Boundaries not barriers

The Church of England and other faiths

National Policies

Inter faith policy and new religions/new spirituality policy are different at NATIONAL level in the Church of England

We have formal relationships with other members of the ‘nine’:

Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism,

Baha'i

Involving what?

Christianity and other faiths Engagement Advocacy Dialogue Exchange Diplomacy Sharing Debate Friendship, hospitality, mutuality,

faith-sharing

New Religious Movements

NRM portfolios

The NRM umbrella covers everything else De facto New Religious Groups Personal Development Movements Pagan traditions Alternative spiritualities Alternative spiritual practice Atheistic belief and morality systems Extreme political groups Organisations offering NRM services

and ceremonies

How do we relate to the NRM world?

Inter faith: basis of engagement Historic Leadership Conformity Common elements Deeply rewarding, but often difficult Some NRMs show some of these elements,

some have none of them

The weddings project?

NRM policy We have NO formal engagement with

NRMs, why? 3000+ groups want formal access change fast not accountable difficult to monitor

What then?

We encourage informal contacts with NRMs

Knowing neighbours Getting info Removing suspicion Supporting families Open door Appropriate engagement

The Good Stuff…

The Good Stuff

In addition to free calendars… Many peaceful and friendly Good, helpful contacts Enable pastoral care Mutual boundaries

The Bad Stuff

Church of Celestial Light

Redeemed Christian Church of God

Church of the Holy Blood of the Lamb

Holy Spirit Church of Love and Fellowship

The Bad stuff

Unnacceptable behaviour Harm Exploitation Hostility Two-faced Contrary to the gospel

Boundaries not Barriers 1peopleWhat do boundaries do? Protect from harm Protect from exploitation Protect the vulnerable Help leavers

Boundaries not Barriers 2Christian faithWhat do the boundaries do? distinctiveness, integrity and

authenticity avoid compatibility issues insist on Christian values set apart from racist and

supremacist groups

The network

Every diocese should have an NRM/AS adviser for pastoral support

INFORM provides information INFORM provides access to

counselling, legal advice etc

AR provides specialist advice eg ecclesiastical law

Policy

No formal engagement, only informal contacts

No access, advocacy, Listen, encourage, support

informal engagement Use INFORM for information No suppression of groups

Resources

Sense Making Faith www.spiritualjourneys.org.uk

We provide

Information Guidance Pastoral care Negotiation Support Access to specialist ministries (eg deliverance)