Beyond Difference

The latest event staged by Chiltern interfaith group Beyond Difference was a Scriptural Reasoning exercise on the subject of “Encountering God”.  Chesham Mosque kindly hosted the event at the end of November last year: although there was torrential rain from storm Bert throughout the day, 47 audience members attended from many faiths and none, including 17 who were new to Beyond Difference. 

 

After a brief introduction from Beyond Difference chair Arabella Norton, the speakers, Thea Gommelauri – Director at Oxford Interfaith Forum; Rev. Edward Bowes-Smith – Rector at St. Mary’s in Chesham and Imam Arif – Senior Imam at Chesham Mosque gave their views on the significance of their religious books to their own and perhaps other faiths.  Then, in small groups, the audience were invited to debate similarities and differences in the chosen texts: there was considerable energetic conversation during this part of the meeting.  In the plenary session, groups put questions to the speakers, starting with practical matters, for example about the form of the texts, but later discussion turned to more faith based questions, which generated some interesting debate between the speakers.

 

An example of feedback from one audience member shows how much they valued the session:

“I thought it was an absolutely excellent event – inspirational, fascinating and very well worth attending.  Everyone in our small group agreed and we had a very powerful discussion which led a  member  to indicate they wished to find out more about a specific biblical passage based on another member’s  very moving testimony.

The  mutual warmth and genuine spirit of enquiry in our group session was very special.  My husband,  also found it very helpful and worthwhile.

Beyond Difference is a very valuable organisation and the respect and increased understanding it fosters is something to be proud of.”