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Exploring Interfaith Futures: insights from Cambridge Divinity students In this episode of the Interfaith Futures conversation series, three undergraduate students from the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge—Tassy, Alice, and Tom—discuss their experiences attending the national launch event for Inter Faith Week in London. Speaking with CIP Programme Manager Dr Iona Hine, they share their initial awareness of Inter Faith Week, the key takeaways from the event, and how interfaith dialogue intersects with their studies and future aspirations. The conversation highlights the importance of interfaith engagement in academia, community building, and policy-making, and underscores the potential for young people to shape interfaith futures--from thinktanks to religious education. 00:00 Introduction to Interfaith Futures 00:16 Background and recent developments in interfaith initiatives 01:06 Meet the students: Tassy, Alice, and Tom 01:26 Student reflections on Inter Faith Week 04:11 Highlights from the Inter Faith Week launch event 09:12 Personal takeaways and future aspirations 14:38 Conclusion and final thoughts

What does the future hold for interfaith relations? What research is needed? What knowledge do researchers and practitioners hold that might benefit each other? And what do policymakers need to know? Such are the questions that underpin Interfaith Futures, a 15-part conversation series featuring a mix of academics, practitioners and activists, interviewed by an emerging generation of scholars and professionals—around the central topic of Interfaith Futures. The interviews were first published on the Faculty of Divinity YouTube channel in November 2024, and now repackaged for podcast listeners. Episodes range from 12 to 25 minutes, and cover a diversity of topics. Listen in and join the conversation, with #InterfaithFutures. More information: Interviews: 15 perspectives on Interfaith Futures via www.interfaith.cam.ac.uk Produced by the Cambridge Interfaith Programme.

Dr Iona Hine interviews Professor Flora Samuel, Head of the Department of Architecture at the University of Cambridge. The conversation explores the concept of urban rooms, spaces where communities converge to discuss city futures, and the potential role of faith groups in these discussions. They discuss theoretical and practical challenges of considering representation, noting the 1% of a populace that typically participates in planning consultations is far from diverse. Dr Hine also invites Professor Samuel to reflect on four possible ways faith communities can engage in sustainable urban futures, referring to a recent article by Prof Christopher Baker and Dr Chris Ives. This episode is part of the Cambridge Interfaith Programme's UK Interfaith Futures series. 00:00 Introduction to the Interfaith Futures Series 00:38 Meet Professor Flora Samuel 01:37 The Concept of Urban Rooms 02:19 Faith Groups and Community Building 04:23 Challenges in Representation and Engagement 07:32 Faith and Urban Sustainability 10:01 Reflecting on Faith's Role in Urban Spaces 12:21 Concluding Thoughts Resources mentioned The Cambridge Room, an urban room for Cambridge: www.cambridgeroom.orgQuality of Life Foundation: www.qolf.orgIves & Baker, Engaging faith for a sustainable urban future, in Global Sustainability 7. doi.org/10.1017/sus.2024.32

