THE SECOND OXFORD THREE FAITHS WEEK
ST JOHN’S COLLEGE OXFORD
April 1st – April 7th 2019
Planning Team:
Revd. Dr Liz Carmichael MBE, Emeritus Research Fellow in Theology, St John’s College Oxford
Rabbi Dr. Michael Hilton, Rabbi Emeritus Kol Chai Hatch End Reform Jewish Community, Lecturer, Leo Baeck College, London
Imam Monawar Hussain, MBE DL, Muslim Tutor at Eton College: Founder of The Oxford Foundation: Muslim Chaplain, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Heather-Jane Ozanne, CEO, Spirit of Peace
LEARN ABOUT AND EXPERIENCE OTHER FAITHS
The training week at St John’s College is designed for students, faith leaders, public sector and non-profit workers wishing to learn more about other faiths and cultures. There are both residential and non-residential places and bursaries are available for students on application. The week builds on many years of experience of Jewish-Christian-Muslim encounter through the weeks held by JCM in Germany and the similar weeks at the Ammerdown Study Centre in Somerset.
The first Oxford Three Faiths Week was held in April 2018 on the theme of “Beyond the Headlines.” The second one will begin in the evening of Monday April 1st 2019 and end with lunch on Sunday April 7th. The theme will be “Relating Across Divides”, and will explore the various denominations and sects within the three faiths as well as relations between the faiths and mixed faith relationships.
The week is open to people of all ages and faiths. It is intended for all who have an interest in the theme, especially:
-
Students with an interest in other faiths and cultures.
-
Workers in faith communities.
-
Teachers, social workers, police, prison officers or anyone who works with faith communities.
The conference is open to all who have a positive and sympathetic interest in learning what makes other faith communities tick, and a commitment to listen without seeking to convert others to your own views. You do not need to have a personal faith commitment or identification to attend.
BOOKING NOW OPEN
COSTS INCLUDING ALL LECTURES, MEALS AND ACCOMMODATION:
Residential £400 or Non-Residential £180
Bursaries are available for those on low income and we have a special scheme for young adults, trainees and students. Please see the application form for how to apply.
We recognise that it takes commitment trust and courage to enrol for a week like this for the first time. We strongly encourage you to talk to one of our planning team: you can contact us through the email given on the application form.
PARTICIPANTS IN 2018 WRITE:
“It was an immense privilege to spend time together with people of different faiths who had a common passion for righteous action, peace and justice in the world. As we spent time together reflecting upon scripture, listening to presentations, and sharing the experience of worship; our eyes were opened up in a deep and meaningful way to the faith and traditions of others. I particularly value the relationships that we built up over the week with bonds made and conversations had that will have a lasting impact.”
” I enjoyed the discussions and workshops that highlighted the internal concerns of each community, and how interfaith work can unify them and make voices stronger. A personal highlight was attending a mosque, synagogue, and church and meeting members from these communities and seeing how much faith and culture shapes individuals’ day to day lives.”
“This time spent was beneficial to my academic studies. I am an undergraduate student reading a BA Hons in Philosophy and psychological studies.”
“I was impressed with the quality of the speakers and sessions and it enhanced my experience as an Interfaith Community grassroots activist and I learnt a lot from the sharing.”
“The community bonded quickly, with the visit to the mosque and the synagogue were very special. The food was very good and the accommodation excellent. It is a valuable week of learning for anyone doing chaplaincy work. ”
Oxford Three Faiths Week is organised in association with:
Oxford University Church of St Mary
The Oxford Foundation
Leo Baeck College, London
Spirit of Peace
