The Redbridge Faith Forum(RFF) is an independent umbrella organisation that aims to give Faith Communities in Redbridge a collective voice by identifying and addressing issues that affect residents. The group has a management committee made up of faith practitioners from all of the main religions represented in the Borough. The forum aims to bring together representatives of differenr faith communities, gain mutual understanding, discuss local issues and promote social cohesion.

RFF aims to recognise the important contribution that religion and spirituality makes to the life and culture of Redbridge residents; encouraging people from different faith communites in Redbridge to promote mutual understanding; taking an inter-faith approach to address social issues and inequalities and promote shared citizenship; encouraging the participation of faith communities in enriching the life and culture of the Borough; strengthen communications between faith communities and the decision-making bodies of the council and its strategic partners; act as an advisory panel, giving good independent advice to public, private and voluntary sector agencies; encourage members of faith communities and residents in Redbridge to attend and participate in public forums and projects run and supported by the Redbridge Faith Forum.

Background

The Redbridge Council's Compact faith-working group were instrumental in the development of the Redbridge Faith Forum. As part of implementing the Compact, the Council facilitated a Faith Conference called "Building Bridges - A Question of Faith" in july 2003. The purpose was to explore whether there were issues of common interest or concern amongst Redbridge's diverse Faith population. More than 100 people who were consulted at the Conference agreed for the development of a Fith Forum for Redbridge. The inaugural meeting of the Redbridge Faith Forum took place on 1st Decenmber 2003.

Vision

In a matter of four years the RFF has gone from strength to strength. Since inception the group adopted its ultimate vision, which is to work towards and build "A community that respects, tolerates and understands the integrity of each other's beliefs, culture and traditions". The Management Committee has adopted Respect, Co-operation and Understanding as its key motto and is stated under the RFF logo.