CIP Programme Manager Dr Iona Hine interviews Bushra Nasir CBE, a pioneering educator and advocate for religious education. They discuss the importance of religious education in the UK, particularly amid contemporary societal challenges such as politicized differences and misinformation. Bushra Nasir emphasizes the role of schools in fostering understanding, tolerance, and respect among young people, referring to specific examples of good practice from her time as head of Plashet girls’ school and an academy CO—and advocating for the importance of specialist teachers and an equitable place for RE. In context of the national curriculum review, discussion highlights the opportunity to address global and multicultural issues, and the essential skills of debate and critical thinking RE can develop. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the role of education in their communities and consider how embracing diverse faith perspectives can contribute to a more cohesive and understanding world. 00:00 About the series: RE Future & Interfaith Futures 01:22 Introducing Bushra Nasir CBE 03:03 The Role of Religious Education in Contemporary Society 05:15 Building Capacities Through Religious Education 08:06 Policy Makers and Religious Education 12:56 Values in Religious Education 16:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Reem, a first-year PhD student at the Faculty of Divinity, interviews Professor Chris Baker from Goldsmiths University of London, to discuss the role of faith in public life. Baker emphasizes the importance of “radical ontology,” alternative social visions, and “radical practice” as contributions of faith groups to policy-making. He highlights examples where faith communities have influenced urban sustainability and grassroots projects. The conversation also touches on the necessity of integrating faith perspectives into policy development and overcoming secular biases in policymaking. Baker advocates for greater interfaith collaboration and the inclusion of young faith leaders in climate change initiatives and public policy formation. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:09 The Role of Faith in Public Life 03:54 Faith and Urban Sustainability 05:34 Co-Creation of Climate Policy 07:32 Engaging Faith Communities in Policy Making 10:20 Future of Interfaith Collaboration 12:46 Clarifying Misunderstandings about Faith Contributions 15:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Arbah, a PhD Theology student at the University of Cambridge, interviews the Reverend Dr Alex Clare Young, a trans non-binary United Reformed Church minister and theologian. They discuss the challenges and assumptions affecting intersectionality and inclusivity in interfaith futures. Dr Clare Young emphasizes the importance of queer theology, their doctoral research and book “Trans Formations,” and the need for LGBTQIA+ voices in theological discussions. They share personal experiences of overcoming discrimination, fostering allyship, and the transformative power of joy in their work. The interview also covers the importance of moving from tolerance to celebration of diversity in public spaces and educational systems, and the need for policy adaptations to support these changes. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:07 Understanding Interfaith Futures 01:49 Challenges in Queer Theology 02:56 Personal Motivations and Experiences 04:32 Transformative Conversations 05:51 Identity and Interfaith Work 08:26 Joy in Leadership 09:49 Future of Interfaith and Inclusive Spaces 12:08 Policy and Planning for Diversity 14:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources mentioned Joy LaddinAlex Clare Young (2024) Trans Formations: Grounding Theology in Trans and Non-Binary Lives

Ian McKay Constantine, a legal professional from St Lucia and alumnus of The Faith & Belief Forum's ParliaMentors Programme, interviews Dr Daniel Moulin, Religious Education lead at the University of Cambridge. They discuss the importance and potential of religious education (RE) in contemporary society. Dr Moulin emphasizes the need for deep, authentic engagement with religious traditions in RE, going beyond superficial understanding to address issues like prejudice, discrimination, and moral development. They also consider the implications of artificial intelligence on education and the necessity of maintaining our humanity, including through deep and meaningful engagement with religious studies. Part of the Interfaith Futures series, this episode also belongs to a three-part special on Religious Education produced in partnership with The Faith & Belief Forum. Religious Education is a statutory subject in UK schools, but a shortage of specialist teachers is among several challenges that have challenged its delivery. In principle, the subject is intended to provide chance to learn about and from different religions, supporting learners’ individuation, character development, and understanding of the world.

Arbah, a PhD Theology student at the University of Cambridge, interviews Jeeves Rohilla, CEO of the National Multifaith Youth Centre and now also studying at Cambridge, about interfaith futures and the role of young people in shaping them. The discussion covers the importance of co-creating programmes with young people, the intersection of interfaith and social justice, and challenges faced by young people in fostering interfaith dialogue. Jeeves shares insights from his experiences and emphasizes the need for inclusive and dynamic interfaith initiatives, particularly in engaging with youth, social media, climate change, and AI. The conversation also touches on gender-based violence and how interfaith collaboration can contribute to creating safer spaces for all genders. The interview opens with a reflection on Reverend Claudette Douglas’s legacy as a multifaith education chaplain and underscores the importance of long-term strategic planning. 0:20 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:55 Tribute to Reverend Claudette Douglas 01:40 Interfaith Futures and Youth Involvement 05:44 Challenges in Interfaith Dialogue 08:53 Building Effective Interfaith Partnerships 09:45 Future of Interfaith Work and Social Justice 11:40 Interfaith Collaboration in Tackling Gender-Based Violence 15:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources mentioned Faiths Forum for LondonThe National Multifaith Youth CentreResearch by Sophie Mitchell, Faith & Belief Forum

