BHFA Clergy Standing Together
March 29, 2019
Brighton & Hove Faith Council’s Combatting Faith Hate Partnership’s “Standing Together” Informal is a new bimonthly opportunity for clergy and faith leaders in the city to meet informally, socialise and get to know each other. Funded by the City Council, the purpose is to enable faith leaders to discuss internal or external stresses upon their faith communities, helping form closer bonds of ‘fellowship’ assisting one another in matters of persecution or discrimination and explore possible collaboration or partnerships in new or prospective social action projects.
On Thursday 2nd May 2019 5-7pm the first “Standing Together” Informal will take place at the A taste of Sahara restaurant on Western Road hosted by BHFA trustees. North African and Middle Eastern inspired canapes and soft drinks will be served in the venue’s secluded courtyard and dining room and guests are cordially invited to gather for some or all of the duration and enjoy convivial hospitality with faith colleagues. There is no “agenda” intended for this Informal, though perhaps it may be a welcome oasis of calm, a haven or even safespace from the local elections! Soft drinks will be provided but you are welcome to bring anything stronger with you, free of corkage. Please RSVP via EventBrite or email or Facebook so that we may cater for approximate attendees (please indicate any dietary requirements too).
The Standing Together Informal is a great opportunity for clerical colleagues across all denominations and faiths to discuss and monitor the implementation of the Faith Covenant, a set of principles that guide engagement and build trust toward closer working relationships between the city’s Council and Faith Community in the delivery of social welfare and community development projects for Brighton & Hove. Witnessed by the Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group Faith and Society, the Faith Covenant was signed on Sunday 18th November 2018 at Hove Town Hall by the Rt Revd Richard Jackson (Bishop of Lewes), Councillor Dan Yates (Leader of the City Council) and Metropolitan Jerome of Selsey (Vice-chair of BHFA) followed by representatives of faith communities from across the city. Brokered by BHFA, the Faith Covenant encourages faith groups to apply without discrimination for Council funding, be treated respectfully by Council officers and empowered to engage in various community and social action projects in the city. The unanimous support of the political parties to the signing of the Faith Covenant is testimony to the appreciation the Council has for the Faith Community’s contribution to the welfare of our city.
