News
Ramadan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadan) message
On 12th August Prime Minister David Cameron issued the following message:
'I want to send my very best wishes to all the
Muslim communities in Britain and around the world as you start this hugely significant month of Ramadan. I know one
of the messages of Ramadan is the importance of charity and the act of giving to those less fortunate than ourselves.
That tradition is not just a great Muslim tradition. It’s also a great British tradition, something we cherish right
across our society, amongst people of every faith and none. I’m very proud that Britain has been at the forefront of
the international response to the terrible floods in Pakistan. And our thoughts are with all those who have suffered
in this disaster and their families and friends, especially those here in Britain. At this time of prayer and reflection,
I hope that your prayers will be answered, your families and communities strengthened and that this Ramadan may bring
you peace, happiness and every blessing.'
Book Launch - Living Well
Canon Alan Hargrave will be speaking about and signing copies of his new book Living Well on 4 September 2010,
7.10pm, in Ely Cathedral. What does it mean to 'live well' when you are exhausted from juggling the demands of work
or a young family? Or when you've been around long enough to be scarred by disappointment, frustration or failure?
Follow this link for more information about the book and how to buy tickets.
Events
EACH (East Anglia Children's Hospices) has launched its first major capital appeal to raise £3 million to build and
equip a new purpose-built children’s hospice in Ipswich. Support them by taking part in the JIMAS sponsored fast
on a day during Ramadan and go along to the charity event at the Corn Exchange,
Ipswich on 25 August. There will be a FREE evening 'A Musical Minestrone' on
4 September, to celebrate the end of summer with Musicians and Friends from Burlington Baptist Church, Ipswich.
There is also news of workshops and courses starting in September and October.
And don't forget.......
National Inter Faith Week 2010
Inter Faith Week will take place across England and Wales from Sunday 21 to Saturday 27 November 2010 with our Regional Launch on Monday 22 November.
Funding
There’s still time to submit projects for the Bridging Cultures 2010 Awards funded by the Baring Foundation and to apply to the Woodward Charitable Trust providing funding for registered charities, schools and churches woking with BME and Refugee and Traveller communities.
Guidance
Faith communities and inter faith bodies around the UK are beginning to explore the Government’s Big Society agenda and there is more on the theme of the National Meeting of the Inter Faith Network, Shaping our Shared Society. There’s also information on Public Sector Tendering and the Equality Act 2010 and also help with the digital TV switchover.
Publications
The Publications and Resources page on this website is
regularly updated and new publications have been added.
The East of England Faiths Council has published 20 different guidance documents
and research reports over the last three years, relating to faith and inter faith groups in the region.
These are available to download from this website
or call EEFC on 01223 421606 to request the full list.
And Finally ...
At the launch of the four Big Society vanguard areas in Liverpool on 19 July, the Prime Minister said:
"If you've got an idea to make life better, if you want to improve your local area, don't just think about it - tell
us what you want to do and we will try and give you the tools to make this happen." Communities and Local Government
are taking forward this initiative by inviting you to submit details of proposals for local projects that embrace
Big Society principles. They would like to receive a brief outline of the project you want to take forward;
details of the local partners you propose to work with, for example community groups and/or social enterprises;
the expected outcomes and the role, if any, you expect central Government to play, for example in assisting with
overcoming any bureaucratic barrier which may impede local delivery. Please email your ideas to
Big Society Ideas. You will receive an
immediate acknowledgement and an initial response on your proposal within seven days.
The full text of the Prime Minister's speech can be found
by following this link