MULTICULTURAL RESOURCE CENTRE
Respect
For
Cultural & Religious Beliefs
Abdul K Shakoor MBE
RESPECT FOR CULTURAL & RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
INDEX
Subject: page
Christian (Anglican, Free Church, Methodist, Baptist etc. 7
Christian (Roman Catholic) 9
Islam 11
Judaism 17
Sikhism 20
Hinduism 25
Common Arabic/Muslim Associated Terms 28
· If you have any comments or questions about the content of this booklet.
· If you would like to know more about Multicultural Resource Centre and Training Programme.
· If you would like to receive Cultural Awareness training
· If you would like to receive Diversity & Equality training
· If you would be interested in helping to promote Diversity & Equality.
· If you would be interested in being a member of a focus group, interest group or committee associated with Diversity & Equality …
Please contact: Training Administrator
Tel: 01706 6624678
email: mcrcrochdale@yahoo.co.uk
Or write to: Multicultural Resource Centre
2 Monmouth Street, Rochdale, OL11 3SZ
Thank you for your interest
NOTES AND REFERENCES
Dr Pritam Singh, Sikhism
Zunaid Kazi, Grand Tour of Bangladesh
Privacy, Dignity and Respect for Cultural and religious Beliefs, Burnley Health Care
M. Ikram, Muslims Civilisation
DISCLAIMER
Whilst great care has been taken to provide the information in these pages as correct as possible, we cannot assume a formal and / or legal warranty for all its accuracy. If you notice something incorrect, please contact us. We will try to correct the inaccuracies as soon as possible.
If you have any comments or suggestions for improvement, please feel free to tell us. We will consider improvements if time permits and of course we need your help.
AK Shakoor MBE
INTRODUCTION TO
ETHNIC AWARENESS TRAINING
A Patients Charter Standard stipulates that all Health Services should make a provision so that ensuring privacy, dignity, shows proper personal consideration and religious and cultural beliefs are respected.
The ‘Awareness’ sessions aim to help staff gain a basic understanding of the religion and culture of Asians. They will help to eliminate any myths, ignorance’s and half- truths and short sessions will provide practical help and guidance.
Hopefully, by the end of the sessions, staff will have a better awareness of the different between religion and culture and will be able to feel more confident with handling daily issues when they serve the Asians of the community.
We are sure that, through this training initiative, there will be mutual benefit for staff and patients. We hope that you find the sessions interesting and stimulating and that they will help you in your future work.
This booklet has been developed as part of a Multicultural Resource centres Training programme, which aims to support health and community workers to provide health services in such a way that is sensitive to faith and cultures and black and minority ethnic people in the UK.
The programme will give health workers who are involved in providing services support and information, the opportunity to clarify and discuss the implications of different faiths and cultures on the services they provide.
The aim of this booklet is to inform the development of the best practice within service provision by providing perspectives on the context of health issues from a number of faith perspectives.
CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING
Is it needed?
Asians form a major part of those who came to Britain in the wake of post-war immigration. The growth of Asian communities in Britain’s urban areas has presented professionals with a unique challenge. General lack of knowledge and understanding about their religion and cultural is often a source of tension and misunderstanding.
In today’s competitive and sensitive world it is vital that professionals working with Asians or providing services for them are equipped with awareness training in order to be effective. Experience has shown the benefits of such training in developing mutual confidence, greater co-operation and more effective services. It can save much time and money often wasted in misdirected and unsuitable programmes. Cultural Awareness Training is of particular benefits to those wishing to promote equal opportunities and increase participation from ethnic minorities within their organisation.
Objectives
· To offer insight into the cultures and civilisation of Asian communities.
· To eliminate any myths, ignorance and half myths.
Reference notes and Certificate
Every participant is given reference notes on all the aspects covered during the session, allowing them to concentrate on the discussion and understanding of the issues rather than preparing notes. Participants also receive a certificate of attendance.
Who should attend
Home Office, Health Service, Police officers, Youth Workers, Welfare Officers, Social Workers, Race Relations Officers, Probation Officers,
Some of Our Clients Have Included.
Burnley Health Care NHS Trust
Communicare NHS Trust
Jarman Centre
Queens Park Hospital, Blackburn
Age Concern
University of Central Lancashire
Asian Disability Arts
IN-HOUSE TRAINING
If your organisation needs to train a number of staff, an in-house programme is the most cost-effective solution. The above session, as well as the following day courses, designed to meet your specific needs, can be organised.
Other courses available are:
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Asian communities and Mental Health.
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Asians in Care- Disability, Learning Difficulties, adoption, fostering, hospitalisation and bereavement.
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Asian Arts, Pakistan, India & Bangladesh.
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Religion, Ethnicity and Sex Education.
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Faith and Sexuality, Islamic, Hindu and Sikh Perspective.
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Roles of Men and Women in Islam- how are the roles developed, religion, tradition and tackling the issue of equality.
· Cultural Awareness of Asian Communities
To raise awareness about the culture, religious and historical background of Asian communities.
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Asian Cultural and Religious Awareness is Palliative Care
To raise awareness of Asian culture/religion towards palliative cares and explores the issues around death and bereavement.
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Asian Teenage Sexuality and the Culture of Confusion
This course will aim to raise the awareness of cultural and religious issues in sex relationship for young people from Asian communities.
To understand the sexual health needs of young people.
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Asian Religious, Culture and Sexuality
To provide an overview of cultural and religious issues around sex and relationships impacting on people from Asian communities in order to enable participants to identify and incorporate ways of cross cultural working.
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Nicotine dependence and Smoking in the Asian communities
Religious and cultural aspects of tobacco use within Asian communities
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Why Interpreter?
Understanding the role of link workers
CULTURAL AWARENESS OF ASIAN COMMUNITIES
Social Services Rochdale
EVALUATION May 2007 – May 2008
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
Number of evaluation sheets = 100
1. How relevant is the session to your work?
80% 15% 5%
Very 1. 80 2. 15 3. 5 4. 5. Not at all
2. How much new information did you gain from the session?
85% 12% 3%
A lot 1. 85 2. 12 3. 3 4. 5. Not at all
3. Were the objectives adequately met?
82% 13% 5%
Very 1. 82 2. 13 3. 5 4. 5. Not at all
4. Was the session?
a] Too long: 1
b] About right: 55
c] Too short: 44
7. Would you recommend this session to others?
Yes: 99 No: 0 not answered 1
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
Randomly selected (ratio 1:10)
5. What was the most useful part of the session and why?
‘All aspects, I was made aware of a broad area of culture’.
