC website. It's useful and sensible and will
certainly answer most questions that may arise in our minds. Keep an eye open for
it and, if you think there are matters that still need to be covered, let me
know so I can pass the information on.
Best
wishes,
Yann
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Immigration Rules changes for Ministers of Religion
Message from the Network of Buddhist Organisations
THE UK Border Agency have
new proposals for British Citizenship, for which they are currently inviting
comment.
If your organisation has monks here on visas, who may wish to apply for British
Citizenship in the future, now is the time to have your say.
Most of us got caught napping over the new visa system. Don't let it happen
again.
This could be important if your organisation has immigrant monks in the
The UKBA are accelerating their process of rolling out the issue of Identity
Cards for Foreign Nationals.
Go to the NBO home page
(http://www.nbo.org.uk/home.htm)
and click the 'Immigration Rule Changes' button to read more.
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Consultation on new
single Equality Duty on public bodies
The Equality Bill, (on which see Circular 09/09),
which is currently before Parliament includes provision for a new single
Equality Duty on public bodies. This builds on existing public duties relating
to disability, gender and race but covers the ‘protected characteristics’ of
age, religion or belief, sexual orientation and gender reassignment as well.
The new Duty will require public bodies to tackle
discrimination; advance equality of opportunity; and promote good relations. It
requires public bodies to consider how their spending decisions, employment
practices and the services they provide affect people in the groups with
‘protected characteristics’. It will also require public bodies with 150 or
more employees to report annually on their gender pay gap; black and minority
ethnic employment rates; and their disability employment rates.
The aim is for the new Equality Duty to come into force in April
2011. This will allow time for the public sector and business to prepare, and
for the Equality and Human Rights Commission and others to provide comprehensive
guidance. Enforcement of the new Equality Duty will be by judicial review or
through the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
The Government has now issued, as promised, a consultation paper
setting out its proposals for the specific requirements to be set out in
secondary legislation, made under the Bill, intended to ‘help public bodies
meet the new Equality Duty in an effective and proportionate way’. The
consultation document, entitled Equality Bill: Making it Work— Policy
proposals for Specific Duties—A Consultation can
be found at: www.equalities.gov.uk/pdf/Specific%20Duties%20Consultation%20DocumentWEB.pdf
The consultation period runs until 30 September. More details are at: www.equalities.gov.uk.
Public authorities will not be required to publish a separate
equality scheme. Instead the intention is that their objectives, action to be
taken by them and the results of this are to be developed as part of an
organisation's core business planning and reported on in normal business
processes, such as annual reports or school profiles.
The public sector spends £175 billion every year buying goods
and services. The consultation document proposes that contracting authorities
should:
·
when setting out their equality objectives and the steps they intend to take to
achieve them, include how they will ensure that equality factors are considered
as part of their public procurement activities to help contribute to the
delivery of those objectives
·
consider using equality criteria when awarding contracts where these relate to
the subject matter of the contract and are proportionate (eg
requiring firms bidding for a diversity training contract to report the
proportion of black or minority ethnic people they employ)
·
stipulate equality contract conditions where these relate to the performance of
the contract and are proportionate (eg an agency
managing the recruitment process for a contracting authority might be required
to advertise all vacancies with part-time or flexible working options).
Other proposals set out in the consultation document include
requiring public authorities to:
·
publish equality objectives and set out how they intend to achieve them,
reporting annually on progress against these objectives;
·
show how they have considered equality when thinking about service delivery and
designing policy;
·
involve employees, service users and other relevant groups.
The proposals in the consultation document apply to public
authorities operating across
Following this consultation, the Government will continue to
refine its policy before publishing draft regulations next year for
consultation.
Equality and Human Rights Commission: Human Rights Inquiry
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published a
report setting out the findings of a Human Rights Inquiry undertaken under its
statutory powers. The Inquiry, which was announced in March 2008, was chaired
by Dame Nuala O’Loan.
The Inquiry’s two main terms of reference were: to assess progress
towards the effectiveness and enjoyment of a culture of respect for human
rights in Great Britain; and to consider how the current human rights framework
might best be developed and used to realise the vision of a society built on
fairness and respect and confident in all aspects of its diversity.
The Inquiry sought to establish the extent to which respect for
the human rights of individuals was embedded in service delivery in England and
Wales today; to look at the barriers to the assertion, enjoyment and delivery
of human rights; and to identify models of good practice; to identify
opportunities which may be transferable from one sector or organisation to
another.
The Inquiry report does not explore in depth the application of
the different specific rights set out in the European Convention on Human
Rights (which the Human Rights Act incorporated into UK law); or consider areas
where these may be in conflict with one another. Rather, it explores attitudes
to human rights and the way in which a human rights approach is being applied
in different public sectors.
Alongside the main report of nearly 200 pages, an Executive
Summary has been published. Both can be found on the EHRC website together with
material relating to representations made to the Inquiry and transcripts of its
hearings, at www.equalityhumanrights.com/fairer-britain/human-rights/human-rights-inquiry.
Hard copies of the documents can be secured from the EHRC.
Note on Circular material relating to Governmental
issues
The inclusion in Network Circulars of material relating
to particular Governmental action, such as legislation, particular policies or
published documents is included for information purposes and implies, of
course, no particular view on them on the part of the Inter Faith Network.
Best wishes, Harriet Crabtree
Dr Harriet Crabtree, Director
The Inter Faith Network for the
8A
Tel: 020 7931 7766 Fax: 020 7931
7722
Email: ifnet@interfaith.org.uk Web: www.interfaith.org.uk
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National Interfaith Week : Resources
As reported by the NASACRE, (http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/2610
) :
The Archbishop
of Canterbury hosted an Inter Faith Week event at
Inter
Faith Week will run from 15 to 21 November. Its aims are:
·
to strengthen good inter faith relations at all levels;
·
to increase awareness of the different and distinct faith
communities in the UK, in particular
celebrating and building on the contribution which their members make to their
neighbourhoods and to wider society; and
·
to increase understanding between people of
religious and non-religious belief.
The Week is being facilitated by the
Inter Faith Network for the UK and the Department for Communities and Local
Government but will be community-led, with local people and groups of different
backgrounds holding their own events and to highlight work going on to promote
understanding between people of different faiths and beliefs.
News Release from Communities and Local Government 24
March 2009
Enquiries about the Week can be sent
to enquiries@interfaithweek.org.uk
Useful resources :
Some Ideas for Schools and SACREs
Building Good Relations with People of
Different Faiths and Beliefs -
Short guidelines for inter religious
encounter and dialogue, suitable for group and classroom discussion use.
http://www.ifyouthtrust.co.uk/
The
Inter Faith Youth Trust is offering a small grant programme for
inter faith events/activities taking place in Inter Faith Week
involving young people. Visit the Inter Faith
Youth Trust website for more information.
http://www.3ff.org.uk/documents/Interfaithweek-ThreeFaithsForumResources.pdf
Guidelines
produced for DCSF by Three Faiths Forum for
Inter Faith Week on ‘inter faith encounters’ in schools
http://www.interfaithweek.org/connect-web.pdf
Connect: Different Faiths, Shared Values, an
inter faith action guide for young people
http://www.eefaithscouncil.org.uk/interf.htm
East of England Interfaith week events
http://www.faithnetsouthwest.org.uk/joomla/index.php?option=com_jevents&task=cat.listevents&Itemid=82
http://www.faithnetsouthwest.org.uk/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=413:increasing-awareness-in-inter-faith-week&catid=38:general&Itemid=56
SouthWest events
http://www.nerfn.org/page/events-listing/national-interfaith-week-14th---21st-november-2009/
North East
http://www.faithnorthwest.org.uk/inter-faith-week-2009.html
-------------
Network Of
Buddhist Organizations
INTER
FAITH WEEK LAUNCH EVENT,
The
Network of Buddhist Organisations has indicated that it will be acting as the
lead organisation in assembling and running a cross community exhibition about
Buddhism at the launch of Inter Faith Week on 12 November.
