Every year includes some challenges for relations between different faith communities, both in the UK and globally. Navigating difference can be hard to do, especially when the differences are rooted in something as close to the core of our identities as our beliefs, be they religious or non-religious. But recent years have seen an escalation in examples of religious hatred, with our world becoming increasingly polaraised. The world and our society feel more dangerous.
Within the Pagan community there are many traditions, many paths and, while there are core similarities, there are also differences between them. Those differences are not threatening and are not treated as reasons for conflict and hatred. Indeed, they’re much more likely to be a source of interest, sparking a desire to learn about other traditions. In turn, that desire to learn about the diversity of belief and practice within the Pagan community becomes a source of unity in our diversity. As our own contribution to addressing the polarised hatred we see in society, it is good to extend our interest and desire to learn about other traditions, beliefs and practices to those of other faiths and of no religious affiliation.
World religions day Sunday 18th January This day promotes interfaith understanding by emphasizing factors common to all faiths. It was first introduced among Baha’i communities in the 1950s, and is now celebrated by a wider spread of communities, including the Baha’i, on the third Sunday of January.
At the beginning of the year, World religions day is a good event to observe through making a personal commitment to get to know and understand people whose religion or worldview label is different to your own. Jo Cox, the MP murdered in her constituency in June 2016, said in her maiden speech in the House of Commons “We have more in common than that which divides us.” 2026 would be a good year to discover how very true that is.
Mike Stygal
Belief and Education Officer
Contact Mike here