Mansfield Interfaith Network

The Mansfield Interfaith Network aims to help develop good human relations, and shared understandings of identity and diversity amongst Mansfield's faith groups. The Network enables participants to promote social cohesion and a sense of belonging, helping contribute to local regeneration efforts, including the provision of support and guidance for the Interfaith Spiritual Dialogue Group.

Recent discussions have touched upon the common spiritual ground of the various faiths, the multi-faith / multi-ethnic composition of local hospital staff and the welcome extended to new nurses; experiences of warmth and hospitality offered by people of different faiths; incidents of prejudice / discrimination in Mansfield; rising interest in spirituality as distinct from religion; the way that many proclaim a faith (e.g. Census) while few attend church services; redefining the relationships between faith groups and the secular State; the difficulties faced by non-white / non-Christians attempting to gain social acceptance in Mansfield; integration and the 'change of heart' required to accept 'the other'.