The launch
will take place in
The
Exhibition is a key part of the launch – giving an insight into the work of
faith communities and inter faith bodies in the
-------
The Board of the Deputies of the Jews
On Mon 16th
November we will be hosting a roundtable on ‘Inclusion of People with Learning Disabilities in Faith Communities’.
We hope that this event will incorporate representatives from various faiths
who have experience with working with learning disabilities in the faith
context. This event will be co-hosted by the Judith Trust, which is a Jewish
charity specialising in this area. Are there any obvious invitees from the
Buddhist community
On Thu 19th November we will be co-hosting a
seminar with the Hindu Forum of Britain on ‘Women in Faith’, to discuss the
challenges and opportunities faced by women of faith. There will be a plenary
session with keynote speakers, and then three intensive discussions on:
1.
Leadership: Both religious and lay.
2.
Relationships, marriage and divorce
3.
Education and continuity.
Which women should we invite from the Buddhist
community?
We are looking for around 5 Buddhist invitees for each
event. Munisha is certainly welcome to nominate
herself for the second event. From my (all too limited) reading, it seems that
contemporary Buddhism has an interesting modernist vs
traditionalist debate about the role of women in the faith, i.e. some sources
seeing re-birth as a woman as a relative misfortune vs. Buddhism being one of
the first religions to give women an institutional role through allowing nuns.
It would be good to feed that in to some of the sessions. I am given to
understand that the organisation Sakyadhita might
also be able to help, if they have a
Phil
Rosenberg
Interfaith Officer
Board of Deputies of
British Jews
Telephone: 020 7543 5400 Fax: 020
7543 0010
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Pandemic Flu guidelines and FCCC
minutes (an update from the Secretary of the NBO)
Dear Everyone,
I am sending you details of advice (adapted from advice originally publicised
by the Hindu Forum of
The text of this advice is available from the NBO website at http://nbo.org.uk/home.htm
<http://nbo.org.uk/home.htm>
, on the Resources
button on the left hand side.
Further advice that I have seen suggests that handwashing
should be practised a minimum of 10 times a day, and it is important to dry the
hands thoroughly, preferably on a disposable towel, as pathogens are more
likely to survive if the hands are not well dried.
Although the impact of swine flu on this country has so far not been serious,
attack rates of between 25 and 50% are possible, especially as we approach the
coming winter, the traditional influenza season. It is as yet
too early to know what the mortality pattern will be but it is entirely
possible that it will be unlike that to which we are accustomed, (affecting
mainly the frail and elderly), and that it may therefore have a much higher
impact on the working population, including healthcare workers. The impact of
anti-viral tablets when used on the large-scale is entirely unknown. Without
being alarmist, it is possible is that we are seeing the start of something
quite unlike anything that we have experienced for generations. We therefore
have a responsibility to minimise the risk of transmission, having regard to
all sections of the community.
Further information is available on the links which are included at the bottom
of the website article.
With all good wishes,
Sally Masheder, Secretary of the Network of Buddhist
Organisations
From:
Warwick Hawkins Sent: Friday, May
01, 2009 1:59 PM
Subject: Pandemic
Flu guidelines and FCCC minutes
Dear FCCC members,
If an influenza (flu) pandemic happens in
the
Both documents can be found at this link - http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/influenzapandemic
.
The
revised guidance (May 2009) updates previous guidance (issued June 2008) on the
same issue. As you know, it was initially drafted by a working group of the
Council under the chairmanship of John Devine, along with representatives of
the Church of England, Methodist Church, British Muslim Forum, Hindu Council
UK, Sikhs in England, Agency for Jewish Education and the Inter Faith Network
for the UK. The revised version has been drawn up over several months and in
consultation with the FCCC working group and with other Government Departments
including Cabinet Office and the Department of Health. Certain sections, for
instance on infection control, have been updated to bring them into line with
the latest Department of Health guidance. Although the guidance has not been
developed as a direct response to the present outbreak of swine flu in
I also attach, for your information, the
minutes of the last full FCCC meeting. We are about to embark on the review
process and will be in touch about this in due course. In the meantime, please
let me know if there are any issues you would like to raise at the 9th June
meeting.
<<Minutes of the 10th Meeting - FCCC -
160309 - FINAL - YPB.doc>>
Best
wishes,
Warwick
(Secretary)
, 020 7944 0530
Cohesion
and Faiths Division, Communities and Local Government
~ 0 ~
FIFE Newsletter:
November 2009
Welcome to October/November
Welcome to October/November
And finally,
The other attachments this month are:
• New FE Chaplains Training Residential 2010 (18-19 February at Offa House ~ See Booking Form/Programme)
• Faiths, Spirituality and Young People: A national conference exploring the
impact of faith-based youth work on young people’s personal and social
development (November 19, Manchester)
• Religious Education Council’s Suggested Code of Conduct and Practice for
Teachers of RE (designed for RE teachers but contains material relevant to
chaplains and all staff in FE)
With best wishes,
John Breadon, John Wise & Harjinder
Singh.
In this issue:
1.
▪ New Equality and Diversity
Self-Assessment Guide from LSC/LSIS
▪ Sexual orientation and religious belief - research
▪ New
2. AFAN News
▪ AFAN Website – New Features for the New College
Year
▪ INTER-FAITH WEEK (15-20
November) ~ Pilgrims’ Walk
3. Children and Young People
▪ Life Support – Young people’s needs in a digital
age – The internet plays a vital role in the lives of
4. CPD and Training Matters
▪ New FE Chaplains Training Residential at Offa House, nr.
▪ Islam Awareness Week (15-21 November 2009)
▪ Post-16 Citizenship Support Programme – Free in-college training
sessions
5. fbfe Forum www.fbfe.org.uk/events
Date:
Venue: Held at fbfe offices, Church House,
6. Chaplaincy Changes and Jobs
▪
1.
▪ New Equality and Diversity
Self-Assessment Guide from LSC/LSIS
This document is very important as it introduces the need for colleges to
recognise and – where possible and within reason – to provide for the expression
and development of those with a faith or belief. The document includes this
quote from the AoC/trades’ union Joint Agreement on
Religion or Belief Equality in Employment in Further Education Colleges:
‘The College recognises that the right to freedom of thought is absolute, but
the right to manifest beliefs is qualified by the need to protect the rights
and freedoms of others … The College acknowledges that atheists and agnostics
have as much right to employment protection and respect for their beliefs as do
adherents of religions … The College should provide space, if available, for
employees who wish to meet to share religious experience during break times as
long as no attempt is made to convert or recruit others at work, or to pressure
other employees to join in.
