The Three Faiths Forum

The Three Faiths Forum was set up some years ago to encourage friendship, goodwill and understanding between people from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths.

It works with local, national and international religious leaders as well as political leaders, and the Forum has been commended for its work in bridging cultures.

A few months back, I encountered a group of people from the youth section (known as 3FF) which was set up 10 years ago. They were all enthusiastic about their faith.

3FF works in schools, universities, and among youth groups to encourage dialogue on a variety of issues.

Their flagship programme is called 'Tools4Trialogue'. Used in schools it complements both religious education or citizenship programmes but it is also used in youth groups from the three faiths involved.

The 'Tools4Trialogue' sessions include panel discussions, textual readings and cultural events led by representatives of each religion. The group concentrates on cultural issues such as family values, clothing, the environment and forgiveness.

One of its tools uses scriptural reasoning where people examine their own faith texts relating to one of the key cultural issues.

Ideas are then shared, with each listening to the different perspectives which are highlighted by those from another faith.

Young people from 3FF will be visiting Harpenden on March 25 and leading discussion using the 'Tools4Trialogue' approach with young people from Harpenden Secondary Schools. The focus will be on faith in a contemporary world.

They have kindly agreed to tell us about their work at Cafe Church on March 25. We will have an opportunity to experience some scriptural reasoning for ourselves and hear an aspect of another faith from someone who practices it.

3FF leaders have found that this technique helps people to greater understanding of their faith and gives an improved ability to communicate their faith to others.

Further information from www.threefaithsforum.org.uk

John Fellows
Article taken from High Street News, Feb/Mar 2010