Petition to Michael Gove to restore Inter Faith Network funding

Interfaith Peace Walk

A petition has been prepared calling for government funding to be restored to the Inter Faith Network. It will be handed in to the Home Office on Monday 26 February.

It is not too late to sign even though the Network has this week announced its closure.

The petition says:

I am deeply concerned about the future of the Inter Faith Network (IFN) in the UK. The National Inter Faith Week, an initiative of this network, has been instrumental in fostering dialogue and mutual respect among diverse religious groups.

Last November, the Archbishop of Canterbury hosted an Inter Faith Week event at Lambeth Palace, which was attended by King Charles III, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and 30 other faith leaders. IFN has been a beacon of unity, promoting understanding and cooperation among different faith communities across the UK.

This vital work is under threat. The Secretary of State for Communities, Michael Gove, wrote to IFN saying he had decided to withdraw £155,000 of funding pledged in July 2023, due to the appointment of a Trustee from the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). IFN has issued a response to Mr Gove's concerns.

As a result of this decision, not only might we lose National Inter Faith Week, but also four dedicated staff members who have tirelessly worked towards promoting harmony among different faiths.

The importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated especially at a time when hate crimes against religious groups are on an alarming rise. By cutting funds to this network working to mitigate such issues through dialogue and understanding, the UK Government risks exacerbating divisions within our society.

Please join me in calling upon Michael Gove to reverse his decision and provide the funding pledged to Inter Faith Network in July 2023. Let's stand together for unity and mutual respect amongst all faiths in our country. Please sign this petition immediately.

See the petition at: www.change.org/p/michael-gove-keep-your-pledge-on-inter-faith-network-funding

LINK

Hassan Joudi: IFN having to close over my appointment should concern charities:

www.civilsociety.co.uk/voices/hassan-joudi-ifn-having-to-close-over-my-appointment-should-concern-charities.html