Though this particular paragraph appears to suggest that only ‘religious’
people would wish to meet together to share experiences, the guidance goes on
to ask providers to consider this question: ‘Do learners and staff of all
faiths and none have opportunities to raise issues and debate differences in a
safe, supportive environment?’
Clearly, much ambiguity remains around the status of ‘belief’ in current
legislation. The existing definition states: ‘Religion or belief is defined as
being any religion, religious belief or similar philosophical belief. This does
not include any philosophical or political belief unless it is similar to
religious belief. It will be for the Employment Tribunals and other Courts to
decide whether particular circumstances are covered by the Regulations.’
Recent developments only increase the elasticity of ‘belief’. You may have
heard about the environmentalist granted the right to take his former employer
to a tribunal claiming that his green beliefs lost him his job. The employer
has said his beliefs were ‘political’ and not deeply held personal beliefs akin
to religion. The judge said that 'a belief in man-made climate change … is
capable, if genuinely held, of being a philosophical belief for the purpose of
the 2003 Religion and Belief Regulations.' A legal expert has commented: ‘The
ramifications of Tim Nicholson winning this test case are massive. In essence
victory will put employees who hold strong environmental beliefs in the same
category - and with the same protection - as workers who hold strong religious
beliefs.’
In his written judgment, Mr Justice Burton outlined five tests to determine
whether a philosophical belief could come under employment regulations on
religious discrimination:
• The belief must be genuinely held.
• It must be a belief and not an opinion or view based on the present state of
information available.
• It must be a belief as to a weighty and substantial aspect of human life.
• It must attain a certain level of cogency, seriousness, cohesion and
importance.
• It must be worthy of respect in a democratic society, not incompatible with
human dignity and not conflict with the fundamental rights of others.
Humanism was given as an example meeting the criteria, while belief in a political
party or the supreme nature of Jedi knights, from the Star Wars movies, were
offered as ones that do not.
The document can be downloaded at http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/page.aspx?o=255166
▪ Sexual orientation and religious
belief - research
Phil Barnett Associates have been awarded the contract by LLUK to undertake
research and produce good practice guidance for colleges on managing the
interface between sexual orientation and faith/belief. Questionnaires are
currently being prepared for completion by staff and students to inform the
research project. Please keep an eye out for these and encourage their
completion by staff and students.
▪ New
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (
According to the report: ‘Secondary education’ refers to all
education establishments for young people aged 11–19 years including further
education colleges, technology colleges, academies and private sector
establishments.
Between the ages of 11 and 19 years, young people undergo numerous physical and
emotional changes which will help shape their adult life. Recent reports
suggest that one in ten young people are unhappy at school and over a third are worried about being bullied. The new guidance on social
and emotional wellbeing in secondary education outlines how secondary education
providers and service commissioners can help protect and nurture young people
by providing a friendly, supportive environment that meets their social and
emotional needs.
Professor Mike Kelly, Public Health Excellence Centre Director,
Recommendations for those working with young people in secondary education,
including head teachers and governors and those working in children’s and youth
services include:
• Provide a safe environment which nurtures and encourages young people’s sense
of self-worth and self-efficacy, reduces the threat of bullying and violence
and promotes positive behaviours.
• Work in partnership with parents, carers and other family members to promote
young people’s social and emotional wellbeing.
• Develop partnerships between young people and staff to formulate, implement
and evaluate organisation-wide approaches to promoting social and emotional
wellbeing.
• Provide young people with clear and consistent information about the
opportunities available for them to discuss personal issues and emotional
concerns.
• Ensure practitioners have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need
to develop young people’s social and emotional wellbeing. Training may cover a
variety of issues including listening and facilitating skills and the ability
to be non-judgemental.
The guidance ‘Promoting young people’s social and emotional wellbeing in
secondary education’ is available at: www.nice.org.uk/PH020.
2. AFAN News
▪ AFAN Website – New Features for the New College Year
The AFAN introductory dvd is now available and a copy
is winging its way to most of you – i.e. if your college is in the FE
Chaplaincy Directory – with the Autumn Mailing including the latest
FE Chaplaincy Journal. Initial reaction to the dvd from the sector has been very favourable and many
thanks to Sean Atkinson, Mike Ward and their team – Focus 7 Productions – at
If you would like a copy of the dvd,
please let Carole Brown know at: carole.brown@c-of-e.org.uk.
It contains both a short 5 minute version (suitable for principals or senior
managers) and the
15 minute version which gives a fuller picture of the project's work. The video
can also now be seen on the website at: www.afan.uk.net
Staff Development Events next month in the
AFAN Blog: have a look here or see the links on the
home page:
http://www.afan.uk.net/AFAN_blog_main
New Video Weblinks New stuff on the website this
month you may find useful (and amusing):
http://www.afan.uk.net/stuff/theme/identity/going-english
http://www.afan.uk.net/stuff/theme/community/diwali-barrack-obama-celebrates-hindu-festival-light
http://www.afan.uk.net/stuff/theme/prejudice/racists-have-no-music
▪ INTER-FAITH WEEK (15-20
November) ~ Pilgrims’ Walk
Among the many events being planned for Inter-Faith Week is an AFAN Walk
from London to Walsingham, to be led by Alan and Amaranatho from Monday to Saturday November 16-20.
Obviously we won’t be expecting anyone from colleges to join us in the middle
of term but if you know anyone mad enough to want to join this venture (we aim
to use part public transport, covering about 15+ miles per day) do ask them to
contact us: alan@afan.uk.net.
More details to follow. Do also send in details of any events you are planning,
so we can maximize media interest.
3. Children and Young People
▪ Life Support – Young people’s
needs in a digital age – The internet plays a vital role in the lives of UK
youth – 75% of young people feel they couldn't live without it.
Young people have evolved to communicate in more advanced ways than older
generations, living 'hybrid lives' where the internet plays a critical role,
says a new report launched at the House of Commons on October 14th.
The report Life Support: Young people's needs in a digital age looks at how
digital communications have impacted on the psychological and neurological
behaviour of young people – and the challenge this poses for agencies and
organisations who aim to support them.
Undertaken by Professor Michael Hulme of the
Institute for Advanced Studies,
• 75% said that they couldn't live without the internet
• 45% said that they felt happiest when online
• 32% agreed with the statement: 'I can access all the information I need
online, there is no need to speak to a real person about my problems'
• Four in five (82%) said they had used the internet to look for advice and
information for themselves and 60% had for other people
• 37% said that they would use the internet to give advice to others on
sensitive issues.
Government Advisor on Children and Technology, Professor Tanya Byron, welcomed
the report, saying: "This research illustrates the vital role the internet
plays in the lives of young people. Far more than just a way to keep in touch –
it, and its online population, have become a confidant for young people facing
difficult, stressful or confusing times.
