The East of England Multi-Faith Centre for Study and Dialogue
(encouraging “a culture of encounter" Pope Francis.)
This new Centre for the East of England Faith Agency(EEFA) is offering an introductory study series free of charge between March and July. The taster courses described below are being promoted in partnership with West Suffolk College and we hope they will be the precursors of a growing programme of courses, some of which will lead to certificates. We aim to make them accessible around the East of England
Religious Studies is being recognised as a valuable if not vital area of concern in contemporary society and this is illustrated by the increasing numbers of pupils opting for this subject at GCSE and AL. Not all adults have had this opportunity and may feel out of their depth.We hope that the courses we offer will help to fill this gap. We look forward to learning with those who participate!
All sessions will be held at the Multi-Faith Centre at 47 St. Helen's St, Ipswich IP4 2JL. Please contact Cynthia Capey() to book.
Monday 12 March 7-9pm. An introduction to Diversity
Tutor: Cynthia Capey
In this increasingly multi-faith, multi-cultural society, we need to appreciate the backgrounds of our neighbours and colleagues. We will use the non-competitive board game devised and developed by Suffolk Inter-Faith Resource to gain basic information about the faiths now being practised in this country and to consider some of the challenges and dilemmas that face us all, at work and in our everyday lives. We will explore how participants can use the game themselves as a tool for training or awareness raising in their own contexts.
Monday 19 March 7-9pm. The Journey of Life
Tutor: Cynthia Capey
EEFA has just developed an interactive board game "Staging Posts on the Journey of Life". Inspired by Shakespeare's famous lines "All the world's a Stage ...and one man in his time plays many parts", the game encourages participants to reflect on their experiences and to share their perspectives on the various stages of life. Various topics are introduced to encourage discussion, supported by readings from poets and writers old and new. This game is suitable for use in many different contexts.
Monday 26 March 7-9pm. Exploring our Values 1
Tutor: Dave Sharp
Monday 30 April 7-9pm. Exploring our Values 2
Tutor: Dave Sharp
There is a much reference to British values, but what is so special about them? Are there not human values enshrined in the world's faiths and philosophies which we can all embrace? Perhaps we need to look closer at the actual values which we see purveyed by the media, by our public servants and the various institutions of our contemporary society. From where do families and individuals derive their values and how do they pass them on? How do we deal with a clash of values and promote cohesive societies?
We hope to hold further sessions on this subject on Mondays 14 and 21 May, 4, 11 and 18 June, 2, 9 and 16 July. The topics will include sources of ethics, the ethical environment, medical ethics, clashes of values, seeking common values and social cohesion.
Saturday 14 April 10am -12. The Language of Faith 1
Tutor:Professor Vanda Broughton
Saturday 23 June 10am -12. The Language of Faith 2
Tutor:Professor Vanda Broughton
The language of religions is a particularly fascinating subject. In no other area is there such variation in the meaning (and the understanding of meaning) of common terms and ideas. Language, which should be a way of expressing and sharing belief, can too often be a barrier to communication. Sacred texts are one of the richest sources of core beliefs, but translations sometimes fail to reveal the full subtlety and meaning of the original language.
We shall examine a selection of key themes as they occur in different faiths and in different languages, and consider the similarities and differences between them. We shall also look at some difficult or puzzling words and phrases in religious texts, and explore their original languages and cultures to gain more understanding of what they might mean.
Further sessions will be offered on this subject.
Monday 25 June 7-9pm. Religious Literacy
Tutor:Dave Sharp
What terminology is used to talk about religion and faith? What does it mean? How informed do we need to be about this area of life in order to function professionally, and effectively in our ordinary lives? This area of study includes both religious and also interreligious literacy, beliefs and worldviews, practices sacred and secular, religion in the public square, secular challenges, freedom of expression and related topics. We hope to offer a course to explore this subject during the next academic year.
Monday 23 July 7-9pm. Culturally Competent Care
Tutor: Barbara Richardson Todd
What do we mean by this term? It can be applied to those involved in any kind of caring role, as family members, neighbours and colleagues, as well as to those working professionally in the community. What attitudes, knowledge and experience are needed?
In this session we will focus on some case studies as well as with reference to our own experience.
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Looking ahead - we are currently developing a certificated course, (Access level 3?) validated by WSC entitled Religious Literacy, Values and Culturally Competent Care. Held fortnightly over 3 terms on Wednesdays 1.30 - 3. 30(?), it will welcome people from all backgrounds and roles in mutual learning followed by the opportunity to reflect on the application to their individual contexts.
There is a growing awareness of the deep spiritual needs of people at all stages of life whether or not they describe themselves as religious and this is reflected in the attention being paid to this area within mental health care and also with regard to the needs of the elderly. We hope that people will respond to the opportunities we are now able to offer, which recognise that issues of faith and culture need to be addressed and that spirituality is a dimension of life which lies at the heart of existence and is not a “tack on” topic!