The past few days I have been putting together a programme for next year thinking hard about how Reading Interfaith Group can more effectively win friends and influence people.  There's a temptation to think back with nostalgia and some amusement to less knowledgeable times when the presence of someone (almost anyone!) of a different faith background was a major attraction and so for relatively little effort on our part could conveniently fill a venue! 

In this challenge to be attractive it would seem we are not alone. With so much pressure these days. on time and fierce competition from the entertainment industry, it would seem you cannot judge the worth of any event by its popularity alone. Perhaps we may seem less original or exciting. Faith leaders may also at times long to see fewer empty seats. Some community initiatives can also be supported by just the same loyal enthusiasts despite their relevance and importance.

Looking back over the past year I cannot recall any Reading Interfaith Group Event as not having been worthwhile. Relatively poor attendances during the first part of last year provide however an opportunity to look honesty at the challenges we face, to examine priorities and learn. Since Reading Interfaith Group is focused on the importance of inclusion we need to recognise those circumstances which make attending our events difficult.  and then try in the best way we can to address them.

Safety

Since it is natural for any living creature to make safety their first consideration, this would seem a good starting point for us to consider. High profile child abuse cases have demonstrated the need for all organisations to be responsible, aware and abide by the law. At every level it is important to be trustworthy, honest, accountable and so deserving of our friends.

As with any faith or community group we have an expected framework of behaviour in which everyone is expected to behave with consideration and courtesy to others. No one under any circumstance should be discriminated against, victimised, gossiped about or bullied. For the safety and well-being of others it is necessary to be vigilant about potential problems and then honest in our dealings, This would seem to me as being a very necessary responsibility for any organisation or else the vulnerable and the innocent will suffer.  

For our group in particular, I think it is necessary to recognise that interfaith is neither instinctive nor easy for most people. What we are very often asking people to do is hard. Instead of always expecting individuals to come to our events, our programme should be backed up by other activities such as the Friendship Walk in which we should demonstrate our willingness to go out to meet people.

To promote a greater feeling of security, next year all our public events will take place at the same venue on the first Wednesday evening of the month. This change in approach should make attending  much less complicated, There will be a set agenda, so that the content and structure of our meetings will not take anyone by surprise. For an organisation run entirely by busy volunteers, it  would seem of some benefit not having "to re-invent the wheel" to exhaust the committee every time we hold a meeting!

Reading Interfaith Group is indebted to the Society of Friends for allowing us to use their Meeting House for our events.

Inclusion

At times there is a very strong temptation for groups to withdraw into themselves believing this will strengthen their sense of identity. It may also be flattering to associate with those who seem to be most like you, Instead such resulting cultural expectations have a tendency to put up invisible barriers and so become a reason for all those empty seats.

It would seem entirely understandable for anyone to stay away from places where they feel devalued, misunderstood, unwelcome or unhappy so to win friends it is necessary to appreciate the qualities and potential of others. As all religions are designed to create better human beings. Reading Interfaith Group's  priorities about love and respect for others are reflected in the framework of every faith that  I know.

Our set agenda for next year combining committee and public meetings will make the Reading Interfaith Group more transparent and accountable to its membership. There will be regular reports back and opportunities for those present to plan future events because everyone involved in our group is valued.

Traditionally Reading Interfaith Group has been has been very good at providing food both through the faith groups it has visited and through bring and share refreshments at our events. This way of contributing to Interfaith in a very practical way says I believe a great deal about the effort, support and welcome we are prepared to give to each other. 

Inspiration

This stage happens last because without first providing an environment of safety and inclusion you are far more likely to isolate and unnerve people. Whereas there may not always be opportunities to tell others what you think, let alone convince them,  it remains entirely within our power both as individuals and as groups to set an example demonstrating those beliefs and priorities that matter.

Inspiration usually begins with respect for others since shared knowledge in all its diversity will very often lead to wisdom. Even at this relatively early stage I will own to being excited by our programme for next year. Our themes already reflect the commitment of our group to consider difficult issues and diverse opinions within our usual framework of respect and willingness to learn from each other. 

Increasingly I am hoping we may work in partnership with other organisations, including religious groups, supporting their own interfaith initiatives besides running events of our own. Whatever our faith background, or our starting point in life, I believe that our greatest source of inspiration comes from that inherent ability of every human being to love and support each other.