Issue - meetings

To adopt the faith strategy action plan.

Sis Sheeba Levi-Stewart, the Rastafari Movement UK; Siriol Davies, Interfaith Advisor; Violet Hinrichs, Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is; Archdeacon Dr Jane Steen, Diocese of Southwark; Hajia Saidat Oketunde, Muslim Association of Nigeria and Sis Stella Headley, Director of the Rastafari Movement UK were also in attendance to provide their input.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the faith strategy action plan be adopted.

2.  That it be noted that the Southwark Way of Working shared values around ‘treating every resident as if they are a member of your own family’ are vital in building trust and removing barriers between faith communities and the council be noted. Closer and more collaborative working will ensure that we are on a journey towards more open and deeper conversations.

3.  That it be noted that the new approach to engagement will be embedded in the delivery of the action plan through ‘putting people at the heart of the engagement processes’. This means that we will seek to understand the lived experience of faith communities and be open to their views and comments about the strengths and weaknesses of approaches and interventions contained within the action plan.  

4.  That it be noted that the action plan will work through the relationships above to achieve its aspirations of building trust, releasing potential and greater collaboration through an asset based community development approach. In the first instance this will mean raising awareness of this approach and continuing to map the skills and resources of faith communities.

5.  That it be noted that in celebrating our diversity and providing a space for the expression of faith leaders and their communities there is greater opportunity for them to realise their potential. This growth and confidence provides a strong foundation for the birth of ‘champions’ and ‘ambassadors’ that can work with the council and the voluntary and community sector.

6.  That it be noted that the faith strategy action plan will deliver the recommendations of the faith strategy as follows:

(i)  Celebrate faith and diversity of faith organisations in the borough through connecting faith communities both with each other and the council and the voluntary and community sector. We will help to promote the expression of faith through using existing opportunities within faith communities who are working together on cross cultural and faith celebrations including the boroughs participation in Inter-faith week and Peace Week.

(ii)  Support faith organisations and their approaches to supporting individuals who are a part of their congregations by finding out how we can better support faith communities’ activities and projects. This could include the development of tailored learning programmes and raising awareness of council policies and procedures. The council can also work through an enabling role and increasing access to information, training and shared learning around safeguarding, equalities and funding avenues.

(iii)  Improve the lives of Southwark residents through embedding a culture and practice of ‘faith navigators’ to improve the signposting and referral to services. In increasing the knowledge and awareness of faith communities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8