Statement on Freedom of Religion and Belief

From the Faith Communities Forum
of the Inter Faith Network for the UK

This week, the UK Government is hosting an International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief.  The focus of the Inter Faith Network for the UK is the United Kingdom. However, we welcome the Ministerial Conference and its delegates in the context of this work. Our vision is of a society where there is understanding of the diversity and richness of the faith communities in the UK and the contribution that they make; and where we live and work together with mutual respect and shared commitment to the common good.

The Inter Faith Network for the UK, the UK inter faith linking body, was established in 1987 and has worked since that time to support and encourage inter faith understanding and cooperation in the UK.  This has contributed in no small measure to the creating of the conditions in which freedom of religion and belief can flourish.  That freedom is not simply a matter of laws and conventions which ensure such freedom, vital though those are.  Freedom of religion and belief is also about freedom to practise as freely as those laws, and other rights, permit.

Sadly, freedom of religion and belief is sometimes truncated by conditions that constrain their ease of expression.  For example, for some communities the threat of hate crime and terrorist attack has meant their places of worship needing to operate with a high security.  There is also the threat of physical violence and verbal harassment which are daily fears for some within communities which are identifiable by faith or ethnicity, as hate crime figures consistently show.  Freedom might also be understood to be impinged upon where religion and belief are subject to misunderstanding and misrepresentation – with adherents repeatedly obliged to explain, correct and defend.

We recognise the complexity of life in a society where at times some rights are counterbalanced by others: the boundaries of those rights will always be subject to discussion, and, as necessary, adjudication.

Recourse to illegal actions, including violence, where there is disagreement should never be an option. It is vital that citizens have the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to navigate life together within a shared society where there will always be differences of view – including of religion and belief. That is part of the warp and weft of a thriving civil society which undergirds and supports mutual respect and shared commitment to the common good.

4 July 2022

Met Office Red Alert Warnings

As you’ll be aware the Met office has increased the weather warning to Red and therefore we have stood down some council services today.

The website has been updated and is the best place to check for up to date service impact information:https://www.barnet.gov.uk/news/information-about-storm-eunice

All non-essential visits and non-essential services that require travel or being outdoors have been stood down with business continuity plans being put in place.

Emergency tree response arrangements are in place and priority will be given to ‘critical’ roads and access to emergency service buildings.

If you need to report anything, e.g. fallen trees, these should be reported on 020 8359 2000.

For matters of extreme emergency where there may be immediate serious risk to life or limb please contact the relevant emergency services.

Statement – Death of Sir David Amess.

We are saddened and appalled at the killing of Sir David Amess, a devoted Member of Parliament and a man of faith. The years of devotion he gave to serving his constituents and the spirit in which he did it is an example to us all. Truly a man for others. Our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Statement issued by Deacon Anthony Clark of St Edward the Confessor on behalf of the executive and members of Barnet Multifaith Forum.  15th October 2021.

Survey – Gathering evidence of Long COVID

For some people, a Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone. This is sometimes called post-COVID-19 syndrome or ‘Long COVID’. Many people feel better in a few days or weeks and most will make a full recovery within 12 weeks. But for some people, symptoms can last longer.

Common Long COVID symptoms include:

  • Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Problems with memory and concentration (“brain fog”)
  • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Pins and needles
  • Joint pain
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Tinnitus, earaches
  • Feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches, loss of appetite
  • A high temperature, cough, headaches, sore throat, changes to smell or taste
  • Rashes

The five Healthwatch’s across North Central London – Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington – are working together to gather insight into experiences of Long COVID to support the development of services that help people to manage their symptoms. There are concerns that people are struggling with this illness and not coming forward.

If you have been struggling with any of these symptoms for more than 4 weeks after having COVID-19, please complete this survey to share your experiences. We will share your anonymous feedback and the overall findings with healthcare providers and the local Clinical Commissioning Group to ensure your voice is heard. Responders can enter to win a £50 raffle as a thank you for their time.

If you would like any assistance in completing the survey or would like it in another format, please contact anna.walsh@healthwatchcamden.co.uk or call 020 7383 2402.

BMFForum AGM 2021 – The Year in images

Thank you to all who attended the BMFForum 2021 AGM on Wednesday evening 21st July 2021.

Our theme for the evening was:

Community Action & Engagement through Faith; has Faith been given a voice through the (Covid) Pandemic?

Thank you to our speakers, who were The Deputy Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Saira Don, Dr May Erskine, Cllr Caroline Stock, Dr Tamara Djuretic, Tim Blanc and The Revd Dr Julie Gittoes. We gained a real insight into the various aspects of the Pandemic in Barnet over the last year and the community response.

It was well attended and the Executive was confirmed for the coming year.

The report for the activities of the last year was given in the form of a slideshow.