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January 2007 E-Bulletin 2 continued
17 January 2007
previous items
Coming Events continued
15-21 September 2007
A few place are still available for
Harmony in Difference - A multicultural week in Iona Abbey
Harmony in Difference – Has it ever been ‘real’ or ‘only an aspiration’? Is it possible? Or are we trying to reach an unreachable star?
Harmony in difference, harmony in multicultural and multi-faith contexts are the issues currently most talked about in Europe and particularly in Britain. Many commentators, politicians and policy-makers promote 'uniformity' or 'assimilation' as opposed to 'unity within diversity. Traditional historic understandings of ‘European-ness’ or ‘British-ness’ therefore, need to be reviewed and renewed, considering the fact that once-upon-a-time migrants, are now here to stay as British / European Citizens. This calls for a re-definition of “What does it mean to be European / British?”
The Facilitators will be: David Jonathan (Johny), an Indian Christian, will explore such issues of identity. Besides his experiences of living as part of a minority community in India and now living within an Asian Christian minority in UK, he will also share how he has been working with people of different faiths, cultures and nationalities in Luton (UK) to discover common bonds. Identities evolve and cannot be legislated for. Identities, mutually evolved and enabled by people themselves, motivate and inspire people to address the concerns that affect us all.
Dr. Nazia Khanum, a Bangladeshi Muslim woman, will investigate the issues of socio-economic disadvantage and alienation of migrants and the kind of role that multicultural and multi-faith communities can play in encountering these. People are more than economic entities. People are social and spiritual beings. It is impossible and unnatural for the EU or Westminster to measure, equate or reduce the human potential merely in figures. And therefore, from the multitude of her experiences, Dr. Nazia Khanum will challenge how social cohesion policies remain lifeless, unless women, men & families are empowered to own these and people themselves work towards it. Exploring the need for a relationship between the State and multi-faith / multicultural societies, she will also draw on her vast experience as to ways in which this can be made possible.
Further details from Iona Abbey, Isle of Iona, Argyll, PA76 6SN tel: 01681 700404 or on the Iona community website.
Inter Faith information from Churches Together in England
The Inter Faith pages on the CTE website are developing bit by bit. You can view them here. If you have any suggestions about its content, they will be gratefully received by Celia Blackden.
A summary of the document “Connecting British Hindus: an enquiry into the identity and public engagement of Hindus in Britain”. is available on the new CTE website, by clicking on 'summary'. This document was published in July 2006 by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Hindu Forum of Britain. The full text is available from the Hindu Forum.
"Faith and Action in a Pluralist Society" - This conference is being held in early March by the Contextual Theology Centre and Sarum College's new Centre for Faith and Action in Society (CeFAS) in London. It provides both engaging speakers and opportunities to engage with communities at the grass roots. Further details can be obtained from Revd Pat Wright, Administrator, Contextual Theology Centre, The Royal Foundation of St Katharine, 2 Butcher Row, London E14 8DS, Tel: 020 7780 160, or from the centre's website.
Here are details of two seminars that meem consultancy offer
1. Islam and Muslims
"The Islam and Muslims course was extremely informative. This one-day course provided valuable insights into a unique cultural and religious way of life within the Scottish community. The facilitators provided opportunities for questioning, debate and discussion in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. This is a course that is thought provoking and stimulating. It will help me to do my job better."
This unique seminar is designed specifically for those who come into contact with Muslims regularly and need to understand their culture and way of life.
The seminar endeavours to provide an insight into the Muslim way of life; their beliefs; their practices and the issues that Muslims and those in contact with Muslims can expect to face and endeavour to overcome.