‘Found the session useful’.
‘Very well delivered time flew by’
‘Pointing out cultural vs. religious beliefs i.e.: can break culture for medical interactions’
‘The session was useful in all aspects’
‘All very interesting and useful’
‘Care related issues and being able to ask lot of questions’
‘Different languages in Asian communities’
‘Question and Answer session to clarify certain points’
‘The tutor was very easy to listen too and made the course interesting’
6. What was the least useful part of the session and why?
‘Everything seems to have been covered’
‘No. Everything was interesting’
‘Can’t think of anything’
‘Similarities between Eastern & Western cultures could be highlighted’
‘Slides too small to read as acetates, need power point presentation’
‘None’
‘None’
8. Are there any other comments you wish to make?
‘Any chance of longer training session’.
‘I would like to be involved in any future awareness session; it was extremely informative and useful’
‘Very interesting’
‘Excellent – very amusing and informative’.
‘Same session but smaller group’.
‘Thank you’
‘Very useful, would also be beneficial to other colleagues’
‘Very informal and interesting but not long enough’
‘Very good very interesting’ should be two days
‘Would like to attend again’
Conclusion
From the information obtained, and combining the two highest scores (1+2) on question one, it indicated that almost 93% of people attending the sessions felt that it was relevant to their work. This is good because it should mean that they will hopefully apply the knowledge gained in their workplace settings, and the quality of service will be improved, also that they were the appropriate people to attend this training.
It can be seen from this analysis that 96% of people attending felt that they had gain a lot of new information (1+2) on question 2.
With regards to the session themselves, using the same combination of scoring as before, 95% of participants felt that the objectives had been mostly met adequately. Most people who attended felt that the time had been well spent and was very worthwhile, and they will recommend this session to others.
The feedback from the qualitative analysis was very positive all the way.
CHRISTIANITY
Church of England (Anglican)
and Free Church (Methodist, URC, Baptist etc)
Introduction
Christianity is a religion of salvation, believing that humans became separated from God through disobedience (sin). Jesus’s life and death renewed that relationship. How this salvation occurred leads to the main believes of Christianity; the Trinity, the Incarnation and the Atonement.
Prayer
Church of England and Free Church members are encouraged to develop their own pattern and discipline of prayer which includes private devotions and going to church services for public congregational prayer.
Other Sacraments
In hospital, Church of England and Free Church patients or their relatives may require a chaplain to attend:
• To celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism
• To offer the Sacrament of Anointing of the sick at any time, not necessarily where death is imminent
• To offer prayers of healing and / laying on of hands
• In a few cases, to hear confession and pronounce absolution
• To pronounce a blessing at certain times, e.g. after a civil marriage performed by a registrar in the ward, at a family celebration e.g. major wedding anniversary, in times of psychic disturbance, e.g. following damaging experience with the supernatural / where there are fears about demon-possession.
Holy Book
The Holy Book is the Bible, a combination of scriptures shared with the Jewish faith (Old Testament) and the collection of Gospels and Epistles written in Greek, telling of the new (Testament) made by God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Holy Days and Festivals
The Christian Liturgical Year starts with the season of Advent in late November or early December. This is four weeks of preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas. There then follow two weeks of Christmastide celebrating the coming of Christ. In late February or early March, the season of Lent begins. This is a period of forty days when the fast and prayer of Christ in the desert is remembered. Then follows Holy Week in which the events of the Last Supper, the suffering, death and burial and the Resurrection of Christ are called to mind. Following on from this, there are fifty days of rejoicing in Eastertide, culminating in the Feasts of Ascension and Pentecost (Whit sun), which recall Christ’s ascent to heaven and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
During the rest of the year (known as ‘Ordinary Time’), the Liturgy encourages the faithful to live the life of Christ in their daily lives.
Diet and Hygiene
Some Christian groups ban the use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee. However in general no particular kind of food is forbidden within the Christian faith.
Birth
Celebrations of birth begin with congratulations from friends and family with gifts and cards. For many Christian sects the sacrament of Baptism is performed, this involves the pouring of water on the head of the child in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Godparents are chosen and the baby is given its ‘Christian’ name. Parents and God parents commit of behave of the child welcoming it into the faith. When the child is older he/she will go through a confirmation or dedication.
Death
Death in Christianity is seen as part of the human condition, it is not to be feared. There is “a time to be born and a time to die”. Expressions of sympathy and support are appropriate, often in the form of cards or letters of condolence.
Mourners at a funeral will wear black; those who knew the deceased would attend the funeral even if not invited, to pay their last respects.
Christians can be buried or cremated. A church service takes place followed by a procession to the crematorium or graveyard. A short service takes place for the committal of the body. Following the committal friends and family are invited to family home for a simple meal.
CHRISTIANITY - Roman Catholic
Daily Prayer and Worship
According to a person’s needs, various religious and spiritual needs may be expressed, which
may include some of the following:
· To attend Mass
All Roman Catholics are obliged to attend Mass on Sundays and certain Holy Days. In reality, though not all keep this practice, depending on the individual.
· To receive Holy Communion
If a patient is not well enough to attend the chapel, Holy Communion, consecrated at Mass, can be brought by a chaplain or Lay Eucharistic Minister to the patient at their bedside.
· To celebrate the Sacrament of Forgiveness (Confessions)
Often Roman Catholic wish to see the chaplain to celebrate this sacrament in which they confess their sins and worries in total confidence. The priest then offers counsel and support and prays the prayer of God’s forgiveness.
• To celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick
This involves a short reading from the Bible, the priest placing his hand on the sick person’s head and anointing them on the forehead and palms of the hands with holy oil and praying for the person. This is a special prayer for healing, help and strength at a difficult time.
• To help with prayer
There is no obligation to set prayer, except for the clergy and religious people. Others are encouraged to read the Bible, a prayer book, rosary beads, prayer cards or adopt some form of personal prayer. Chaplains are sometimes asked to help people with an appropriate style of prayer for their time in hospital.
