About
A council built on friendship and cooperation
Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council was formed so that the borough's faith and cultural communities could know one another, work together and serve the people who live here.
Our purpose
The Council exists to promote friendship, cooperation and inclusion between people of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds, and to work alongside local organisations and services for the benefit of everyone in Telford & Wrekin.
In practice this means two things that sit side by side. The first is dialogue: creating occasions where communities meet, learn about one another and speak with a shared voice on matters affecting the borough. The second is practical service: emergency food, youth provision, warm spaces, skills sessions and seasonal projects that reach residents whatever their background.
Interfaith principles
Our work is interfaith rather than single-faith. Member organisations keep their own traditions and beliefs entirely; the Council is the place where they meet on equal terms. Nobody is asked to set aside their convictions in order to take part.
Equally, you do not need to belong to a faith community to be involved. Residents, cultural groups, charities and public services all contribute, and everything the Council delivers is open to the whole borough.
History
How the Council developed
September 2019
The Interfaith Council holds its first official meeting, at which Cllr Raj Mehta is appointed Chair.
April 2020
The Council is registered as a charity in England and Wales, charity number 1195197, and begins emergency food and breakfast provision during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021
The Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Community Hub opens on New Street in Wellington, giving the Council a permanent base. The Interfaith Youth Forum is established in late spring with six founding members.
July 2021
The Council's constitution and governance arrangements are approved.
July 2022
A memorandum of understanding is signed with Commonwealth Tribute to Life at its inaugural ceremony.
March 2023
The Council signs the Armed Forces Covenant and achieves the bronze award.
Local relationships
Working with others across the borough
The Council works with Telford & Wrekin Council, West Mercia Police, schools, health services, charities and cultural organisations. Formal memoranda of understanding are held with Shropshire Cricket Board, Commonwealth Tribute to Life and the RAF Museum Midlands.
These relationships allow projects to reach further than any single organisation could manage alone, and they keep the Council connected to the services residents already use.
