The Corporation today launched Faith in the City, a landmark research and engagement initiative exploring the role of faith in the Square Mile. Unveiled at Mansion House to an audience of more than 100 figures from across business, faith and the wider community, this pioneering study will provide fresh insight into the needs of people of faith who work, live, and visit the City, identify challenges and opportunities, and put forward ideas for the future.
Faith in the City will conduct an extensive programme of research, including surveys of City workers and residents, as well as focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders from business, faith communities and civil society. It will also review best practices from other global financial centres and elsewhere to develop recommendations for enhancing faith provision in the Square Mile.
With 678,000 people now working in the City – 20% more than pre-pandemic levels – Faith in the City forms part of the City Corporation’s Destination City programme to drive growth in the Square Mile and ensure it is open and welcoming to diverse talent and visitors. The study will inform future policies and projects, including access to prayer spaces, dietary needs, faith-based communities, and a broad programme of inclusive events.
The project is led by three leaders in the interfaith world: Sughra Ahmed (former Associate Dean at Stanford University), Rabbi Alex Goldberg (Dean of Religious Life at the University of Surrey), and Michael Wakelin (former Head of Religion at the BBC). The findings and recommendations from Faith in the City will be published later this year, forming a foundation for future engagement and collaboration across the City’s diverse communities. The programme is funded by the Corporation through its Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund.
Policy Chairman of the Corporation, Chris Hayward, said:
“The City is booming because it truly is a Global City. And a Global City means an inclusive, multi-faith City. As we continue to attract talent, investment, and visitors from across the globe, it is our duty to ensure the Square Mile is open and welcoming to all, with the facilities and services needed by our diverse communities. Faith in the City will provide invaluable insight, helping to shape a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic environment for the future.”
Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alastair King DL, said:
“The City has always thrived as a melting pot of people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions. In an increasingly complex world, we must work harder to bring people together and ensure they feel empowered and accepted. Faith in the City is an essential step in understanding the needs of our many communities and strengthening the City’s long-standing spirit of unity.”
Notes
Those interested to sign up to get involved, and see more information on the Faith in the City initiative and its Co-Convenors can be found, at www.belongingproject.city/faith
About the Corporation:
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK –
For more information, contact Mark Gettleson on mark.gettleson@cityoflondon.gov.uk
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