St Philip's Centre

Study & Engagement in a Multi Faith Society

 

  Archbishop opens St Philip's

 

The St Philip’s Centre for Study and Engagement in Multi Faith Society was formally opened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams during an Inaugural Service at 6.00 pm on Friday 2nd June.

The Opening to be attended by the Leaders of both the City Council and County Council, the Bishop of Leicester, leaders from all the main faiths, and three hundred guests from across the country will mark the growing contribution and reputation of the new centre.

Recognised by the Church England as one of two national centres the St Philip’s Centre is a response to the growing need since 9/11 and 7/7 for increased understanding between and within faiths. This includes an urgent need for Christians to have confidence in what they can offer – how to celebrate difference but to stay faithful to their tradition.

Established by the Diocese of Leicester in partnership with St Philip’s Church, Evington, the Methodist Church, the United Reform Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the Baptist Church the primary purposes of the centre are:

  • To equip the churches to be more confident in ministry, service and witness in a multi faith world
  • To contribute to a safer and more cohesive world by working alongside people of all faiths and building upon the strong tradition of partnership between the faiths in Leicester
  • To provide high quality training to key groups in society on the realities and opportunities of living and working in a multi faith society

 

Canon Dr Andrew Wingate, the Director of St Philip’s, welcomed the opening of the Centre by the Archbishop.

St Philip’s Centre is already proving to be a vital resource for church and society in locally, nationally and internationally. We are delighted that the Archbishop is to open the centre and to endorse our work.

Suleman Nagdi, a spokesperson for the Federation of Muslim Organisations said:

The need for increased understanding and partnership between the faiths is more vital than ever. I welcome this initiative by the Churches as a significant contribution to a more secure and cohesive world.
 

The St Philip’s Centre has already developed a range of courses and training opportunities from an introduction to the major faiths, to a University of Birmingham MA in Interreligious Relations.

  • Unfamiliar Journey’ is a six week evening course that enables local churches to explore their faith in relation to other faiths.
  • In April 2006 most of the Bishops from the Church of Denmark spent four days at the Centre St Philip’s. This has had a profound impact on the way Inter Faith work is developed in that country
  • Training is being developed for various groups in society including the Police.