In general practice, some of these sacraments, blessings and prayers are often performed as one act. For example, the Sacrament of Forgiveness (absolution), anointing the sick and Holy Communion are often celebrated together. Baptism and confirmation are carried out together.
Catholic patients who have married outside the church discipline often ask the chaplain’s help in putting their marriage right in the eyes of the church.
Holy Book
As for the Church of England and Free Church.
Holy Days and Festivals
As for the Church of England and Free Church.
Diet and Hygiene
On Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent and on Good Friday, the day of Christ’s Crucifixion, Catholics are bound to fasting and abstinence. It is also expected that some form of penance be undertaken each Friday of the year. There is also an obligation to fast for one hour before receiving Holy Communion. It should be noted that when someone is in hospital, they are dispensed from all obligations of fasting or penitential practice.
Gender Issues
No specific requirements.
Birth
As for the Church of England and Free Church.
Death
If the person has died, the chaplain will pray the prayers for the dead, as an assurance of God’s care for the one who has died and to give comfort and peace to the relatives.
Sometimes Roman Catholics of an older tradition or those who are not too involved in the church will ask for a chaplain to perform ‘the last rites’ for a seriously ill relative. There is actually no ceremony of this name, and generally what people are requesting is a ‘rite of passage’ that could involve the Sacrament of the Sick, the Prayers for the Dying or the Prayers for the Dead. There is a misunderstanding among some Roman Catholics that the priest should be called at the very last moment. Roman Catholic teaching encourages the participation of the Church at all stages of illness and all those who have care of Roman Catholic patients should assure them that the chaplain is there to offer help and support.
ISLAM
INTRODUCTION
‘Islam is an Arabic word and simply means ‘submission’. It also originates from the word meaning ‘peace’. In a religious context, Islam means complete submission to ‘Allah’, the Arabic name for God.
Islam develops a framework of life. This world is not a place to run away from. It is a brief stay for being tested, purified and developed. Life must therefore be used fully. All good things on this earth are for man to use but their use should be within the limits prescribed by Islam.
Islam also repeatedly urges that the needs and desires of the body are not evil in themselves. All of them; food, drink, sleep and sex, should be satisfied. Only when they are satisfied in violation of limits set by God do they become sinful.
Beliefs
Islam is not a new religion but the same truth that God revealed through all his prophets. For a fifth of the world’s population Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life.
The fundamental beliefs that Islam teaches are the:
• Belief in one God
• The Holy Prophets
• The Angels
• The Holy Books
• The Day of Judgement
Islam is not merely a series of rites and rituals but a total and unified way of life, both religious and secular. It is a set of beliefs and a way of worship. It is a vast and integrated system of law. It is culture and civilisation. It is an economic system and a way of doing business. It is a method of governance. It is a special sort of society and a way of running a family. It prescribes for inheritance and divorce, dress and etiquette, food and personal hygiene.
Conduct
Conduct is as important in Islam as is faith. The faith in the heart must lead to good actions and morals in every aspect of life. In Islam, salvation lies in doing good deeds and not merely faith.
The Five Pillars of Islam
After accepting the above beliefs, the following actions (The Five Pillars of Islam) are also undertaken by Muslims. The five pillars are the framework of the Muslim life.
i Faith - (Ash-Shahadah)
By saying ‘there is no God apart from Allah and Mohammed (pbuh) is the messenger of God’, the believers announce their faith in all God’s messengers and the scriptures they brought.
ii Prayer - (Salat)
For Muslims, prayer is a regular and disciplined act of worship in which they humbly submit to God. They seek mercy, forgiveness and guidance from Him. The prayer takes the form of a series of rites, which include standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting and where memorised verses from the Qur’an are recited. Prayer is obligatory, five times a day at a stated period; at dawn (Fajr), at midday (Zuhr), late afternoon (Asar), after sunset (Mghrib) and late evening (Isha). Muslims pray in the mosque in congregation where they assemble and stand in rows behind the Imam, who leads the prayer.
Prayers can also be conducted at home or any place where it is convenient and clean. A Muslim patient may wish to pray on the bed in a sitting position or pray near the bedside using a prayer mat. The patient may wish to draw the curtains during prayer for privacy. This would usually take 10 to 15 minutes.
For Muslims, the Friday midday prayer is of great importance and most Muslims make this effort to perform this prayer in congregation. As it is a special prayer, it cannot be performed individually.
iii Charity - (Zakat)
One of the most important principles in Islam is that all the things belong to God and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word Zakat means both purification and growth - setting aside a proportion for those in need purifies our possessions.
In Islam, Muslims with sufficient means are obliged to give two and a half per cent of the value of their total wealth each year to the needy.
iv Fasting - (Sawm)
Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations.
Those who are sick, elderly and women nursing or pregnant are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed.
Children are encouraged to fast from an early age; a child may keep a fast for half a day.
Although the fast is most beneficial to health, it is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one’s spiritual life.
v Pilgrimage - (Hajj)
The annual pilgrimage to Makkah is an obligation for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go every year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.
Pilgrims wear simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand as equal before God.
The rites of Hajj are performed from the 8th to 13th of Dhul Hajj, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
A pilgrimage to Mecca is a once in a lifetime event of great magnitude and significance in the heart of every Muslim.
Ablution (Wudu)
Prior to prayer, Muslims will perform Ablution, a ritual act of purification, which involves washing the hands, face, mouth, nose and arms up to the elbow, lightly passing water over the head and washing the feet up to the ankles. Muslims prefer to wash in running water for bathing purposes, i.e. would prefer a shower to a bath.
Prayer Mat and Compass and the Direction of the ‘Qiblah’
A prayer mat is placed upon the floor and prayers are said while standing or kneeling upon the mat. Prayers must be said facing the southeasterly direction towards the Ka’bah in Makkah, which is in Saudi Arabia. Muslims use a small compass if they need to determine the correct direction. Pray mats are available with compasses attached to them.
Prayer mats, like all Islamic art, never portray living creatures, since this would be unacceptable to many pious Muslims. If a prayer mat is not available, a clean towel or clean folded sheet can be used instead.
