Arbah, a PhD Theology student at the University of Cambridge, interviews Jeeves Rohilla, CEO of the National Multifaith Youth Centre and now also studying at Cambridge, about interfaith futures and the role of young people in shaping them. The discussion covers the importance of co-creating programmes with young people, the intersection of interfaith and social justice, and challenges faced by young people in fostering interfaith dialogue. Jeeves shares insights from his experiences and emphasizes the need for inclusive and dynamic interfaith initiatives, particularly in engaging with youth, social media, climate change, and AI. The conversation also touches on gender-based violence and how interfaith collaboration can contribute to creating safer spaces for all genders. The interview opens with a reflection on Reverend Claudette Douglas’s legacy as a multifaith education chaplain and underscores the importance of long-term strategic planning.

0:20 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:55 Tribute to Reverend Claudette Douglas

01:40 Interfaith Futures and Youth Involvement

05:44 Challenges in Interfaith Dialogue

08:53 Building Effective Interfaith Partnerships

09:45 Future of Interfaith Work and Social Justice

11:40 Interfaith Collaboration in Tackling Gender-Based Violence

15:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned

• Faiths Forum for London
• The National Multifaith Youth Centre
• Research by Sophie Mitchell, Faith & Belief Forum

Susie Triffitt, a PhD student in Theology and Anthropology, introduces her friend the Reverend Nathanael Poole, who shares his experiences and insights on interfaith work in Bradford, a city so religiously diverse it matches Pew research projections for the world in 2050. Nathanael discusses interactions with Muslim and Hindu communities, highlighting the importance of honest dialogue and shared spaces, like Park Run, for fostering interfaith connection. Challenges such as self-censorship and community segregation are addressed, alongside his thoughts on religious education and sensitive storytelling in schools. Nathanael reflects on changing faith dynamics, the decline of aggressive atheism, and a renewed interest in spiritual and theistic faiths among young people. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing importance and potential of interfaith engagement for future community harmony.

00:00 Introduction to the Cambridge Interfaith Programme

00:50 Meet Reverend Nathanael Poole

02:20 Challenges in Interfaith Dialogue

04:59 Interfaith in Non-Religious Spaces

07:20 Policy and Education in Interfaith Contexts

12:30 Interfaith Experiences with Hindu and Sikh Communities

15:02 Reflections on Faith and Interfaith Futures

16:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Religion and Conflict MPhil student Julia interviews Arezoo Farahzad, a television producer, director, and chair of an interfaith charity in Plymouth, UK. They discuss Arezoo's initiatives, including an annual interfaith festival and monthly international dinners aimed at fostering community and cultural understanding. Arezoo emphasizes that these events celebrate unity and dialogue among different faiths and generations without experiencing tensions. She shares insights on how food acts as a unifier and a springboard for deeper interfaith discussions, and reflects on her personal journey and the teachings of the Baha'i Faith. The conversation also touches on broader societal issues, the importance of global cooperation, and the role of schools in promoting interfaith dialogue.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:39 Arezoo's Work and Interfaith Initiatives

01:15 The Role of Food in Interfaith Dialogue

01:45 Experiences and Lessons from Interfaith Events

05:08 Challenges and Solutions in Interfaith Work

07:40 Global Perspectives and Collective Solutions

09:56 The Importance of Dialogue and Education

15:06 Future of Interfaith Relations and Personal Reflections

17:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned

• Plymouth Centre for Faiths and Cultural Diversity, pcfcd.co.uk
• International Dinner (Plymouth)

Arbah, a PhD Theology student at the University of Cambridge, interviews the Reverend Dr Alex Clare Young, a trans non-binary United Reformed Church minister and theologian. They discuss the challenges and assumptions affecting intersectionality and inclusivity in interfaith futures.

Dr Clare Young emphasizes the importance of queer theology, their doctoral research and book “Trans Formations,” and the need for LGBTQIA+ voices in theological discussions. They share personal experiences of overcoming discrimination, fostering allyship, and the transformative power of joy in their work.