The ease of access to opinion, support and advice is of course appealing to a
generation who have grown up with immediacy but it's essential the adults and
organisations that provide support to this age group recognise this and offer
services that are easily accessible through the internet."
Who are the Digital Natives?
Digital Natives are under the age of 25, and have been surrounded by computers,
the internet, mobile phones and digital video games since a pre-school age.
According to the report, they are fundamentally different to previous
generations, living 'hybrid lives', communicating and networking in a more
advanced way than their parents and grandparents and have 'highly developed
visual-spatial skills'.
It also describes them as the 'ever on' group, demanding immediate access to
information and friends. Of those surveyed, 76% said that the internet ensured
their friends are available 'whenever they need them'.
They are internet savvy and risk aware
Over three quarters (76%) of young people surveyed thought the internet was a
safe place 'as long as you know what you're doing' and most believed that they
were internet-literate and technologically aware, with the skills to sense,
check and look into the possibility of misrepresentation.
However, the report highlights the need for more guidance and support for the
vulnerable 'in-between group' of 16 and 17-year-olds, who may be particularly
at risk of over confidence as they feel under pressure to take on the
responsibilities of adulthood.
They seek help in a virtual world
According to the report, the internet does, and will increasingly, play a vital
role in the full process of advice gathering and exploration for young people.
In the survey responses, the internet is consistently rated alongside family
and friends as a source of advice in stressful situations. For support on
issues related to sex and drugs, it took precedence over all other forms of
advice.
Anonymity was the single most important reason for 62% of young people seeking
advice online rather than from other sources, while ease and speed of access to
information were also cited by 56% and 53% of respondents respectively.
Professor Hulme concludes his report by saying:
"For young people, the internet is part of the fabric of their world and
does not exist in isolation from the physical world,
rather it operates as a fully integrated element.
In the future, as access becomes ever more mobile, multi-platform, faster and
with richer media – in other words ever on and everywhere – the need and demand
for advice through the internet will become even more critical."
YouthNet Chief Executive, Fiona Dawe,
said: "This timely report is an essential read for any youth policy maker,
parent or teacher. The incredible speed in which communication methods are
changing means that young people are trailblazing new ways to converse that
many of my generation struggle to understand. With the huge number of
unregulated and unmoderated websites, blogs, networks and groups that exist online, the need for
a safe, trusted place has never been greater, which is why YouthNet
will be taking the insights of this report to heart as we plan the future of
our services."
The full report can be accessed at http://www.youthnet.org
4. CPD and Training Matters
▪ New FE Chaplains Training
Residential at Offa House, nr. Leamington Spa (18-19
February 2010, lunch-to-lunch)
As ever, this is largely designed for those new to FE chaplaincy/multi-faith
student support but is open to all (maximum of 25 spaces available)
Booking Form/Programme attached: Please complete the Booking Form and return it
to
Carole Brown: carole.brown@c-of-e.org.uk
▪ Islam Awareness Week (15-21
November 2009)
The theme for Islam Awareness Week 2009 is ‘Walk the Talk’. This is about
recognising our common humanity, celebrating our diversity and respecting each
other. Muslim communities throughout the
▪ Post-16 Citizenship Support
Programme – Free in-college training sessions
The Post-16 Citizenship Support Programme is offering free customised, in house
training which responds directly to the needs of organisations requiring
bespoke support to set up, or make improvements to, citizenship provision.
Customised training is designed to improve the quality and range of your
citizenship provision. Our focus will be to equip your staff, at all levels,
with the knowledge and skills to organise and deliver effective active
citizenship learning.
Of the 8 thematic areas available, one covers issues of VBF – Diversity,
community cohesion and citizenship:
Community cohesion is important within learning organisations, in the local
areas they serve, in our society as a whole and globally. The promotion of
community cohesion, which has become an increasingly significant government
priority in recent years, can be linked closely with citizenship education.
This session will enable you to explore some of the issues surrounding
community cohesion in the current social and political climate – and very much
in the context of the circumstances and priorities of your own organisation.
There will be a particular focus on the role that citizenship provision can
have in the development of effective strategies for cohesion, both for your
organisation as a whole, and in relation to work with specific groups of
learners.
Training sessions related to this theme could, for example, focus in particular
on:
Neighbourhood safety and issues related to gangs and knife crime
Training techniques in conflict resolution
Identity, faith communities and inter-faith dialogue
For further information or enquiries relating to citizenship customised
training please email citizenshiptraining@lsnlearning.org.uk or
telephone 020 7492 5252.
5. fbfe
Forum
www.fbfe.org.uk/events
Please support these important networking events if you can.
Cumbria Further & Higher Education Faith Forum
Date: Wednesday 11th November 2009 Timing: 12.30pm - 2.30pm (starting with
lunch and networking)
Venue/Hosted by: Carlisle College, Victoria Place, Carlisle CA1 1HS
Venue Contact: Christine Foxton and David Hethrington Venue Contact Tel: 01228 822703
All FE / Faith employees welcome - Forum held for sharing and developing best
practice/networking of FE Colleges in the subject of all faith matters every few
months.
For further information and to book a place go to www.fbfe.org.uk/Events
or contact Gurdev Singh Bal at gsb@walsall1.orangehome.co.uk
or info@fbfe.org.uk
East Midlands fbfe Faith Forum
Date: Thursday 12th November 2009 Timing: 11.45am - 2.15pm (lunch and
networking)
Venue/Hosted by: Grantham College
All FE / Faith employees welcome - Forum held for sharing and developing best
practice/networking of FE Colleges in the subject of all faith matters every
few months.
For further information go to www.fbfe.org.uk/Events or contact Asgar on 07931 552152, to book a place
please contact Jennifer Roberts on info@fbfe.org.uk
London fbfe
Faith Forum
Date: Tuesday 24th November 2009 Timing: 09.30am - 12.30pm ending with LUNCH
Venue: Held at fbfe offices, Church House, Great
Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ
All FE / Faith employees welcome - Forum held for sharing and developing best
practice/networking of FE Colleges in the subject of all faith matters every
few months. Check out our website for the date of the next meeting.
For further information and to book a place contact Jennifer Roberts at info@fbfe.org.uk
or if you would like to discuss anything please contact Harjinder
Singh on 07888 690425
Yorkshire and Humberside fbfe Faith Forum
Date: Wednesday 25th November 2009 Timing: 13.00 - 16.00 (lunch and networking)
Venue/Hosted by: John Leggott College
All FE / Faith employees welcome - Forum held for sharing and developing best
practice/networking of FE Colleges in the subject of all faith matters every
few months.
For further information and to book a place go to www.fbfe.org.uk/Events
or contact Asgar on 07931 552152, to book a place
please contact Jennifer Roberts on info@fbfe.org.uk
West Midlands fbfe Faith Forum
Date: Tuesday 15th December 2009 Timing: 11am for 11.30am - 1.30pm lunch /
2.00pm finish Venue/Hosted by: Stafford College
All FE / Faith employees welcome - Forum held for sharing and developing best
practice/networking of FE Colleges in the subject of all faith matters every
few months.
