However, while we have much in common, it is our undeniable and at times irreconcilable differences that have led to misunderstandings and difficulties in the first place. Although history records many devastating wars between different groups for religious supremacy and control, having ‘separate’ identities surely does not have to lead to ‘separatism’.

It is essential that we recognize what makes one faith distinctive from another, but it is equally essential that this is articulated without insisting on the need to impose one identity on another. 

Faithworks calls this Distinctive Faith. It enables people to assert their faith identity without resorting to aggression to insist on its way. Distinctive Faith enables people to articulate and discuss what matters to them, even when there are irreconcilable differences, in open and unthreatening spaces. By recognizing differences, Distinctive Faith also enables faith groups to maintain their unique characteristics.

Community cohesion only begins to be possible when each faith has the opportunity to be itself. Nothing is a greater threat to good relations than misconstruing people’s identities or homogenizing different faith identities as one.

Confirmation of a person or group’s identity automatically creates confidence to embrace others. In this way, Distinctive Faith creates an environment in which diversity can be embraced. Faithworks’s commitment to diversity is set out in its Faithworks Charter which contains standards about how to treat all people with respect and dignity, about valuing people and about best practice. All Faithworks affiliates are required to sign up to this Charter.

We welcome this letter and the intentions to work together towards peace. Faithworks offers its understanding of and commitment to Distinctive Faith as a way of realizing its potential.

Joy Madeiros, Public Policy Advisor to Faithworks