The interview also covers the importance of moving from tolerance to celebration of diversity in public spaces and educational systems, and the need for policy adaptations to support these changes.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:07 Understanding Interfaith Futures

01:49 Challenges in Queer Theology

02:56 Personal Motivations and Experiences

04:32 Transformative Conversations

05:51 Identity and Interfaith Work

08:26 Joy in Leadership

09:49 Future of Interfaith and Inclusive Spaces

12:08 Policy and Planning for Diversity

14:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned

• Joy Laddin
• Alex Clare Young (2024) Trans Formations: Grounding Theology in Trans and Non-Binary Lives

Reem, a first-year PhD student at the Faculty of Divinity, interviews Professor Chris Baker from Goldsmiths University of London, to discuss the role of faith in public life. Baker emphasizes the importance of “radical ontology,” alternative social visions, and “radical practice” as contributions of faith groups to policy-making. He highlights examples where faith communities have influenced urban sustainability and grassroots projects. The conversation also touches on the necessity of integrating faith perspectives into policy development and overcoming secular biases in policymaking. Baker advocates for greater interfaith collaboration and the inclusion of young faith leaders in climate change initiatives and public policy formation.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:09 The Role of Faith in Public Life

03:54 Faith and Urban Sustainability

05:34 Co-Creation of Climate Policy

07:32 Engaging Faith Communities in Policy Making

10:20 Future of Interfaith Collaboration

12:46 Clarifying Misunderstandings about Faith Contributions

15:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

PhD student Peach interviews Laura Marks CBE, a distinguished policy advisor and interfaith social activist. Marks discusses the evolution of Mitzvah Day, which she founded as a Jewish-led initiative promoting interfaith collaboration through acts of community service. She reflects on how the interfaith landscape has changed over the years, highlighting the significance of positive engagement among diverse faith communities. Marks also shares her experiences establishing women-led interfaith partnerships, Nisa Nashim and the Women's Faith Forum, emphasizing the unique resilience and impactful roles these groups play. Toward the end of the conversation, a question about the presence of young people in interfaith settings, prompts reflection on how to ensure future generations continue to engage in and benefit from interfaith dialogue, with an eye to social cohesion.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:13 The Vision and Evolution of Mitzvah Day

05:35 The Role of Women in Interfaith Activities

08:23 Challenges and Opportunities in Women's Interfaith Work

10:29 Engaging the Next Generation in Interfaith Dialogue

15:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned:

• Mitzvah Day mitzvahday.org.uk
• Nisa Nashim: Jewish Muslim Women’s Network www.nisanashim.com
• The Women’s Faith Forum

In this episode, host Noah Rouse engages in discussion with Professor Michael Pollitt, Professor of Business Economics at Cambridge Judge Business School. They explore the intersection of faith, economics, and climate change, with Pollitt pressing the case for faith leaders to support economic solutions like carbon markets. The conversation touches on overcoming theologians’ misconceptions about market economies, the role of faith in historic social movements, and the potential for faith-based leadership to inspire action in addressing global climate challenges. Professor Pollitt emphasizes the need for a clear, unified ask from faith groups to make significant progress on climate policy, highlighting youth activism as a cause for optimism.

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

00:46 Guest Introduction: Professor Michael Pollitt

01:13 Professor Pollitt's Research Overview

02:09 Religion and Economics in Climate Change

04:45 Faith Leaders and Market Economists

05:37 Historical Precedents of Faith Movements

06:55 The Role of Faith in Climate Policy

08:24 Challenges and Opportunities for Faith-Based Climate Action

11:03 Uniting Faith and Secular Efforts

13:29 Hope and Solutions for Climate Change

16:17 Final Reflections and Hopeful Initiatives

17:48 Conclusion and Thanks

In this episode, Ryan Keating, a PhD student at Cambridge University and pastor in North Cyprus, engages with Professor Sriya Iyer, a pioneer in the field of economics of religion. They discuss the role of religion in mental health, the impact of religious communities on public welfare, and how economic theories can help understand religious interactions. Their dialogue explores the intersection of religion and economics, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers and faith leaders alike.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:32 Exploring the Economics of Religion

03:31 Religion, Mental Health, and Wellbeing

06:13 Faith Communities and Economic Perspectives

11:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Resources mentioned

• SCORE | Religion and Economic Development programme, reported at interfaith.cam.ac.uk: Exploring religion and economic development.

• Iyer’s research on religion, mental health and wellbeing, reported at interfaith.cam.ac.uk Research news: “Religion may have helped during COVID”.

• Sriya Iyer, 2018, The economics of religion in India (Harvard University Press).