For further information go to www.fbfe.org.uk/Events or contact Asgar on 07931 552152, to book a place please contact
Jennifer Roberts on info@fbfe.org.uk
AoC Conference
17-19 November 2009
fbfe will be at the AoC
Conference again this year. Please come and visit our stand where fbfe staff will be available to talk to delegates and
undertake further consultation on our work to produce draft
For further information go to AoC
website. http://www.aocannualconference.co.uk/registration.asp
6. Chaplaincy Changes and Jobs
*************** READVERTISED READVERTISED READVERTISED ***************
▪ Bradford College Chaplain and FE
Development Officer
(Fixed Term for 3 Years) Stipend available linked to Incumbent Status
(including housing allowance and pension) Post Ref: 09237
This new role, open to ordained or lay church members holding a recognised
authority in Christian Ministry, has been created to lead Bradford College’s
Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Team and also to encourage the development of
chaplaincies within FE Colleges across West Yorkshire. This is a varied and
demanding post requiring experience of working across faith groups and
promoting multi-faith collaboration. You will have excellent communication
skills and have experience of chairing meetings, facilitating groups and
relating to institutions. You should also be confident in networking and
building relationships with Colleges and faith communities. Candidates will be
expected to demonstrate an understanding of the issues facing the education
sector. For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact Nigel
Greenwood (Convenor of the West Yorkshire Faith in FE Group) on 07940 587618 or
Sophia Din (Equality and Diversity Manager –
For further details and an application form, please visit: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk.
Alternatively, email recruit@bradfordcollege.ac.uk quoting the post
ref 09237. CV’s will not be accepted.
The post-holder will be employed directly by the West Yorkshire Faith in
Education Group in partnership with
Added:
~ 0 ~
Organ Donation and Faith : The NHS proposed flier
See the July 09 Bulletin for an extensive coverage
of the subject matter
You can find here a flier by the NHS giving a concise
overview of where the Faiths stand on the issue
~ 0 ~
DFID Community
Linking Programme (DCLP)
I am writing
to let you know about the launch of the DFID Community Linking Programme
(DCLP). It will offer funding and learning opportunities to community groups in
the
The programme
is funded by DFID and delivered by a consortium of the British Council, Inter
Faith Network for the UK (IFN), Institute for Community Cohesion (iCoCo), and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). Each member
of the consortium has experience of working with community groups in the
Over the next
six months, DCLP is conducting a survey to try and find out how many community
groups in the
If you are
an umbrella or linking body we would like to ask for your support in encouraging your
members to take part in the survey which is currently available at www.dfid.gov.uk/DCLP
as it is important that as many groups as possible participate so that the
faith dimension is credibly profiled in the survey. Please feel free to
forward on this email. We would also be glad if you could publicise this
important piece of work in your mail outs, newsletters and e-bulletins. DFID’s Press Release on the programme is also attached in
case helpful. There will shortly also be flyers available for distribution –
please let the British Council know if you would like these and, if so, how
many you require: dclp@britishcouncil.org
If you are
a community group (such as a faith group or inter faith body) and are in touch with a community
group in a developing country, it would be very helpful if you could complete
the short survey at: www.dfid.gov.uk/DCLP. If your group was
one of a small number which kindly completed a pilot survey you do not need to
do the survey again as your information will be incorporated within the main
survey.
The
British Council will also contact some groups to give a more in-depth case
study to showcase good practice in linking. The information gathered through
the survey will help shape DCLP and will help ensure that the grants, learning
and support elements of the programme enhance what groups are doing already.
The findings of the survey will be presented to the
When
community groups complete the survey, they will have an opportunity to
join the DCLP mailing list, which will mean that they will be amongst the first
to know about grants and learning / support opportunities when they become
available in spring 2010.
If you
have any further questions, please contact Jane Grantham at dclp@britishcouncil.org
or 0161 957 7790. Jane Grantham will also be able to answer questions about the
survey and project.
If you
would like to talk with the IFN office about the survey or the project please
contact Paresh Solanki paresh.solanki@interfaith.org.uk or Elin Henrysson elin.henrysson@interfaith.org.uk Tel
020 7931 7766.
Best wishes,
Harriet
Crabtree, Director
The Inter
Faith Network for the
8A
Tel: 020
7931 7766 Fax: 020 7931 7722
Email:
ifnet@interfaith.org.uk Web: www.interfaith.org.uk
Registered
charity no. 1068934.
Company limited by guarantee no. 3443823 registered in
~ 0 ~
Free screening of ‘A
Zen Life – D.T.Suzuki
There will be
3 free public screenings of “*A ZEN
“*A ZEN
With an excellent grasp of English, Daisetsu Suzuki
was highly successful at getting Westerners to appreciate the Japanese
mentality, and Japanese to see the merit of Western logic. He earned
widespread respect for his deep insights into Eastern and Western religions and
philosophies. The effect he had on Western psychology, philosophy,
religious thinking, and the arts was profound.
A variety of excerpts from Dr. Suzuki's talks about Zen and Shin Buddhism,
Christianity, and psychoanalysis punctuate the film. Inter-faith dialogue
and mutual respect were, in his mind, keys to peace. Interwoven with film
footage, photos and audio recordings of D.T. Suzuki are interviews of many
people who knew him, including Huston Smith, Gary Snyder, Robert Aitken, William Theodore de Bary,
Donald Richie, Mihoko
Okamura, and Dr. Albert Stunkard, with rare
historical footage of Fr. Thomas Merton, John Cage, Erich Fromm,
and the voice of Christmas Humphreys.
A pioneer in improving East-West relations, his numerous writings in English
and Japanese, translated into many languages, serve as an inspiration even
today. Daisetsu Suzuki's message is all the
more important now, in light of contemporary conflicts stemming from divergent
ways of thinking.
*SCREENINGS IN THE UK*
*Glasgow*
*Monday, 23 November, 6:30 pm*
Interfaith Chapel, University of Glasgow, West Quadrangle
Screening followed by Q&A with director
No reservation necessary
/For further information about the Glasgow screening, /
please contact Joan Keenan, Interfaith Chaplaincy, on *0141 330 5419 *or joan.keenan@admin.gla.ac.uk
<x-msg://44/%22mailto:>
*Manchester*
*Tuesday, 24 November, 5:15 – 7:30 pm* (doors open 5 pm)
Arts Lecture Theatre, Lower Ground Floor, Samuel Alexander Building
University of Manchester
Screening followed by Q&A with director
/No reservation necessary for the Manchester screening/
*London*
*Thursday, 26 November, 6:30 – 8:30 pm* (reception afterward)
Brunei Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Russell Square
University of London
Screening followed by Q&A with director and panel discussion
/*Please reserve in advance for the SOAS event* by contacting/
info@azenlife-film.org <mailto:info@azenlife-film.org
or call *01442 890882*
These events are sponsored by The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation The Great
Britain Sasakawa Foundation
2 preview clips can be found on *YouTube*:
*http://www.youtube.com/watch?
*http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Very truly yours,
Michael Goldberg
Executive Producer / Director
The DT Suzuki Documentary Project
Japan Inter-Culture Foundation
*www.azenlife-film.org <http://www.azenlife-film.org/
*e-mail: info@azenlife-film.org <mailto:info@azenlife-film.org
~ 0 ~
Religious Advice to the Armed Forces :
an update
Communication from the Buddhist Society
The Buddhist Society has presented a request to the MoD to be
included in tier one of the proposed advisory
body (first point of contact, see below).