Qur'an and Stand
Allah's guidance and laws are laid out in the Qur'an, the Islamic holy book. Allah's words were revealed to the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through the angel Jibrael. These words were memorised by Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions and committed to writing. The words are regarded as the direct dictation of Allah himself so that the Qur'an is read and studied in its original language Arabic. Reading the Qur'an in Arabic is an important part of Muslim worship at home and in the mosque and passages from the Qur'an are used as decoration in buildings, in books and on jewellery.
The Qur'an is always treated with great respect by Muslims and is placed on a special stand at home and in the mosque and when it is not being read, it is kept on a shelf by itself or it is placed higher than any other books in the room. Before handling the Qur'an, Muslims perform wudu to show respect. The Qur'an is considered to be Allah's greatest favour to humanity since his guidance, revealed through its words, is valid for all times and all places.
Birth
Birth ceremonies include the rites of Adhan and Iqamat, shaving of the head, naming and circumcision.
The Adhan is the Muslim call to prayer. When a Muslim child is born, it is bathed and the Adhan is said softly into its right ear. The Iqamat is said into the left ear. If the baby is in an incubator, a special instrument will need to be used. Soon after the birth, a small amount of sugar or honey is placed in the baby’s mouth. The baby is named on the 7th day after birth. On the 7th day after the birth, the head of the baby is shaved and all boys are circumcised.
Death
When a Muslim is dying family and friends will sit near the bed and read some verses of the Qur’an and pray for the peaceful departure of the soul. On the point of death, the face is turned in the direction of the Ka’bah in Makkah. In the state of consciousness the dying would recite the Shahadah - The Declaration of Faith, ‘La-Ellaha-illa-Llah, Muhammadur rasulu-Llah’. (There is no God but Allah; Muhammad is the messenger of Allah). This is done to invoke the blessings of Allah and in the hope that Allah will accept his life as a Muslim and forgive his sins in the hereafter.
At the time of death recitation of the Quran ceases, immediately the:
• Close the eyes of the deceased
• The body turned to the right if possible towards the Qiblah, the south-easterly direction of prayer, if this has not already been done
• Joints of the arms and legs flexed to stop them becoming rigid to enable washing and shrouding
At all times, the deceased’s body is modestly covered. Islam recommends that burial take place as soon as possible, preferably within twenty four hours.
Gender Issues
Islam has not prescribed any particular dress. It has given broad outlines and enjoined Muslims to cover their bodies properly and decently.
The minimum part of the body that should be necessarily covered by a man is from his navel to his knees and, for a woman, from her head to her ankles, leaving only the face hands and feet bare. Clothing must not be see-through nor tight fitting.
The integration of the sexes is not allowed in Islam
Muslim patients would prefer to be examined by a nurse or a doctor of their own sex whenever possible.
Diet and Hygiene
Muslims are permitted only to eat Halal foods, i.e. food that has been prepared in accordance with Islamic regulations.
The food and drinks which Islam prohibits are:
1. Intoxicants and drugs, (non medicinal), in any quantity
2. Pork and its by-products
3. The flesh of animals that have died without being slaughtered
4. Animals killed by a blow, by falling or being gored with horns
5. Birds of prey, rodents, reptiles and animals with claws
6. Blood
7. Anything dedicated to, or killed in the name of, a deity other than God
A Cleansing Vessel
Many Muslims regard the use of toilet paper as insufficient in terms of hygiene and wash with water after using the toilet. Therefore, a cleansing vessel is used for this purpose.
Holy Days and Festivals
The Islamic calendar year is lunar. Each year has twelve months of twenty nine to thirty days and festivals occur approximately ten days earlier each year.
Eid ul Fitr
This is a one day festival marking the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with a special Morning Prayer in congregation, visiting relatives and friends, exchanging presents and wearing new clothes.
Eid ul Adha
Eid ul adha occurs 70 days after Eid ul Fitr; it marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to (Mecca) mekkah. It also remembers Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to prove his obedience to God. Congregational prayers are attended on the morning of this day. The sacrifice of an animal is encouraged - the meat is shared among family, friends and importantly the poor.
Friday (Jum’ah)
It is the day when Muslims wash and dress gather for prayer at the mosque. A day; when special mercies and rewards are granted. A calibration of the faith.
Organ Donations
Muslims are allowed to donate an organ such as a kidney to save life.
Abortion
Abortion is never permitted as a means of birth control. Muslims view foetal development as occurring at all stages of pregnancy and after one hundred and twenty days, it is believed the breath of life is instilled into the foetus. However, in the extreme circumstances where a mother’s life is endangered by the continuation of pregnancy, abortion is permitted.
Contraception
Islamic teachings are in agreement with the natural desire for children as with other natural and legitimate requirements of life. However, at the same time, Islam recognises that there are certain constraints that may make the prevention of pregnancy necessary. This would include danger to the life or health of the mother, consideration for the health and needs of the baby, or the inability of the couple to take care of another baby.
In applying the basic Islamic principles to modern times, it is therefore generally agreed that contraception is valid as Islam moves with time.
Blood Transfusions
There is no indication that blood transfusions are prohibited. The principle in Islam that necessity sometimes makes things permissible, which in extreme circumstances are otherwise prohibited. Donation of blood is permissible, as it is beneficial to humanity without risk to one’s health. However, the sale of blood is prohibited.
JUDAISM
Introduction
The British Jewish community identifies with neither a specific country of origin nor ethnic group. There is a wide variety of beliefs and attitudes and even of languages spoken. However, observant Jews have specific dietary and other religious requirements and may hold cultural beliefs about health and illness, life and death.
Judaism has various religious strands such as: Chassidic, Ultraorthodox, Orthodox, Masorti, Conservative, Progressive, Reform and Liberal.
Daily Prayer and Worship
It is only natural that a religious and particularly an ailing person will wish to thank God when they wake up in the morning, when he/she is at the height of day (in the afternoon) and in the evening before sleep. The Morning Prayer for a male over the age of 13 may entail, (if he wish’s) putting on his tallit or prayer shawl. During weekday morning services, Jewish men also wear tephillin, two leather boxes containing tiny scrolls from the Torah. One is tied to the forehead and the other bound around the arm and hand with a leather strap. A Jew may pray at any time in any language and any posture, but the discipline of the three-time bound prayers in Hebrew are hallowed by tradition and therefore a comfort.
