Issue - meetings

            The SACRE Advisor introduced and circulated a summary of document entitled 'Diversity and Dialogue', which brought together the work of a partnership of organisations encouraging young people of different faiths to meet together and discuss issues, and gain understanding of each others' position.  It was recognised that SACREs were increasingly playing a role outside of monitoring collective worship and agreeing the Agreed Syllabus, to support the Government's community cohesion agenda.  As part of the project grants were available to support individual youth projects.  Bristol City Council and SACRE had applied for such a grant and run a youth conference.  The Advisor asked the SACRE whether it wanted to consider arranging such an event.

            It was suggested that any such event should involve not only young of particular faiths, but also those of no faith.  It agreed that it was important to work in partnership with the Youth Service, or other community cohesion projects, given the time and resources required to run a successful event, such as a youth faith conference.  The SACRE were interested in learning from the experience of other authorities, and of exploring further the examples contained in the document and on the website: www.diversityanddialogue.org.uk.

            Resolved – (1) That the SACRE members consider the examples in the Diversity and Dialogue report, and a further discussion take place at the next meeting.

            (2) The SACRE advisor investigate and report back on the experience of other Councils and SACREs of such projects.

            (3) That the SACRE Advisor explore options for links with the Youth Service and Community Cohesion initiatives for any project that the SACRE may consider.