Last month, as Head of Community Engagement for the Jewish Small Communities Network, I had the privilege of participating in a truly significant gathering. Alongside 31 other senior representatives from interfaith organisations across England, I travelled to the serene Forest of Dean – a landscape steeped in ancient history and famously believed to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantastical realms of Middle-earth. Hosted at the ASHA Centre, our purpose was to chart a new, more effective course for interfaith dialogue in our country.
This conference couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. The past year has seen heightened tensions between different faith groups in Britain, undeniably exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere. These global events have cast a long, disquieting shadow over interfaith relations here in the UK, often making genuine dialogue feel strained or even impossible. Compounding this, the regrettable closure of the Inter Faith Network for the UK, once a central pillar of interfaith infrastructure, left a significant void and many of us deeply concerned about the future of organised interfaith work, particularly regarding Inter Faith Week, held every November.
A key outcome of the conference was the agreement to establish a National Steering Group to oversee Inter Faith Week, ensuring its continued success and growth. Furthermore, we committed to fostering stronger collaboration among local interfaith groups, encouraging the sharing of best practices and providing mutual support. The shared determination to make Inter Faith Week 2025 a resounding success was palpable, and I, along with my fellow participants, are committed to seeing this through.
A powerful sense of opportunity and renewed energy infused our discussions within the very woods that may have sparked the imagination of a literary giant. It felt, in many ways, like a new ‘fellowship’ was forming. Just as diverse beings in Tolkien’s tales came together for a seemingly insurmountable task, so too did we, united by an unshakable commitment to social cohesion (and a healthy dose of optimism).
Our collective conviction was clear: people of faith, working together, possess an immense power to foster positive change and to tackle the ‘darkness’ of mistrust, misinformation, and division. This spirit was beautifully captured when my Druid colleague offered a heartfelt blessing to the land and to our gathering, acknowledging the sacredness of the space and our shared purpose within it.
For the Jewish community, active participation in interfaith dialogue isn’t merely a courtesy; it’s a profound necessity. In an increasingly interconnected and sometimes fractured world, building bridges of understanding and respect with our neighbours of other faiths is vital. It allows us to challenge misconceptions, combat prejudice, and work collaboratively on shared social concerns, from tackling poverty and social deprivation to promoting environmental sustainability and advocating for human rights. My role at the Jewish Small Communities Network gives me a unique perspective on the importance of fostering these connections, particularly for communities that may feel geographically or numerically challenged. Interfaith dialogue offers a vital avenue for these communities to connect, share their traditions, and contribute to the broader tapestry of British society.
This November, as Inter Faith Week approaches, I urge all Jewish communal spaces across the country to open their doors wide. Let’s embrace the timeless example of Abraham and Sarah, whose tent was open to all, extending radical hospitality to the stranger and inviting them to experience the warmth, depth, and unique magic of our Jewish faith. Share a Shabbat meal, discuss our festivals, or simply engage in conversation; these direct encounters are where genuine understanding, empathy, and lasting friendships truly blossom.
The Forest of Dean conference marked a new chapter for us. It was a testament to the dedication of countless individuals and organisations committed to a more harmonious Britain. As we move forward, the Jewish community must continue to be an active and vocal participant in this renewed interfaith movement, ensuring our voice is heard and our values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) are reflected in the crucial work ahead, much like a fellowship, united to ensure that goodness overcomes.
This article was first published in The Jewish Chronicle in June 2025.
Stuart Diamond Consulting 