On Tuesday, 12th November 2024, the Midlands Interfaith Conference, organized by URI UK, brought together grassroots interfaith groups from the West and East Midlands and beyond at the Frank Whittle Building, Coventry University. This inspiring event, held during Inter Faith Week, provided a platform for community leaders, activists, and organizations to connect, share best practices, and collaborate on addressing critical societal challenges.
The evening conference featured a powerful keynote speech by Lord Khan of Burnley, the UK’s newly appointed Faith Minister, alongside contributions from Professor Mike Hardy of Coventry University, Rabbi Dr. Michael Hilton, Julie Siddiqi (Founder of Nisa Nashim), and other esteemed speakers. Participants had the chance to engage with the Interfaith Fair, where local groups showcased their innovative initiatives, fostering valuable networking and learning opportunities.
Earlier in the day, an impactful youth programme titled “How Can We Work Better Together?” empowered young activists aged 18–25 through interactive workshops and plenary sessions. These future leaders tackled issues like online disinformation, gang violence, and environmental sustainability, presenting bold ideas for fostering unity and addressing pressing challenges.
The conference provided a vital opportunity for:
- Networking with interfaith leaders and groups from across the region.
- Learning from inspirational speakers and practitioners.
- Sharing organizational successes and challenges.
- Designing collaborative projects to strengthen interfaith action.
Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, this event exemplified the power of collective effort to reignite the interfaith movement amid contemporary challenges. URI UK’s leadership in organizing this gathering reinforced its role as a central force in fostering dialogue and cooperation within the interfaith community.
To learn more about URI UK and Interfaith Week, visit:
