Friday 7 November, 2025- In the wake of the devastating attacks on the Manchester Synagogue and the Peacehaven Mosque, religious leaders and the UK Government are joining forces to promote Inter Faith Week 2025 (November 9th – 16th). This year’s theme, “Community: Together We Serve,” highlights the importance of celebrating diversity and unity in the face of rising hate.
During Inter Faith Week, hundreds of faith communities across the UK will come together to learn from one another, build relationships, and celebrate commonalities. In light of recent events, many communities are choosing to reject attempts to divide people based on faith, race, or culture by opening their doors and partnering with other faith groups.
Religious leaders and the UK Government are urging members of the public, regardless of their faith, to attend an event and connect with their neighbors. With a variety of events taking place, organizers stress that there is something for everyone and it’s not too late for groups to plan and advertise their own activities.
Most of the planned events are collaborations between faith groups and grassroots activists, with others being organized by schools, local authorities, and universities. Several prominent landmarks, including Clifford’s Tower in York, Leicester Cathedral, and Chester Cathedral, will also be hosting events. Overall, organizers anticipate hundreds of events taking place throughout the country.
This year’s campaign comes after the release of official hate crime statistics for England and Wales, which showed a record-breaking high in religious hate crimes. Police data revealed that Jewish and Muslim people experience religiously motivated hate at a disproportionate rate. The organizers of Inter Faith Week hope that this year’s events will serve as a visible and necessary rejection of extremism and baseless prejudice.
The campaign officially begins on Remembrance Sunday, chosen to remember the suffering caused by losing sight of our common humanity and to honor those who have fought for a safer, more peaceful world. The organizers encourage people to participate in both Remembrance Sunday and an Inter Faith Week event.
A pre-campaign launch event was held in central London on November 6th, featuring artistic performances, speeches by government ministers, and showcases of successful inter faith initiatives from across the UK. The event also included an exhibition of religious items, food, and calligraphy from communities around the country.
A spokesperson for Inter Faith Week said, “At a time when hate crimes are on the rise and people fear being targeted for their faith, it is more important than ever for faith communities to stand together and reject attempts to divide us. The UK has a long history of religious freedom, tolerance, and diversity, and Inter Faith Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate and unite in this diversity.”
Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, added, “Inter Faith Week celebrates unity over division, understanding over ignorance, and love over hate. Faith and belief communities have shown extraordinary leadership in times of crisis and in their daily work in communities across the country. This government fully supports this week, and I encourage people from all over the UK to get involved by attending events in their area.”
Other religious leaders also expressed their support for Inter Faith Week. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, said, “This year in the Catholic Church, we mark the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a significant document on interreligious dialogue. This Inter Faith Week, I encourage people to attend an event in their area and encounter others with acts of service. In the pursuit of community, may we seek to serve each other.”
Reverend Graham Sparkes, Moderator of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, said, “Inter Faith Week is an important moment in the UK calendar. As people of different faiths, we must stand together in solidarity. If one of us is attacked, then we all suffer. This week is a time for us to support one another and celebrate the diversity of our society.”
Imam Qari Asim and Akeela Ahmed, Co-chairs of the British Muslim Network, added, “Inter Faith Week is an important opportunity for people of all faiths to come together and engage in positive social action. Our diversity is our strength, and by working together, we can ensure that division and hatred do not prevail.”
Ed Horwich, Chief Executive of the Jewish Small Communities Network, said, “British Jews deeply value the opportunity that Inter Faith Week provides to come together with people of all faiths. By getting to know one another and working together, we can go beyond surface-level understanding and build genuine relationships.”
Inter Faith Week was launched in 2009 and has taken place every year since. This year, the event is being run by a consortium of national inter faith organizations. Statements of support from various faith leaders can be found on the Inter Faith Week website, along with a list of events taking place throughout the week.
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