The
Buddhist Society itself is an umbrella organisation open to individuals from
any tradition who subscribe to its ethos of tolerance and goodwill, reaching
out to small groups and individuals across the Country, as well as engaging
well established ethnic communities and their
It
has been around for over 85 years, and during that time has developed a strong
relationship with the Armed Forces, providing advice and support whenever
called upon, and it wishes to carry on doing so.
The
Society is fully aware that in the course of the years Buddhism in the
A
tentative list of suggested candidates for the second tier contact group is
given below in no specific order, however the list will be reviewed and
probably expanded, and we look forward to any constructive suggestions that you
might have (email to : mmarcigaglia@yahoo.co.uk) :
Dr. Sunil Kariyakarawana, Buddhist
Chaplain to the Armed Services,
The Buddhist Society,
Network of Buddhist Organisations
(NBO),
Buddhist Chaplaincy Support Group,
Federation of Ambedkarite
Buddhist Organisations,
Amaravati Lay Buddhist Association,
Armed Forces Buddhist Support Group,
The Buddhist Community Centre
Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (
International Zen Association,
Theravada Buddhist Sangha
New Kadampa
Tradition, info@kadampa.org,
Angulimala,
Buddhist Healthcare Chaplaincy Group,
Foundation for the Preservation of
the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT),
Friends of the Western Buddhist Order
(FWBO),
Fo Guang Shan
Chniese Temple, veronica@wetten.co.uk,
Rissho Kosei-kai
of the
Samatha Trust,
Vipassana Fellowship,
Rigpa Fellowship,
International Meditation Centre,
Sri Saddhatissa
International Buddhist Centre,
Korean Chogye
Order Kwan Um
Community of Interbeing
Kagyu Samye Ling
– Rokpa Trust,
Nichiren-Shu,
Amida Trust,
Diamond Way Buddhism
Dechen Community,
Dzogchen Community
Longchen Foundation,
Network of Engaged Buddhists,
Order of Buddhist Contemplatives,
Pure Land Buddhist Fellowship,
Awakened Heart Sangha,
Buddhist Council of
any other ?
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Questionnaire for Religious leaders who use interpreters
in religious settings
(Forwarded by Yann
Lovelock, NBO)
From: Rachel
Van Gundy <rach_nations@yahoo.com>
Date: 2009/11/20
Subject: dissertation request
|
Good morning, I hope you are having a
good week. My name is Rachel Van Gundy I am currently studying for a language
degree at the Yours sincerely Rachel Van Gundy P.S -i
have pasted the questionnaire below and sent it as an attachment. Definition of a religious
interpreter: a
person translating from one language into another orally in a religious
setting or meeting. Questionnaires for religious
leaders who use interpreters in a religious setting Language 1) Which religion do you belong to?.................
2) Which languages are the most
widely in demand at your place of worship?
........................................ 3) Do you use intepreters?Yes/
No 4) Has this demand increased in recent years? Yes/
No Employment ( Circle the appropriate option) 1) Do you employ? : full / part time
interpreters 2) Are they? : paid / volunteers/ both 3) Are they?: free lance /
from an organisation. 4) How do you contact interpreters? : Through a
professional interpreting agency /through personal contacts. 5) Do you require references? Yes/ No Audience 1) How often do you require interpreters? : weekly/
monthly/ yearly 2) Which events do you require interpreters for ?............................................... 3) Do they interpret for? : large
group, small group, / one to one /all three 4) Do these religious interpreters also interpret in
any of the following areas circle as appropriate ?: business, medical or
social services Requirements 1) What academic training do you require?
: Language degree/ Master’s degree in interpreting/other /none 2) What religious training do you require?
Knowledge of religious manuscripts/ religious training. 3) Please place the following language skills in the
order that you feel is the most important (placing the most important first):
Fluency
bilingual
accuracy
speed experience 4) Please place the following personal qualities in
the order that you feel is the most important in an interpreter (placing the
most important first): good
reputation
reliability
common
faith confidence
5) Which is more important to have when
interpreting in a religious setting?: specialized training / experience /
both equally as important 6) List the following in order of importance
(placing the most important first) : mirroring speakers body
language calm and relaxed
interested dressed appropriately
for the occasion 7) Would you consider hiring an interpreter from
another religion, explain your response?…………………………………………………………………………….
Ways to improve 1) Do you think the standards for interpreting in religious
sector needs to be improved? Yes /No 2) Do you think this should be a priority? Yes/ No
3) Do you feel there are enough religious interpreters
available? Yes / No 4) Do you think there should be more training
available for religious interpreters? Yes / No 5) Do you think there should be more government
funding available for this? Yes / No 6) Should there be a professional organization for
religious Interpreters recognized by the government thereby giving it
professional status? Yes / No 7) Do you think you should be able to join this
organization by: passing an exam /by gaining sufficient experience / both
8) Do you think a professional organisation would
improve standards of interpreting in religious services? Yes/ No 9) Do you think those who have earned this
qualification should be paid more? Yes/ No 10) Do you think every place of worship should have
interpreters available for foreign visitors? Yes / No Strengths and weaknesses 1) What was your worse experience with an interpreter
and what was the main cause of the problem? (too slow, misinterprets what you
have said, keeps asking vocabulary questions , disinterested, misses out part
of what you have said,)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2) Could this have been avoided if more training had
been available? Yes / No 3) What was your best experience with an interpreter
and why? ……………………………………………………………………………………….. Thank
you so much for doing this! I really appreciate it. I realize you must be
very busy. !!! |
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Consultation on
Interim Policy on Assisted suicide
(from Yann
Lovelock, NBO)
There's
an item in the latest IFN bulletin about a consultation on the above
subject. It concerns advice to the Crown Prosecution Service on what factors
weigh as in the public interest when considering prosecution for assisted
suicide. More background is here: http://www.cps.gov.uk/consultations/as_policy.html
Part of the
consultation consists of yes/no answers to be clicked (or ticked) but there is
also space for wider considerations where one can argue a point of view.
There are nine sections. The document can be reached from the right hand menu
on the site above or directly from - http://www.cps.gov.uk/consultations/as_consultation.doc
Please note that a response is required by 16 Dec.
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Funding opportunities for faith organizations
Faiths in Action, - Grants of up to £6000 available to
support inter faith activity within local communities :
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1381169 - download
The new funding announced today is
being made available to support local activities over the coming years. Faiths
in Action aims to bring communities together, promoting positive relationships
between people of religious and non-religious beliefs together within local
communities to work closely together to overcome social division and promote
cohesion and beliefs at a local level. It is a £4m grants programme open to
faith, inter faith, voluntary and community organisations and groups in
FAITHS IN ACTION GRANTS 2010/11
1. INTRODUCTION
Faiths
in Action supports the Government’s aspiration to help
faith communities and others promote understanding and dialogue, encourage
social
action and develop strong and sustainable partnerships in their own locality.
