From Sunday 9th to Sunday 16th November 2025, faith communities across the UK will come together for Inter Faith Week, a national initiative that encourages dialogue, partnership and shared action. The week begins on Remembrance Sunday, inviting us to remember contributions from people of all faiths and none.
This year’s theme, “Community: Together We Serve,” invites us not only to celebrate spiritual diversity, but to explore how faith motivates social responsibility, mutual care and solidarity across divides. In a time marked by migration, global displacement and rising division, Interfaith Week offers a special moment for communities to affirm the dignity of every person, especially those forced from home.
For Columbans, accompanying migrants and refugees is a mission priority globally and locally. Across the world, our mission reflects the call of Catholic Social Teaching to ‘welcome the stranger’, making hospitality and solidarity central to everything we do.
In Britain Columbans support vulnerable migrants by running Fatima House, among other initiatives. This project has provided safe accommodation and support to women seeking protection since 2016. We walk alongside women who have been displaced, fostering dialogue, understanding and practical care. Another example is the work Columbans do through the Faith in Action Volunteer Programme, accompanying young adults as they engage with migration, justice and intercultural understanding. Through events like the Festival of Encounter, we bring together educators and people seeking protection to foster dialogue and compassion.
In Australia, we foster interfaith relationships mainly through the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations. We build bridges by offering resources, publications and events that promote mutual understanding and shared commitments to peace. Initiatives such as the Bridges Newsletter, The Golden Rule project and participation in interfaith vigils bring communities together in dialogue and solidarity, modelling reconciliation and joint action for justice and peace.
“As November’s Inter Faith Week approaches, people of all faiths and none are invited to consider how they can build cohesive communities.” explains Columban Interreligious Co-ordinator Mauricio Silva. “We hope to inspire people to step beyond their comfort zones, prioritise accompaniment and see this special week as an opportunity to build concrete initiatives of welcome, especially to those on the margins.”
The Inter Faith Week website offers a wealth of resources to support and inspire individuals and groups planning activities to mark Inter Faith Week 2025. Besides activity ideas for schools, local authorities, student groups and sports clubs to encourage interfaith engagement, there are dialogue resources designed to foster meaningful conversations between individuals of different faiths and beliefs.
People are invited to register their activities on the Interfaith Week website.
Be sure to keep an eye out on our social channels as we’ll be sharing events local to Birmingham nearer the time!
