Bosses in act of faith for a better society
MAYOR AND TOWN HALL CHIEFS SIGN CHARTER TO PROMOTE GOOD RELATIONS AMONG ALL PEOPLE IN SOCIETY
MAYOR Andy Burnham and town hall bosses from across the region have signed the Charter for Faith and Belief Inclusion.
It aims to bring together organisations who believe in a society which is welcoming to all people, of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Signatories of the charter commit to working together to promote good relations between people of different faiths and beliefs in their communities, workplaces and wider society. Mr Burnham, said: “Greater Manchester is a tolerant city-region, a place that welcomes and has a home for people of all faiths and none.
“Our 10 boroughs are diverse and proud of it.
“Our doors and hearts are open, which is why I have placed great importance on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority signing this charter – it demonstrates our commitment to the power of faith and the power of community.
“Greater Manchester is home to more than 1.6 million Christians, almost 250,000 Muslim believers and significant numbers of followers of Hinduism and Judaism.
”We are committed to equality, the value of diversity and the end of discrimination, which is an essential part of Greater Manchester’s culture, vision and values in the 21st century.”
David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, who witnessed the signing with other faith leaders, said: “Our faith and our beliefs lie at the heart of our lives, both as individuals and communities.
“The strength and resilience of
Manchester is a tribute to how people of diverse beliefs and faiths work in harmony here. This charter sets out very simply how we will continue to do so, for the wellbeing and flourishing of all.”
Phil Champain, Director of the Faith and Belief Forum, said: “At a time when some are seeking to drive our communities apart, the Charter for Faith and Belief Inclusion presents a more positive vision.”
The charter was launched last year with 15 founding signatories, a number that has now grown to over 60.
Signatories include the Department for Education, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Muslim Council of Britain, Humanists UK.