Faiths
in Action is a £4.3 million grant programme,
distributed over two years in two rounds of funding. The first round of funding
closed on 1
November 2008,
and over 580 applications were received: 216 organisations
were offered grants up to £12,000 totalling £2.43
million.
The grant programme aims to support local activities and initiatives
that have a direct link to one or more of the four building blocks set out in
the Government’s inter faith framework Face to Face and Side by Side: A
framework for partnership in our multi faith society.
All
applications for grant funding must directly relate to one or more of these
four priorities of the programme:
A. Developing
the confidence and skills to “bridge” and “link” (to establish and then sustain
a meaningful and purposeful relationship with others, developing leadership in
faith communities, support and develop access to voluntary and community
sector/third sector networks)
B. Supporting
shared spaces for interaction and social action (using parks and open spaces to
enable people to pursue shared activities,
use of
places of worship as community spaces, community ownership or management of a
public asset, such as a community centre)
C. Developing
structures and processes which support dialogue and social action (establishing
formal and informal structures within and between faith communities, increasing
connections with the wider civil society, such as inter faith networks)
D. Improving
opportunities for learning which build understanding (through use of the school
curriculum, schools’ promotion of community cohesion, school linking, use of SACREs and, higher education)
The second
round of funding is now open, with grants of up to £6,000 on offer from April
2010, for use in the 2001-11 financial year.
Grant
applications will be considered on a rolling programme
until such time as the remaining available funding (£2 million) has been fully
allocated.
Faith, inter
faith, voluntary and community organisations and
groups in
Faiths in Action: Round 2
Grants of up to £6000 available to support inter faith activity within
local communities
Faiths in
Action, a £4m grant programme, opened a second round
of funding on 12 November.
Faith, inter
faith, voluntary and community organisations and
groups in
Administered by
the Community Development Foundation (CDF) on behalf of Communities and Local
Government (CLG), Faiths in Action aims to bring communities together,
promoting
positive relationships between people of different religions and beliefs.
It is hoped the
grants will support a wide variety of local activities in a range of community
settings.
This includes
innovative new ideas as well as ‘tried and tested’ approaches.
The fund
contributes to the delivery of the Government’s inter faith strategy as set out
in Face to Face and Side by Side: A framework for partnership in our multi
faith society, published in July 2008 (www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/interfaithdialogue).
The fund aims
to support local activities and initiatives that have a direct link to one or
more of the four building blocks set out in this framework.
Faiths in
Action welcomes projects aimed at women and young people. It also encourages
working in partnership, to improve local communities through interaction and
sharing of
ideas.
Please note the
intention of the Faiths in Action programme is to
fund projects/ activities running in one locality; not across one or many
localities or Government regions.
Projects must
have a clear link to a named local project.
For more
information and to find out how to apply, please visit,
http://www.cdf.org.uk/web/guest/faiths-in-action .
If you have any
questions that you cannot find answers to here, please call the helpline on
01223 406533 or e-mail us at fundingadmin@cdf.org.uk and we will help you with
your queries.
Faiths in Action: Round 2
What is the size of grant available in Round 2?
The maximum size of a grant in Round 2 is £6,000 and will be subject to
applicants demonstrating the need, and providing a detailed description of
costs and activities.
When does the grant need to be spent by?
Funding will be awarded to successful organisations
from April 2010, to be spent by the end of March 2011.
How does the application process work?
Please note that this round of funding will operate as a rolling programme.
Thatis, there is no formal deadline for
receipt of applications.
Applications will be accepted in the date and time order that they are
received by CDF, until the total value of the eligible, relevant applications
received equals the overall value of the fund. Round 2 of the fund is currently
open for applications. Completed applications can be sent in at any time
either electronically or by post.
Applications will be accepted in the date and time order that they are
received by CDF until there is a sufficient number of eligible relevant
applications up to the value of the fund.
Who can apply?
Please consult the guidance notes available at: http://www.cdf.org.uk/web/guest/faiths-in-action
Groups funded in Round 1 of Faiths in Action may apply for Round 2
funding, provided that their Round 1 grant is spent by March 2010 and both
Round 1’s grant and amount applied
for in Round 2 do not together exceed
£12,000.
Please note the intention of the Faiths in Action programme
is to fund projects/ activities running in one locality; not across one or many
localities or Government regions.
Where can I access more information?
For more information and to find out how to apply, please visit,
http://www.cdf.org.uk/web/guest/faiths-in-action .
If you have any questions that you cannot find answers to here, please
call the helpline on 01223 406533 or e-mail us at
fundingadmin@cdf.org.uk and we will help you with your
queries.
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Funding opportunities for schools celebrating diversity of
religious and non-religious beliefs
Accord has today announced the launch of the Accord Award, a
prestigious new prize that recognises the achievements of primary and secondary
schools that celebrate diversity of religious and non-religious beliefs - http://www.accordcoalition.org.uk/index.php/2009/09/02/accord-launches-award-for-schools/
Accord has today announced the launch
of the Accord Award, a prestigious new prize that recognises the achievements
of primary and secondary schools that celebrate diversity of religious and
non-religious beliefs. The awards are to recognise work in schools and the
wider community that goes well beyond simply the legal requirements on
inclusion and equality.
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(message from bhante Bodhidhamma)
Andrew
wants to end his period of service at Satipanya
next year early spring. So there will be an opportunity for someone else to come
and devote themselves to spiritual practice, starting in March
First
and foremost this is an opportunity to live the contemplative life. There is
plenty of time for meditation, study and reflection, for the work involved
averages out to less than three hours a day.
A
facilitator is one who renders things easy for others.
The duties are:
to look after the physical needs
of retreatants
in the main simple cooking,
lodging and housekeeping
to take care of the booking
procedure and initial contacts with the meditator
emailing, phoning,
simple use of spread sheets, keeping records
to look after the property
general maintenance
and gardening skills
The
position is voluntary and a small grant may be negotiated.
Because
of the rule of the monastic order, it can only be offered to a male candidate.
The
applicant should be committed to meditation, preferably in the Mahasi tradition and the teaching of the Buddha even if he
does not label himself a Buddhist.
If
you are interested and would like to know more, email Bhante
bodhidhamma@satipanya.org.uk
or phone 0044 (0)1588 650752
E-address: bodhidhamma@satipanya.org.uk
Satipanya Buddhist Retreat, White Grit, Minsterley,
Tel: 01588 650752
For information about Satipanya courses see website: www.satipanya.org.uk
or email: manager@satipanya.org.uk
If you do not want to receive this
monthly bulletin, please email: unsubscribe@satipanya.org.uk
SATIPANYA BUDDHIST TRUST
Directors -
Registered Office – 14 Durham Close, Flitwick, Beds, MK45 1UR
Limited Company Number 05924965 Registered Charity Number 1116668
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The South
a Regional Co-ordinator
salary of
£16.500 + 15%, this is a part-time post,
subject to funding
SEEFF is the Regional Faith
Forum for the South East of England. Its purpose is to be a hub and focus
that supports and brings together the interests of faith communities and
regional bodies. Promoting mutual faith understanding
and engagement in social actions for the benefit of the whole community.
The co-ordinator will manage
the day-to-day business of SEEFF and its Board and will also
will be responsible for SEEFF’s liaison and
communications.
