** We have reached maximum capacity for places at this conference. Please register to join our waiting list. **
The ways in which people identify with faith and belief in the UK are changing. In fact, research suggests that we are seeing the most fundamental shift in this respect for centuries, even millennia.
In this four-part virtual conference, we look ahead to the UK's likely faith and belief landscape of 2040, based on current trajectories, and take the opportunity to examine and prepare for the many challenges and opportunities that society might face.
The changes we examine include:
- The declining number of people who identify as ‘Anglican’ and rising numbers of non-denominational Christians,
- The increasing number of people (particularly younger people) who hold non-religious beliefs or have no beliefs.
- The increasing diversity of modes of faith and belief practice within Christian communities
- The expansion and growing role of non-Christian faiths.
Convened using freely available video-conferencing software, this conference involves guest panellists of different ages and perspectives, from a range of faith and non-faith backgrounds, to help us identify constructive ways of preparing for the changes that lie ahead.
This conference has been developed with Humanists UK and The Faith & Belief Forum.
Programme
Faith & Belief 2040: Religious Diversity - 11am-12:30pm, Tuesday 10 November 2020
This opening session introduces some of the major issues around diversity and identity in the UK today, as they relate to religion and belief. We explore the key transformations taking place in majority and minority religious or belief communities, and examine their implications for wider society. Panellists will offer insights into ongoing trends and highlight some of the most significant social, economic and political factors that are likely to influence them over the next 20 years.
With guest panellists:
- Andrew Copson (Chief Executive, Humanists UK)
- Yasmeen Akhtar (Director, Alexander Haus)
- Professor Linda Woodhead (Distinguished Professor of Sociology of Religion, Lancaster University)
Faith & Belief 2040: Impacts on Identity - 11am-12:30pm, Thursday 12 November 2020
This session examines the importance of affiliation to a particular religion or belief, for identity and a sense of belonging. We explore the potential for nurturing more inclusive forms of belonging, across religious and faith communities.
With guest panellists:
- Mamataj Begum (Faith and Belief Forum's Youth Council)
- Chine McDonald (Head of Community Fundraising & Public Engagement, Christian Aid)
- Dr Jagbir Jhutti-Johal (Senior Lecturer in Sikh Studies, University of Birmingham)
- Imtiaz Shams (Co-Founder, Faith to Faithless)
Faith & Belief 2040: Social Cohesion - 11am-12:30pm, Tuesday 17 November 2020
For some, the notion that faith has a role to play in addressing issues of social cohesion is inherently problematic. For others, faith communities are critical and pivotally placed partners, both locally and globally, and should therefore be involved in relevant conversations. This third session examines the role that people of faith and people with non-religious worldviews can play in promoting more inclusive and socially cohesive communities.
With guest panellists:
- Jo Broadwood (Chief Executive, Belong - The Cohesion and Integration Network)
- Madeleine Pennington (Head of Research, Theos)
- Dr Maryyum Mehmood (Centre Facilitator, University of Birmingham)
- Edwin Shuker (Board of Deputies, British Jews)
Faith & Belief 2040: Moral Courage - 11am-12:30pm, Thursday 19 November 2020
The impact and influence of religious voices and perspectives are likely to transform as the UK’s faith and belief landscape changes. Our final session explores the changing relationship between religious groups and leaders, and politicians. We discuss where moral courage, based on common ground and shared values, might come from, in a less religious and more religiously diverse society.
With guest panellists:
- Phil Champain (Director, Faith & Belief Forum)
- Dr Justine Huxley (Director, St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace)
- Bushra Nasir CBE (CEO, Drapers' Multi-Academy Trust)
- The Revd Dr Richard Sudworth (Interfaith Advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury)
How to take part
We have reached maximum capacity for places at this virtual conference, but you can still join the waiting list by registering for free on Eventbrite, using the registration form below.
If your place is confirmed, you can join our conference sessions on Zoom, as a video or non-video participant, with the chance to interact with fellow participants and guest panellists via our live polls, question-and-answer opportunities and breakout sessions.
This is a free event, open to everyone and supported by our charitable funds.
Our aims
Given the scale and complexity of this subject, we are not setting out to define detailed solutions to the challenges and opportunities posed by the changing faith and belief landscape. Rather, we are bringing together a diverse group of people, from across the UK, to make new connections and start to explore the steps that policymakers, faith and community leaders, religious groups, organisations and individuals may need to take, to prepare for the transformations ahead.
As with all the discussions we host, our aim is to promote open dialogue and the exchange of views in a welcoming and inclusive environment. To support this, please note that the four sessions will be held under the Chatham House Rule, which means you should avoid directly attributing ideas or information gained to anyone in particular, when sharing them outside of the conference, including in posts on social media.
Summary report
We will summarise the key themes and ideas that emerge from these discussions in a short Cumberland Lodge Report, to be published online and shared with policymakers, leaders, influencers, civil-society representatives and community practitioners.
This report will be written by our freelance Research Associate, Hannah Timson.