Holy Book
The Torah (or Pentateuch) is the Holy Jewish book. Synagogues keep copies handwritten in Hebrew on a parchment scroll and covered by a mantle when not in use. Printed versions are available in English.
Holy Days and Festivals
The Jewish holy day is Saturday, which is the Sabbath Day (Shabat the 7th Day of the week). The concept of the Sabbath Day is contained in Exodus 20:8, known as the 4th commandment.
It contains the command to abstain from work on the 7th day of the week, Saturday, and celebrates the creation of the world by God in six days and His subsequent rest on the seventh; thus declaring it as a day of holiness, social freedom, but also of joy where sadness is banned and mourning suspended.
The interpretation of ‘work’ is creative acts, or acts which change one condition into another. A fully observant Jew is, therefore, not allowed to switch on or extinguish a light, or even to ask anybody else to do so, on Shabat. If, therefore, he / she accepts some help, it should not be interpreted as laziness. The fully observant Jew is also not allowed to travel on the Sabbath. Sabbath restrictions also prohibit the carrying of money or gifts, or the purchase of any articles or refreshments but any religious law may be transgressed if life is in danger. Shabat begins on Friday at nightfall with a short ceremony of candle lighting and blessing of wine and bread and concludes on Saturday night by a farewell ceremony.
Jewish Holy Days
Passover, or the Festival of the Unleavened Bread, celebrates the Exodus out of Egypt by the children of Israel. The message is national and personal freedom. The diet during eight days of the festival is strictly ‘unleavened’. No bread must be consumed. The festival it takes place around Easter time.
Shavuoth, or the Festival of Weeks, or Pentecost is also called the Season of the Giving of the Torah (Jewish teaching), when God committed the Jewish religion to Moses on the two tablets of stone on Mount Sinai.
The High Holidays follow in the autumn, the ten days of Awe or repentance for our sins. The first two days are the Jewish New Year and the tenth day, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), a solemn twenty-five hour fast.
The Festival of Succot or Tabernacles begins five days after Yom Kippur. Meals are held in temporary structures out of doors in memory of the protection by God during the wandering of the Children Of Israel in the Desert but symbolising also our temporary dwelling on this earth. It is also a Festival of the Final Harvest.
On all these festivals the prohibition of work is almost the same as on Shabat. The two minor festivals of Purim in early spring and Chanukah, the Festival of Lights around Christmas time are very happy occasions. Work is permitted. Candles are lit during the week of Chanukah.
Diet and hygiene
Jewish people eat kosher food, which is especially prepared according to Jewish food laws. Jews also avoid mixing vegetarian meal and meat dishes within the same meal. Some may find vegetarian meals an acceptable alternative whilst others refrain from pork or shellfish.
Gender Issues
Some orthodox Jewish communities may separate women and men at worship services. However, normally both conservative and reform movements not only have men and women worship together, they also ordain female rabbis with no gender distinction in authority.
Birth
Baby boys are circumcised one week after birth. The operation is postponed in the event of infantile jaundice, premature birth, or any other contra-indication. The ceremony itself is usually performed at home, although it can take place in a hospital. The birth of a daughter simply calls for the giving of a name. Amongst orthodox Jews, baby girls are given their name on the Sabbath after the birth whereas boys are named at the circumcision ceremony. Amongst reform and progressive Jews, both boys and girls have baby blessing ceremonies, normally held during the Sabbath morning services in the synagogue.
Death
Guidelines for dealing with dying and deceased Jewish patients issued by the Manchester Beth din in conjunction with Jewish visiting services.
1 If a Jewish patient is seen to be approaching death, the next of kin should be informed. If no relative is available, contact should be made with either the chaplain or the rabbi from the patient’s synagogue.
2 In case of death, inform the above, (paragraph 10), if this was not possible before death.
3 The body of the deceased should remain untouched for a period of twenty minutes during which time venflons and ET tubes etc should remain in place.
4 If, after this period has elapsed, no member of the family or Jewish community capable of dealing with the body has arrived, the following procedures should be carried out by hospital staff.
a. The eyes and the mouth should be closed. The mouth should be held in a closed position be placing a cloth under the chin and tying it above the head.
b. The fingers of each hand should be straightened and the hands and arms should be placed parallel to the body. Similarly, the legs and feet should be straightened.
c. Any tubes etc or artificial limbs should be removed and any incisions plugged so as to prevent or stem a flow of blood.
d. Any excess dirt should be wiped away and washed off.
e. The body, still fully clothed, should be wrapped in a sheet and placed in the hospital mortuary, where it should remain untouched pending the arrival of the authorised Jewish undertaker or his representative. On Saturdays and Jewish festivals, the undertaker will be unable to attend to the body.
5 The washing and preparation of the body for burial are intrinsic parts of the Jewish ritual, which should remain the prerogative of the Jewish Burial Society.
6 It would be helpful if the body of the deceased could be labelled with the word ‘Jewish’. Writing on the body itself would cause distress to the relatives.
7 Jewish law necessitates the carrying out of a funeral as soon as possible after death. It is, therefore, important to assist in the provision of a death certificate at the earliest opportunity, thereby enabling the funeral arrangements to be commenced.
8 Jewish law requires the body to remain totally intact after death and regards the carrying out of a post-mortem as a desecration of the body. Care should, therefore, be taken to ensure that relatives of Jewish patients are not asked to consent to a post-mortem not required by law and ordered by a Coroner, as this is likely to cause offence and distress.
9 Similarly, Jewish law insists on burial rather than cremation and any suggestion to carry out cremation would also cause offence and distress.
10 All stillbirths require burial.
11 In the event of miscarriage, the parents should be consulted about the disposal of the foetus to enable them to consult their rabbi for guidance.
12 In the event of a pregnant woman dying without there being any possibility of safely delivering the child, the mother and child should be buried together without a Caesarean section being performed.
13 Occasionally, a request may be received for members of the family to remain with the deceased, either at the bedside or after the body has been removed to the mortuary. This request is in keeping with Jewish tradition and should be treated favourably wherever possible.
14 In the event of a death taking place where the deceased has no next of kin and is not associated with any synagogue burial society, contact should be made during normal working hours (including Sunday from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm ) with the Jewish Communal Burial Board - telephone 0161 740 9711.
