Inter Faith Week runs from Sunday 8 to Sunday 15 November 2026, and this year’s theme is ‘Lighting the way for a shared future‘. The week opens on Remembrance Sunday, so it begins with the nation’s memory of sacrifice and its hope for peace.
The theme draws on the symbolism of light across faiths and traditions, and the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali falls on the opening day.
Light is a familiar image for Christians too. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world,” and that claim is echoed in the Advent wreath, in the Paschal candle and in the call for every Christian to be a light in the world. Sharing this imagery with neighbours of other faiths can deepen their understanding and enrich our own.
The organisers describe the theme as a celebration of hope and also a call to action, inviting people of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds to take part.
The belief behind the week is that, even in challenging times, communities can come together to build understanding, trust and friendship. Those are the same habits that ecumenical work depends on: patient listening, hospitality and a readiness to learn.
For CTE Member Churches and Churches Together Groups, the week offers a few simple starting points:
- Invite a neighbouring mosque, gurdwara, synagogue or temple to a shared meal or an informal conversation.
- Include a prayer or reflection on light in a service, or hold a joint evening of music and readings.
- Work with local schools, since there is a hub of free resources for schools marking the week.
- Join a community service project alongside people of other faiths.
None of these actions ask us to dilute our convictions. Ecumenical and inter faith work have long taught that real encounter comes from being honest about who we are while staying curious about others.
However you mark Inter Faith Week, we encourage every church and Churches Together group to do something this year, even if it is only a conversation across a fence or a card to a local faith leader.
Visit the Inter Faith Week website for more information and resources.