PhD student Peach interviews Laura Marks CBE, a distinguished policy advisor and interfaith social activist. Marks discusses the evolution of Mitzvah Day, which she founded as a Jewish-led initiative promoting interfaith collaboration through acts of community service. She reflects on how the interfaith landscape has changed over the years, highlighting the significance of positive engagement among diverse faith communities. Marks also shares her experiences establishing women-led interfaith partnerships, Nisa Nashim and the Women's Faith Forum, emphasizing the unique resilience and impactful roles these groups play. Toward the end of the conversation, a question about the presence of young people in interfaith settings, prompts reflection on how to ensure future generations continue to engage in and benefit from interfaith dialogue, with an eye to social cohesion. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:13 The Vision and Evolution of Mitzvah Day 05:35 The Role of Women in Interfaith Activities 08:23 Challenges and Opportunities in Women's Interfaith Work 10:29 Engaging the Next Generation in Interfaith Dialogue 15:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources mentioned: Mitzvah Day mitzvahday.org.ukNisa Nashim: Jewish Muslim Women’s Network www.nisanashim.comThe Women’s Faith Forum

In this episode, host Noah Rouse engages in discussion with Professor Michael Pollitt, Professor of Business Economics at Cambridge Judge Business School. They explore the intersection of faith, economics, and climate change, with Pollitt pressing the case for faith leaders to support economic solutions like carbon markets. The conversation touches on overcoming theologians’ misconceptions about market economies, the role of faith in historic social movements, and the potential for faith-based leadership to inspire action in addressing global climate challenges. Professor Pollitt emphasizes the need for a clear, unified ask from faith groups to make significant progress on climate policy, highlighting youth activism as a cause for optimism. 00:00 Introduction and Host Background 00:46 Guest Introduction: Professor Michael Pollitt 01:13 Professor Pollitt's Research Overview 02:09 Religion and Economics in Climate Change 04:45 Faith Leaders and Market Economists 05:37 Historical Precedents of Faith Movements 06:55 The Role of Faith in Climate Policy 08:24 Challenges and Opportunities for Faith-Based Climate Action 11:03 Uniting Faith and Secular Efforts 13:29 Hope and Solutions for Climate Change 16:17 Final Reflections and Hopeful Initiatives 17:48 Conclusion and Thanks

Dr Anastasia Badder, an anthropologist of religion at the University of Cambridge, converses with Dr Kathryn Wright, the Chief Executive of Culham St Gabriel's, about the evolving role and significance of Religious Education (RE). They discuss how RE can respond to contemporary challenges by fostering understanding, empathy, and critical thinking among students. Dr Wright highlights the importance of policymakers recognizing the subject's value, backed by public opinion supporting its role in promoting a respectful society. In addressing a question on shared values, Dr Wright introduces the concept of a “pedagogy of embrace.” Quoting Miroslav Volf, she emphasizes the idea of an embrace as an enriching encounter that respects individual integrity while fostering communal harmony and understanding, indicating its potential as a metaphor for interfaith relations as well as R.E. pedagogy. 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Anastasia Badder and Dr. Kathryn Wright 01:45 The Role of Religious Education in Contemporary Society 03:13 Building Empathy and Understanding Through RE 05:37 Future Challenges and the Role of RE 11:01 Policymakers and the Importance of RE 17:44 Values for a Holistic Society and RE Futures 24:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources mentioned Savanta Comres survey statistics on Culham St Gabriel’s website (2021)Nobody Stands Nowhere: an animation created in partnership between Culham St Gabriel’s and the Theos thinktank. www.theosthinktank.co.ukMiroslav Volf (1996) Exclusion & Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and ReconciliationKathryn Wright (2017) A pedagogy of embrace: a theology of hospitality as a pedagogical framework for religious education in Church of England schools [PhD Thesis]