Objectives
1. Prevent racial and cultural stereotyping of Muslims through understanding of cultural and religious needs and issues.
2. Promote confidence and competency of employees when working with Muslim clients and staff in the organisation.
3. Identify mechanisms to develop culturally sensitive service provision within your area of work.
Content • Statistical analysis of Muslims in Britain • History of Muslims in Britain • Religious beliefs and practices • Muslim lifestyle and social structure • Women and Islam • Islam, Jihad and world affairs • The Muslim client and colleague • Marketing • Recruitment • Retention • Visits • Information packs • Question and Answer sessions • Local Mosque (Where available)
2. Race, Religions & Culture
‘This course was extremely informative and provided me valuable insight into diverse cultures and practices across Scotland.‘
This unique seminar looks at the impact of race, faith and culture in organisations and focuses on the needs and issues facing various faith groups across Scotland.
The seminar endeavours to provide an insight into the diverse ways of life; beliefs, practices and the issues that faith communities and those in contact with faith communities can expect to face and endeavour to overcome.
Our speakers come from diverse backgrounds to present their respective faiths covering Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Buddhism.
Objectives:
Provide an overview and increase understanding of the legislation on religion and belief Raise awareness and understanding of the practices, customs and beliefs of different religions Prevent racial and cultural stereotyping of minority ethnic groups through understanding of cultural and religious issues Promote confidence and competency of staff when working with black and minority ethnic patients in any organisation Identify mechanisms to develop culturally sensitive service provision within your area of work
Content • Analysis of faith in Britain • Islam; Hinduism; Judaism; Christianity; Buddhism; Sikhism • Religious beliefs and practices • Lifestyle and social structure • Exploring stereotypes & myths around ethnic/ religious groups • Patterns of behaviour & information relating to ethnic/ religious groups
Designing culturally competent services and feedback • Marketing • Recruitment • Retention • Visits • Information packs • Question and Answer sessions Refreshments and lunch
Personalisation (In-House Courses) We can include workshops and content relevant to your organisation:
Healthcare Policing Workplace Social Work Educational Advisory support and consultancy
Clients: Our clients are from sectors as diverse as Service Providers, Voluntary, Charity, Ethnic Organisations, Media, Education, Housing Associations and Businesses.
Dates & Locations: For further information on course dates and locations across Scotland, please see the calendar, or contact meem for an in-house option where you may 10 or more staff require training.
Further information from meem's website, by e-mail, or telephone 0700 5 963 932.
meem are a unique Scotland based consultancy that provides tailored diversity solutions for your organisation. From facilitation of focus groups to delivery of training, we can work with you to identify the best solutions for your organisation.
We work with both the public and private sector and are currently offering consultancy support to a range of organisations.
The Biographical Film “Mahaan” (Great Man) - English version 2006
Rt Revd ROBERT CALDWELL DD LLD. 1814-91, of South India London Missionary Society (LMS) & Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (SPG)
“I wish to die amongst the people for whom I have lived” – Robert Caldwell
This film is a simple unsophisticated treatment of Robert Caldwell's origins in Ireland and Scotland and the inspiring story of his life’s work, the fifty year ministry among the poor of South India. It's a gentle production, very much reflecting the present view of Caldwell through Indian eyes, and pointing the way to the influence he has had on succeeding generations of all faiths in Tamil Nadu (see enclosed review of his life). The film was made professionally under the auspices of the Pastor and congregation of Holy Trinity church at Idaiyangudi, Caldwell’s original mission station. Much of it is played by amateur actors speaking in Tamil with English subtitles. Although the whole film is over 2 hours long, ‘Scene Selection’ allows it to be viewed/studied in separate parts, and there are other sections showing interviews with the people who were involved with the making of the film, and what the village of Idaiyangudi looks like today.
To order a copy of this film (£7 each), please contact David Gore, 35 Chaucer Crescent, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1TP; Tel: 01635-40087. Cheques should be made payable to “The Eliza & Robert Caldwell Trust”. All money paid goes directly to Idaiyangudi church funds.
Biographical Study of Robert Caldwell of South India 1814-91 by Dr Vincent Kumaradoss of the Madras Christian College, Chennai. [To be published by ISPCK in 2007] This new historical study of Caldwell’s life and work through Indian eyes is to be published in English by ISPCK in Delhi next year. If you wish to receive notification of the details of this book prior to publication, please let David Gore know (contact details above).
A copy of the DVD may also be borrowed from CAIRS.