Interfaith group to host new 'Living Library' in borough to challenge stereotypes

National Interfaith Week will kick off next weekend with a new community event launching in the borough.

The interfaith group, Windsor & Maidenhead Community Forum (WAMCF) is holding the first ever 'Living Library of Faiths and Beliefs' at the Maidenhead Library.

The event will create a ‘safe space’ for attendees to engage in open dialogue and conversations that challenge stereotypes and prejudices.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to ask questions of representatives from the following faiths and beliefs: Baháʼí, Brahma Kumaris, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Humanism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.

WAMCF trustee, Paul Samuels said: “With the conflict in the Middle East, and a more deeply troubled world, it is dialogue that can help strengthen trust and friendship between people of different views and opinions.”

The event takes place on Saturday November 11 from 12pm to 3pm.

Paul said the following quote from Buddhist leader, Daisaku Ikeda, highlighted the value of dialogue: 'Dialogue is about demonstrating respect for another’s life, and being determined to learn when confronted with differences in personality and perspective.’

The Living Library event kicks off Interfaith Week, which aims to strengthen interfaith relations and increase awareness of faith communities around the country, running from November 12 to November 19.