The closing date for
applications will be: Monday 14th December at
Interviews to be held on:
For
further information and an application pack please contact;
http://www.se-faithforum.net/cms/,
email: emma.beswick.diocese@cofeguildford.org.uk
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This resource pack, produced
by the British Library, is part of an EU-funded project designed to bring
The pack contains 9
worksheets, each double-sided A4 and in full colour.
They are intended as tools
to help introduce some basic Buddhist concepts and history to the classroom
using source materials from the British Library and other institutions.
Suitable to support work in
RE with key stages 2 and 3, the worksheets are:
1. Buddhism & the
2. Cave Temples:
Introduction to the
3. The Life of the Buddha
4. The Basic Tenets of
Buddhism
5. Buddhist Iconography
6. Object Focus: Buddhist
Paintings
7. Object Focus: The Diamond
Sutra
8. Bodhissatvas
& Avalokitesvera
9. Jataka
Stories
The pack is available for
free download; there are also other items of interest on the website e.g. a
‘Gallery of 1000 Buddhas’.
Why not ask your pupils to
contribute?
See: http://idp.bl.uk/pages/education_teachers.a4d#12
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Three competitions
... and an opportunity
St Peter’s Saltley Trust
Logo Competition
Could one of your students design our new
St Peter’s Saltley Trust is a religious educational
charity supporting creative projects in school RE, further education and adult
theological education.
They are running a competition to find a new logo and stationery
template design for the Trust.
If your school/college is situated in the
For full details on age categories and entry requirements contact St
Peter’s Saltley Trust.
James Hemming Essay Prize Competition
Entries will be accepted from any student at a
intermediate 1, intermediate 2, higher,
advanced higher etc) who will not have
passed his or her 19th birthday by
The question for 2010 is: ‘Tolerance, good temper and sympathy - they
are what matter really.’ (E M Forster, What I Believe, 1939).
Discuss.
The James Hemming Essay Prize awards are: 1st Prize £1000; 2nd Prize
£500; 3rd Prize £250
For more information contact the British Humanist Association.
Art in Heaven Competition 2010
Following the success of the 2009 Art in Heaven Competition, we are
delighted to announce details of the 2010 competition!
The competition is open to all pupils aged 4-19.
There are five themes, and guidance is provided on each for teacher and
pupil:
Mystery Stories
Spiritual Space
Respect: a logo for RE
Celebrating Life Celebrating Love
Talking to God: Where is God?
For 2010, there are special categories for digital video and for group
entries.
We especially welcome entries from 16-19 students in FE colleges and
sixth forms.
There will be some special prizes for 16-19 work this year.
Details of the competition can be found on the links below.
If you are looking for inspiration, do have a look at the 2009 winners -
now available on the Spirited Arts Web Gallery.
See:
www.natre.org.uk/spiritedarts
See:
www.retoday.org.uk
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REsilience – CPD for RE
teachers
Secondary Curriculum – update
REsilience, a project to provide CPD to help
develop teachers’ confidence in dealing with controversial issues arising in
RE, has been
moving along swiftly during this term, reports Wendy
Harrison, REsilience support officer.
‘A key event on the 15th September was the launch of the REsilience Advisory Group (AG).
Chaired by Brian Gates, it includes members from a wide range of
backgrounds and perspectives, all of whom have interests in RE, citizenship and
community cohesion.
‘The meeting was opened by Hermione Gough (DCSF), who reinforced the DCSF’s commitment to the project and explored some of the
complex issues around the PVE agenda.
‘The REsilience Project Manager, Geoffrey Penzer, spoke about the progress being made and possible
ways that the AG and its members
could be a key source of advice and a conduit of
information about the project to the groups each represents.
For more information see: www.religiouseducationcouncil.org
‘Current project activities are focused on:
Completing the survey of existing materialsof
potential value for CPD and preparing an interim report for DCSF
Analysing the returns from the teacher survey and
then finalising the CPD shape and content outline
Establishing REsilience’s web presence and exploring
the networking and virtual classroom environments that might be used
Developing the project’s communication with stakeholders through regular
email updates, contributions to newsletters produced by professional
associations
Recruiting additional project team members to focus on developing the
mentor function
Drafting the first components of the CPD Identifying school RE
departments with which
to collaborate in checking the quality of components of
the CPD
Discussing and agreeing with DCSF the priorities for the eventual
roll-out of the programme to schools.’
We are now well into the third and final phase of our work on the
secondary curriculum.
The project runs to
A major feature of this phase is a series of 9 cross-curricular regional
conferences – involving RE, Music, Languages, PSHE and History.
These conferences will provide opportunities to learn about and explore
how cross-curricular opportunities can be engaging and challenging.
Do look out for theconference
being held near you.
Booking is online. Agenda and venue details are there too.
See: http://dom.cfbt.com/NSC/NSCDelMgmt.nsf/nscmap?openpage
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Community Cohesion
– teacher survey – can you help?
Secondary Curriculum - update
The Religious Education Council (REC) has been awarded a contract by the
DCSF to deliver a programme to help secondary teachers
of RE develop their knowledge and skills, in
addressing controversial and contentious issues
that arise in RE lessons.
A short web-based survey of current experience will be
on the REC website during September and October and all teachers of RE are
warmly invited to contribute to it.
The programme, given the name REsilience, will involve developing
and piloting materials and methods over the next 12 months and then delivery to
about 700 schools in 2010/11
The present plan is for each school taking part to be assigned a mentor
who will work with the school to identify the elements of the programme that are most relevant and tailor the delivery
accordingly.
The organisations comprising the REC, and
especially those for practitioners (like NATRE, AREIAC and AULRE), are closely
involved in implementing REsilience.
It is hoped that some individual members will be able to help develop
materials and deliver the programme through working
as mentors.
Planning is under way and further details will become available over the
course of the next few months.
For more information see: www.religiouseducationcouncil.org
To complete the survey log on to:
www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=xRxvz3RFrLEFy2sPJdfl8A_3d_3d
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ECU: Religious observance in higher
education facilities and services
ECU's second briefing about practical issues that arise on
campus in relation to religion or belief
This briefing discusses the provision
of facilities and services from a religion and belief perspective.
Including case studies from
institutions, the briefing features examples of targeted services for
particular religions or beliefs. It also discusses institutions'
responsibilities for ensuring that facilities and services do not unlawfully
discriminate on the basis of religion and belief.
Areas covered include:
=
Legislative background
=
Providing services free of unlawful
discrimination
=
Providing targeted services:
·
Chaplaincy
·
Personal reflection, meditation or
prayer rooms
·
Catering services and alcohol
·
Accommodation
The briefing has been informed by
discussions with institutions, unions, student-led religion and belief
organisations and other national religion and belief organisations as part of
our Briefings on religion and belief
project.
Download the briefing online: Religious observance in higher
education: facilities and services
About Equality Challenge Unit
Equality Challenge Unit supports the
higher education sector to realise the potential of all staff and students
whatever their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and
belief, or age, to the benefit of those individuals, higher education
institutions and society
T: +44 (0) 20 7438 1010 E: info@ecu.ac.uk W: www.ecu.ac.uk