Coming together to celebrate Interfaith Week

A variety of events for people of all faiths and none will take place to mark Interfaith Week from Sunday 9 to Sunday 16 November and celebrate the incredible diversity of faith and belief communities across the city and their continuous friendship and cooperation.

Inter Faith Week is a powerful annual initiative dedicated to strengthening interfaith relations, fostering mutual understanding across different worldviews, and showcasing the invaluable contributions of faith communities.

Marking the week after Remembrance Sunday, Interfaith Week encourages all community members – whether they identify with a religious tradition, hold spiritual beliefs, or embrace secular values – to come together and consider how best to create a just, peaceful, inclusive and harmonious world.

Celebrating together

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities and Adult Social Care, said: “Interfaith Week is a joyous occasion, allowing us to come together, learn more about each other and our beliefs and celebrate the wonderful connections we have developed despite our differences.

“It is also a time to celebrate our faith groups, who do such wonderful work to actively support our residents, it’s a time to build connections between people and to provide a warm welcome to newcomers and champion those who need it the most.

“I invite everyone to come and join one of the fantastic events in the city, meet new people, learn about different traditions, and connect with our neighbours and future friends.”

What’s on in the city

Together at the Table - communal meal

6pm to 8pm, Wednesday 12 November

One Church Brighton, Gloucester Place, BN1 4AA

What better way to respond to divisive times than by eating communally? What if the clever use of surplus food meant you could feast affordably? What if professionally cooked community meals were available outside of working hours and accessible for all? Let’s gather together at the table to answer these questions and more while enjoying delicious seasonal food in good company.

Sussex Surplus CIC is a community food project with the mission of creating social value with surplus food. Together at the Table is their new communal dining event series aimed at bringing people together to foster social cohesion and togetherness.

Festival of faith and philosophy

11am to 4pm, Friday 14 November

Meeting House, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QF

Visit the stunning Meeting House at the University of Sussex and meet representatives from many of the faith and belief groups which make Brighton & Hove so special.

You'll be able to learn about many different faith and belief traditions, and tour the gorgeous Meeting House chapel, a 2* listed building designed by Basil Spence.

Interfaith Week annual service

3pm, Sunday 16 November

One Church, Florence Road, Brighton, BN1 6DL

A free, open spiritual gathering for people of all faiths and none, which will include a variety of music and readings.

The theme for 2025 is 'Nurturing Peace'. Following the service a delicious tea will be available, for which a small, voluntary donation is invited.

The Service is conducted by Rev David Steell, Minister and Team Leader.

Programme of the service:

1. Opening Music: Vocal Explosion:

2. Welcome: Rev David Steell, One Church

4. The Mayor of Brighton and Hove: Councillor Amanda Grimshaw

5. Adhan: The Call to Prayer and a Prayer with Translation: Imam Mustafa Hatipoglu: The Dialogue Society

6. Spiritual Reading: Lianne Howard-Dace One Church

7. Reading: Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber of Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue

8. Song: Caroline Kendall: The Brighton Quakers

9. Peace Reading: Petra Lazar: Superintendent Sussex Police: For Peace by John O’Donohue and Paths of Peace

10. Music: Vocal Explosion

11.Wage Peace and When I am Among the Trees by Mary Oliver, spoken by Sian Berry MP for Brighton Pavilion

12. Meditation from the Buddhist Tradition: Elizabeth Archer of Pebbles

Sangha

13. Music: Vocal Explosion:

14. Peace in A Restless City: Rev Anthea Ballam, Chair IFCG

15. Peace Reading: Richard Tuset, Brighton and Hove Council’s Head of Community Cohesion

16. Blessing and Closing Words: Rev David Steell, One Church

17. Music: Vocal Explosion