Mutual Respect and Understanding between Faith Communities
Established in 1989, York Interfaith Group aims to contribute to the promotion of mutual respect and understanding between faith communities and to respond to the new and changing ethnic and faith mix of the population in York. We organise monthly intellectual events, as well as an annual interfaith week every November full of talks, meditation sessions, and house of worships visits in York, and around.
York Interfaith Group meet at the City of York Council, West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA. Meetings are normally held on the first Tuesday of each month from 7pm - 9.00pm (unless we advertise otherwise). All is welcome.
Statement by York Interfaith
Condemning Racist Attacks
" York Interfaith Group and its faith representatives condemn violent attacks on Mosques, their communities and places of sanctuary. There is no place for racist, far-right thuggery in York or anywhere else in the UK. York Interfaith Group continues to work in partnership with faith representatives and faith leaders, the City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police to ensure safety of faith groups and their communities in York."
5 August 2024
United in Hope and Solidarity for Peace
"Following the recent events in Gaza and Israel leading to the horrific loss of many lives, young and old, the religious leaders of York Interfaith Group stand in solidarity for peace and calm based on its longstanding values of mutual understanding, respect and dialogue. Our prayers are for all communities in Gaza, Israel and York as we are united in our actions for hope, harmony and peace.”
October 2023
Avtar Matharu
Acceptance, Solidarity and Peace
" This October marks 12 months of continued horrific loss of many lives, young and old. The evidence is all too real. We have to accept this. We need to move on from the decisive politics of blame to a process that brings hope, solidarity and peace for all. York Interfaith Group continues to maintain dialogue, understanding and mutual respect for all communities. We continue to be united in our actions through prayers for hope, harmony and peace.”
October 2024
Statement by York Interfaith
Members of York Interfaith Group were shocked and horrified at the heinous attack on the Jewish synagogue in Manchester yesterday and we send out our thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this atrocious act of violence. It is an especially appalling act when this attack was carried out at such a sacred time in the Jewish faith year and where the members of the synagogue were gathered together for prayers at the start of Yom Kippur, one of the most important dates in their calendar.
York Interfaith Group will continue in its work towards offering more friendship and understanding within our faith communities in the City. When we hear about dreadful acts like this one occurring in our country it makes our interfaith work even more important than ever and it increases the need for us all to continue with this vital work towards a more peaceful and caring society in the future.
We send our thoughts and prayers to all our friends in the Liberal Jewish Group here in York and also to those who have friends and family in Manchester.
Be assured that all those affected have our sincere sympathy and we will continue to hold everyone in the prayers of all the different faith groups within York."
Dee Boyle
(Vice Chairperson of York Interfaith Group)
On behalf of the York Interfaith Group committee members (3rd October 2025)