SIKHISM
INTRODUCTION
Sikhism is one of the younger faiths of the world, as compared with religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity or Islam. It is a monotheistic faith, preaching the existence of only one God, and teaching ideals that may be universally accepted today and in the future: honesty, compassion, humility, piety, social commitment and, most of all, tolerance for other religions. The word ‘Sikh’, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘shishya’, means a disciple, a learner, a seeker of truth. A Sikh believes in one God and the teachings of the Ten Gurus, embodied in the Sikh Holy Scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Additionally, he or she must take Amrit, the Sikh Baptism. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji at the beginning of the sixteenth century. The succeeding nine Gurus nurtured and developed his ideas and teachings. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, brought an end to the line of human Gurus and in 1708 installed Guru Granth Sahib as the permanent Guru of the Sikhs. The Sikh Gurus provided guidance for about 240 years. They taught the basic values of freedom, brotherhood, charity, obedience, understanding, sympathy, patience, humility, simplicity, and piety, and outlined the path to spirituality in life. The Gurus themselves said that they were human and were not to be worshipped as God. They considered themselves to be mere servants of God. Guru Gobind Singh said: “See me only as the slave of God. Let this be known beyond the shadow of doubt.”
The Basic Belief of the Sikhs
The Mool Mantar, (literally, the root verse; the first hymn composed by Guru Nanak) sums up the basic belief of the Sikhs. Guru Granth Sahib begins with the Mool Mantar. Every Sikh is expected to recite it daily. The English translation is given below:
Ik Onkaar There is only one God
Sat Naam His name is Truth
Karta Purkh He is the Creator
Nir Bhau He is without fear
Nir Vair He is without hate
Akaal Moorat He is beyond time (immortal)
Ajooni He is beyond birth and death
Saibhang He is self-existent
Gur Parsaad He is realised by the Guru's grace.
The Ten Gurus of the Sikhs
The ‘Guru’ in Sikhism is an enlightener and messenger. The word ‘Guru’ does not always refer to a human being. The Guru's word or hymn is also Guru.
“The universe is the temple of God but without the Guru Darkness reigns supreme.” The Gurus have raised the conscience of the Sikhs to such a level where they can be one with God. They are the light bearers for humanity. They are the messengers of the Timeless. They renew the eternal wisdom. They are universal men who free our minds from bigotry and superstitions, dogmas and rituals, and emphasise the simplicity of the religion. They appear outside in human form to those who crave for visible and physical guides. The enlighteners are the inner selves.
Ten Gurus
• Guru Nanak Sahib 1469 – 1539
• Guru Angad 1539 – 1552
• Guru Amar Das 1479 – 1574
• Guru Ramdas 1534 – 1581
• Guru Arjan 1563 – 1606
• Guru Hargobind 1595 – 1644
• Guru Har Rai 1630 – 1661
• Guru Har Krishan 1656 – 1664
• Guru Tegh Bahadur 1621 – 1675
• Guru Gobind Singh 1666 – 1708
The spiritual message taught by Guru Nanak has three aspects to it
Meditation - which involves chanting hymns composed by the Gurus
Honest toil - earning livelihood by honest means
Almsgiving - giving charity to the poor and needy. Contributing one tenth of their income for the community
The Sikh Code of Discipline
Along with the maintenance of the Five K's, the Khalsa is required to refrain from committing the four taboos or Kurehats. These are:
1. Trimming, shaving or removing hair from the body.
2. Using tobacco or intoxicants in any form.
3. Eating of kosher or halal meat.
4. Committing adultery.
A Sikh guilty of committing any of these serious breaches is regarded as the fallen one (Patit or Tankhahiya). Guru Gobind Singh declared that as long as the Khalsa followed the Five K's and Sikh code of discipline, he would win glory but if he showed indifference, his progress would be hampered.
GURDWARA - the Sikh Temple
Gurdwara, (the door or the gateway to the Guru), is the name given to the Sikh's place of worship, commonly addressed as Sikh temple in the western world. The Sikh scriptures are recited or sung and sermons are delivered. Guru Granth Sahib (a collection of hymns and poetry which proclaims God) is placed on high palanquin under a canopy in the middle of one end of the hall. As well as sermons and the singing of the scriptures, the congregation is expected to participate in the ceremonies of birth, baptism, marriage, death and celebration of festivals.
The Gurdwara is a place for acquiring a spiritual knowledge and wisdom. It is open to everyone regardless of age, sex, caste or creed. Here, all men, women and children are treated as equal. It offers shelter and food to anyone in need. It provides care for the sick, elderly and handicapped. It is also a centre for promoting culture and health.
Moral education, as well as knowledge of the religion and history, is often taught to children in the Sikh temple.
The Gurdwara is also a place for discussing problems facing the Sikh community. Infringement of the Sikh code of discipline may also be considered and suitable punishment decided. The Gurdwara plays a socio-economic role in the Sikh community. It is expected to be free from any sectional interests or party politics.
Gurdwara Protocol
If one wishes to visit a Gurdwara, some protocol must be observed. Consumption of tobacco, liquor or narcotics is strictly forbidden to Sikhs and definitely not allowed on the Gurdwara premises. Before entering the hall, people take off their shoes, wash their hands, cover there head and think of the Guru. Non-Sikhs must also cover their heads with a handkerchief or scarf. Upon entering the hall, where Guru Granth Sahib is kept, they walk slowly, bow humbly and touch their forehead to the ground, out of respect and love for the Guru. As people bow and place their offering respectfully before the Guru, it may be money, flowers or words of thanks. Any sincere expression of gratitude is equally acceptable to the Guru. After bowing and offering, one should sit down in the Sangat (congregation) quietly without disturbing others. Usually men sit on one side and women on the other, in a cross-legged position. Talking or whispering is not allowed.
Daily prayer and Worship
Daily prayers are called Nit - Nam and devotion is a very important part of a Sikh's life. The Morning Prayer consists of Jap Ji, Jap, Chaupai, Sawaye and Anand Sahib. These five are recited or read by all Sikhs. This prayer can be recited anywhere after a shower or bath and before breakfast.
The evening programme consists of Rehras Sahib and Kirten Sohila. The former is recited or read before and the latter after retiring to bed.
