Religion or Belief

Faithnet

Faithnet southwest in partnership with four religious bodies are the regional network supporting faith groups engaging in social or community activity in the South West.

The network meets on a monthly basis in Taunton with development officers working in the North and South of the region. Participation from all faith communities is encouraged to ensure mutual respect of the distinctive contribution each makes to society in the belief that by working together and with members of their communities and public bodies a better understanding of one another can be achieved.

Membership is open and the network are developing ways of communicating across the region including using local forums, a newsletter and their own dedicated website faithnetsouthwest.org.uk giving the latest information on regional issues.

Faithnet is committed to the Millennium Act of Reflection and Commitment made by faith leaders at Westminster in January 2000 in which a general commitment was made to:

• Work together with people of many faiths for the common good;
• Uniting to build a better society, grounded in shared values & ideals;
•  Co-operation in a spirit of friendship to work together alongside all who share their values and ideal to bring about a better world now and for future generations.

Religion in the South West

According to national statistics the vast majority of people living in the South West region who identify themselves as being religious identify as Christian. Research conducted in the region has shown that many people of faith have benefited from being involved in community programs such as local regeneration initiatives. Faith Daily Service Report (PDF, 508 KB).

Faithnet have also recently conducted an online survey of the region in a hope to get a better understanding of the diversity of faith communities that exist and identify ways of supporting them in the future. Over 4,200 questionnaires were also distributed with a return rate of about 700 thus far.

For further information on Faithnet activities please email Alistair Beattie or call on 0117 304 2298. 

Are you interested in joinging the network database?

If you are interested in joining the network database please fill in ESW contact form and return to Equality South West.

Alternatively, please send your name, organisation, brief description of work, email, telephone to Equality South West.

Do you work on faith equality issues in the South West?

Please send information (news/blurb/reports/website links) on your work to be added to this website.

For more information about the network please contact please contact Colette Bennett at Equality South West.