A multi-faith society presents important challenges for understanding differences within and between faith traditions and for working (beyond religious traditions) with wider society to maximum effect. This requires us all to be more ‘literate’ about the faiths we encounter and how we encounter them.

Universities are ideally placed to meet these challenges. They are places where people of all faiths – and none – gather to research, think and learn. In many cases this involves young people in particular, many of whom go on to become the leaders of the future. Universities have a special role in shaping the environment in which that learning and development unfolds, and this will often influence the attitudes and understandings informing wider society for decades to come.

Practical Arenas of Faith in HEIs

The programme explores these issues in four key HEI contexts:

1. Responding to the complexities of the new equalities and diversity provisions (including those about religion and belief) as they impact in staff and student bodies.
2. Widening participation strategies to make campuses inclusive for students of any faith tradition, and none.
3. Providing an excellent student experience for people of faith, including provision of student services and facilities which are sensitive to religious difference and needs
4. Actively promoting good campus relations.