A Sikh who is baptised can be recognised by his 5 K’sP:
1. Kesh - long hair which is uncut
2. Kangha - comb to keep the hair clean
3. Karra - a steel bangle worn on the right wrist
4. Kirpan - a small sword
5. Kachcha - underwear
Holy Days and Festivals
The Sikh calendar is lunar and all festivals, (except Vasakhi), vary from year to year. The main holy days for Sikhs are the birthdays in November, of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the faith, the birth of the Kalsa on the 13th April each year. They also celebrate the birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, the martyrdom of Guru Arhan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru, and the first installation of the Guru Granth Sahib and the martyrdom of the ninth Guru, Teg Bahdur Hi.
They also celebrate the festivals of Diwali and Rakhi.
Diet and Hygiene
All Sikhs are required to bathe every morning.
Sikhs do not use toilet paper but like to wash after urination and defection.
The meats, which Sikhs eat, are chicken, lamb, pork and fish. Some Sikhs are vegetarians.
It is forbidden to eat Halal, Kosher and beef.
Gender Issues
The dress of the Sikh woman is mostly Salwar Kameez. They can wear a sari if they wish. According to Sikh tradition, Sikh women cover their heads with chuni or dupatta, as a sign of respect and modesty.
Birth
Sikh believes in rebirth and that the soul is reborn many times in many different forms and bodies. During pregnancy, the mother is encouraged to go to the Sikh temple to congregate and read or recite holy hymns from the Sikh scriptures. This helps the mother and the baby to receive grace from God before the baby is born and to provide the newborn with a suitable atmosphere.
After birth, the child is brought home and when the mother is able and well, they will take it to a Sikh temple for the naming ceremony. This ceremony is mostly done on a Sunday during the service.
Death
Sikh faith necessitates the carrying out of the funeral as soon as possible after the death.
Sikh religion and faith require the body to remain totally intact after death. There are no restrictions for the post-mortem but the Sikhs would rather refrain from this if at all possible.
During the preparation of the body for the funeral, the relatives and family members wash the body. Women wash the female and men the male. All this is carried out at the funeral directors. The body is then bought to the Sikh temple for the last prayers and rites and then taken for cremation. It is to be noted that all Sikhs, whether male or female over the age of five, are cremated.
HINDUISM
INTRODUCTION
Hinduism is the most ancient religion of the people of India and it can be traced back at least 5,000 years. The true definition of Hinduism is 'Sanatan Dharma' - the eternal way of conduct, which covers every aspect of life. Religion means duty towards yourself, your family, society, nation and the whole of the humanity. Hindu religion has no one founder, no single scripture or creed. It encompasses a great tolerance of beliefs and practices.
Hindus believe in one god (Sarva Brahm), manifested in many forms as it is said in the Upanishads ‘Eki Aham Bahu Sayamn’ (I am One but I manifest to myself into many forms). The vedas also echo the same message that ‘God is One, Sages call Him by different names’.
One God in many forms:
Brahma - The Creator
Shiva - The Destroyer
Vishnu - The Preserver, is usually worshipped in the forms of Rama and Krishna
Lakshmi - Wife of Vishnu, goddess of wealth and good luck
Durga - The goddess of power
Hanuman - Helper of Rama
Ganesh - The elephant headed god, is the god of wisdom and success
Agni - God of fire
Saraswati - Goddess of learning
Each manifestation is the projection of the Absolute Truth. In whatever form one worships the Supreme power, in that form God shall be revealed to them. Truth is like a many sided gem.
Daily Prayer and Worship
There is no dogma; the individual is free to worship Almighty God in many different ways. Worship (Puja) for Hindus can take place in a temple in front of the deities or at home. The image / picture of gods and goddesses are used as symbols of the divine to concentrate the mind on praying. Prayers can be said individually, with the family or in a large gathering. Hindus are under no obligation to worship at the temple every day but the serene atmosphere of the temple helps to concentrate the mind to bring one closer to God. The worship is done in the form of singing hymns from Vedas, Upanishads and Ramayana, chanting of a mantra or singing devotional songs. Meditation is an important part of worship. A devout Hindu may do Puja or say prayers in the morning after a shower, in the evening and before going to bed. There are no set times for praying, everything is left to the individual. They can listen to the devotional songs on the audiocassette if they are unable to pray at the time.
Holy Books
Hindus have a library of holy books, which are written in Sanskrit. The Vedas form the basis of Hinduism, which is also called ‘Vedic Dharma’. The four Vedas, which mean knowledge, are:
Rig Veda Knowledge of science and medicine
Yajur Veda Knowledge of military science and karma (action)
Same Veda Knowledge of music and worship
Atharva Veda Knowledge of trade, agriculture and miscellaneous subjects
There are many other varied sacred texts but the Puranas, the upanishads and the great moral epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata can be singled out. The Bhagwad Gita or ‘Song of the Lord’ is part of the Mahabharata. It is sometimes called the Bible of Hinduism owing to its popularity with all Hindus because it teaches philosophy of life and death and plan of action (Karamyoga).
The Hindu scriptures are often wrapped in silk or cloth out of respect and for protection.
Holy Days and Festivals
The Hindu calendar is lunar so that festival dates vary from year to year according to the Western calendar.
Maha - Shivarti: This is a solemn festival celebrated by Hindus in January or February. Some devotees spend the whole night singing the praises of the Lord Shiva. Special celebrations are held at most of the temples with offerings of milk, fresh fruit and nuts from all the devotees.
Janmashtami: A very popular festival among Hindus when they all get together to celebrate the birth of the Lord Krishna in the month of August. The devotees fast for the whole day, singing devotional songs and bringing the offerings to the temple. The celebration ends after midnight.
Diwali: The Festival of Lights is the most important festival, which takes place in October or November. Small earthenware bowls are filled with oil and candles are lit in the evening after the prayers at home or a visit to the temple. New clothes are worn, parties are organised and fireworks are lit on Diwali. Many Hindus send cards and give presents / sweets to friends and relatives. Navaratri, Holi, Dushera, Raksha Bandhan and Ganesh Chaturthi are other Hindu festivals.
Although services are held on weekday evenings, people in Britain usually gather for worship on Saturday and Sunday.