Susie Triffitt, a PhD student in Theology and Anthropology, introduces her friend the Reverend Nathanael Poole, who shares his experiences and insights on interfaith work in Bradford, a city so religiously diverse it matches Pew research projections for the world in 2050. Nathanael discusses interactions with Muslim and Hindu communities, highlighting the importance of honest dialogue and shared spaces, like Park Run, for fostering interfaith connection. Challenges such as self-censorship and community segregation are addressed, alongside his thoughts on religious education and sensitive storytelling in schools. Nathanael reflects on changing faith dynamics, the decline of aggressive atheism, and a renewed interest in spiritual and theistic faiths among young people. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing importance and potential of interfaith engagement for future community harmony. 00:00 Introduction to the Cambridge Interfaith Programme 00:50 Meet Reverend Nathanael Poole 02:20 Challenges in Interfaith Dialogue 04:59 Interfaith in Non-Religious Spaces 07:20 Policy and Education in Interfaith Contexts 12:30 Interfaith Experiences with Hindu and Sikh Communities 15:02 Reflections on Faith and Interfaith Futures 16:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Religion and Conflict MPhil student Julia interviews Arezoo Farahzad, a television producer, director, and chair of an interfaith charity in Plymouth, UK. They discuss Arezoo's initiatives, including an annual interfaith festival and monthly international dinners aimed at fostering community and cultural understanding. Arezoo emphasizes that these events celebrate unity and dialogue among different faiths and generations without experiencing tensions. She shares insights on how food acts as a unifier and a springboard for deeper interfaith discussions, and reflects on her personal journey and the teachings of the Baha'i Faith. The conversation also touches on broader societal issues, the importance of global cooperation, and the role of schools in promoting interfaith dialogue. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:39 Arezoo's Work and Interfaith Initiatives 01:15 The Role of Food in Interfaith Dialogue 01:45 Experiences and Lessons from Interfaith Events 05:08 Challenges and Solutions in Interfaith Work 07:40 Global Perspectives and Collective Solutions 09:56 The Importance of Dialogue and Education 15:06 Future of Interfaith Relations and Personal Reflections 17:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources mentioned Plymouth Centre for Faiths and Cultural Diversity, pcfcd.co.ukInternational Dinner (Plymouth)

In this episode, Susie Triffitt, a third-year PhD student studying Theology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge, interviews Michael Wakelin, the executive chair of the Religion Media Centre. They discuss Wakelin's extensive background in religious broadcasting, his work with the Cambridge Interfaith Programme, and various interfaith projects, such as the leadership training program at St George's, Windsor. Wakelin also talks about the Religion Media Centre's mission to improve religious literacy in the media, responding to the Bloom Review, and the importance of new media, including TikTok, in furthering interfaith engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of building interfaith relationships and addresses the challenges and successes in the interfaith space. Michael and Susie find themselves in agreement: despite secular trends in census data, many people continue to exhibit religious behaviors, and the future of faith is promising, filled with passionate individuals. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:11 Michael Wakelin's Background and Career 01:54 Interfaith Leadership Program 02:54 Religion Media Centre 05:01 Religious Literacy and Bloom Review 07:32 Challenges and Successes in Interfaith Work 11:31 New Media and Interfaith Engagement 13:34 Future of Faith and Interfaith Relations 16:28 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts Resources mentioned Faith in Leadership (St George’s Windsor)Religion Media Centre (ReligionMediaCentre.org.uk)Bloom ReviewReligious Literacy PartnershipCreating Connections (an RMC project)

In this episode, Ryan Keating, a PhD student at Cambridge University and pastor in North Cyprus, engages with Professor Sriya Iyer, a pioneer in the field of economics of religion. They discuss the role of religion in mental health, the impact of religious communities on public welfare, and how economic theories can help understand religious interactions. Their dialogue explores the intersection of religion and economics, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers and faith leaders alike. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:32 Exploring the Economics of Religion 03:31 Religion, Mental Health, and Wellbeing 06:13 Faith Communities and Economic Perspectives 11:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions Resources mentioned • SCORE | Religion and Economic Development programme, reported at interfaith.cam.ac.uk: Exploring religion and economic development. • Iyer’s research on religion, mental health and wellbeing, reported at interfaith.cam.ac.uk Research news: “Religion may have helped during COVID”. • Sriya Iyer, 2018, The economics of religion in India (Harvard University Press).