Diet and Hygiene
India is a vast country and all the regions have their own dietary requirements depending on the choice of crops that are available. People from South India, living in the south coastal regions, have fish and rice as their staple diet, whilst people from North India consume more chappatis, lentils and fresh vegetables. The reverence for all life ‘Ahimsa’ (mental, emotional and physical non-injury to all beings), is cherished as one of the highest principles. This makes many Hindus vegetarian because they are reluctant to consume other creatures as food. Dairy produce is only acceptable as long as it is free of animal fat. Some Hindus will eat only cottage cheese - it is best to check with the individual.
Small minorities of Hindus, who follow the Jain religion, are very strict vegetarians and will not eat any root vegetables, garlic, onions, eggs or cheese.
Toilet and washing facilities
Most Hindus are accustomed to having water in the same room as the toilet. Hindu prefer to wash in free flowing water, i.e. a shower rather than sitting in a bath. They will want to wash their hands before and after a meal and will also want to rinse their mouths after a meal.
Birth
Hindus believe in rebirth, that the soul is reborn many times in different bodies. During pregnancy, the mother is encouraged to read the Hindu scriptures and to do meditation, as it is believed that the unborn child is aware of the surroundings and also to provide a suitable atmosphere for the new arrival.
The priest is told the date and exact time of birth and this information is used to make a horoscope for the child. After the birth, the baby is ceremonially washed and a golden pen dipped in honey is used to write the word AUM on his tongue. (Aum is the very essence of Hinduism). Later, the priest will suggest a suitable syllable for the name of the child. The naming ceremony will take place on the tenth day at a religious ceremony performed by the priest followed by family / friends getting together and a meal.
The mother and the baby are taken to the temple after a few weeks for thanksgiving.
Initiation
The Upanayan (Sacred Thread) ceremony takes place after the age of 8. The priest and child sit on opposite sides of a sacred fire and prayers and hymns are chanted. A special thread tied with a special knot is draped over the left shoulder and waist of the child who is expected to perform the rites of Puja and read, study and learn the sacred scriptures.
Death
When dying Hindus prefer to lie on the floor. The main reason is to ease the breathing (lying straight on the floor clears the airways) so that the soul can depart easily. Hindus believe that the human body is made of five elements, i.e. water, ether, fire, air and earth. A wish to lie on the floor symbolises the closeness to mother earth. After death, the body should always remain covered with a plain white sheet. In India, the body is cremated within 24 hours. The hospital should try to release the body as soon as possible so that the family can make arrangements for the cremation. During the period of mourning, the family will not cook any food in the house until the cremation takes place.
COMMON ARABIC / MUSLIM ASSOCIATED TERMS
Adhan Call to prayer (the five daily prayers)
Alim Scholar
Akhirah The Hereafter
Aqiqa Sacrifice of an animal after birth of a child
Aqsa Third holiest mosque in Jerusalem
Arkan Pillars (of Islam)
Awrah The private parts of the body which Muslims should not expose
Da'wah Inviting others to Islam
Dunya World / worldly life
Eid al - Adah Festival of Sacrifice
Eid al - Fitr Festival of Breaking the Fast celebrated at the end of Ramadhan
Fard Obligatory, eg prayer
Haram Prohibited, eg alcohol is haram
Hifz To memorise the Quran
Hajab Covering (head scarf)
Hijrah Migration (historically from Mecca to Madina) -
beginning of Islamic Calendar A. H
Ibadah Ritual worship; but all good actions are an act of worship
Iftar Breaking the fast after sunset
Imam The person who leads the prayer; a religious leader
Iman Faith; conviction
Islam Submission and peace
Janazah Funeral prayer
Jamaah Congregational prayer
GREETINGS
Muslims
Assalamo Alaikum Peace be upon you
Wa Alaikumus Salam And peace be upon you as well
Subho Bakher Good morning
Do Parher Bakher Good noon
Shaam Bakher Good evening
Shab Bakher Good night
Khuda Hafiz (May God be your Protector) Good bye
Inshah Allah God willing
Ma Shah Allah Whatever god wishes
Hindus
Namaste Ji I greet you with respect
Sikhs
Sat Sari Akal God (truth) is eternal
Respect for religious differences
Multifaith Resource Centre is the project of Comparative Religion. To facilitate information and research in the field of Comparative Religion, we have made available a huge collection of books and CD-ROMs on all the major world Religion.
The books include, cultural posters, Religious Scriptures in the original text, transliterations and their translations. We also have multicultural resources and various Encyclopaedias of world Religions and books by distinguished personalities of various religions.
Do you want to:
Socialise with people of all Faiths.
Visit Places of worships.
Please come to MFRC.
Educating ourselves by both learning and talking about each others faiths, beliefs and culture.
Becoming aware of our needs and respectful of the needs of others.
Becoming an example of tolerance by showing respect for each others religion and religious beliefs in an anti - discriminatory way, whilst holding fast and strong to our individual religious beliefs.
Workshops
• Interfaith Dialogues:
• Multicultural and Multifaith Understanding
• Multifaith/culture card making
• 10 Commandments: Bible & Qur'an
• Healing Voices and different religions
• Living in Harmony with Religious Diversity:
• Islamic Perspective
Presentation
• Similarities between Islam and Christianity
• Universal Brotherhood
• Comparative study between Islam and Hinduism
• World Religions
• South Asian Culture and Religions
• The British Culture Course
• Rights of the Wife and the Obligations of the Husband in different religions
• Women in different religions
Performances
• Poetry reading
• Food festival
If any of the above can benefit your organisation, we will be pleased to come and deliver to your members or staff.
We also have a unique collection of CD-ROMs which adds immense value for both information and research work.
Our mini library is open for public.
Sharing common interests and experiences
MFRC is a group set up to foster good relationships between members of the various Faiths. Our differing Faiths do not allow us to pray together, though we may spend some moments together in silence.
AIMS:
To bring people of different faiths together.
To encourage harmony and centre on what we all have in common, not differences.
interested in interfaith dialogue and other activities focusing on faith and belief?
Information about other Interfaith Organisations. Courses including Distance Learning [Comparative Religion]
Please contact: Tel: 01706 662478
2 Monmouth Street
Rochdale OL11 3SZ
Email: mcrcrochdale@yahoo.co.uk
Opening hours of the Centre:
Monday 11 am – 3pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm
Out of Hours Visits
Groups wishing to visit the Resource Centre out of office hours may do so by prior arrangement.
Please phone 07515282098