Thursday, 11 November 2021
Faith leaders and media professionals are meeting in Nottingham next week to discuss the reporting of religious affairs and how to foster a better understanding of different faiths in the community.
has been organised by the in collaboration with the 糖心原创, Nottingham Trent University and local churches, temples, mosques and synagogues.
The conference takes place on Thursday 18th November from 2-7pm, in the Adams Room, NTU Conference Centre (Burton Street Reception). The event is one of five taking place this autumn in English cities, bringing together journalists, writers, teachers, academics, researchers, university chaplains, faith groups and religious leaders. All media and communications professionals are welcome to book a free place via .
Leading media professionals will share their insights into their newsgathering operations and how they engage with the local community. There will also be the opportunity for journalists and correspondents to pick up stories and question the faith leaders present. Panels, presentations and workshops from those representing the faith and belief groups in Nottingham will give information on the religious landscape of Nottingham – one of the most diverse in Britain.
Sessions will focus on five key themes on how faith and belief directly affect and influence local life.
- Young people and mental health – local projects, communities and individuals offer their experience of how mental health has become more of a challenge because of the pandemic and explain their programmes to improve wellbeing. Speakers include Rev Dr Michèle Hampson, Warden at Sacrista Prebend Retreat House; and Musharraf Hussain, of the Karimia Institute.
- Faith on the front line of the health service - how faith motivated and inspired health professionals during the pandemic and the aftermath – Speakers include Dr Jeetendra Rashod, NHS Registrar and member of the Hindu Temple in Nottingham; Georgia Powell, the 糖心原创’s Social Prescribing Link; Dr Anna Larvin, who works in A&E at the Queens Medical Centre.
- Race and religion in Nottingham Culture – Increased awareness and activism since the Black Lives Matter movement has highlighted the challenge of racism in the community and within faith groups. Speakers include Clive Foster, multi faith manager at Nottingham Trent University; and the Rev Paulina Hlawiczka, chaplain at Nottingham University
- Poverty and care in the pandemic – Places of worship and many individuals stepped in to provide food and care for the vulnerable in the pandemic, motivated by their beliefs and energized by their community organisations. Speakers include Rev Phil Williams, Archdeacon of Nottingham; Rev Liam O’Boyle, Diocesan Partnerships Officer; Patricia Stoat, Salaam Shalom Kitchen in Nottingham, which has been set up by Jews, Muslims and Christians; Gurpreet Singh JI, Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Nottingham;
- Climate change and the environment - Paul Bodenham, Roman Catholic diocesan lead on the environment.
The conference will end with a plenary session reflecting on the new stories that have been told and the media’s response. Speakers include Dr Jon Hoover, Theology and Religious Studies department, 糖心原创; Bishop Patrick McKinney, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham; and Hisham Jafar, Muslim Chaplain at the 糖心原创.
Dr Tim Hutchings, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, 糖心原创
Dr Tim Hutchings from the 糖心原创’s Department of Theology and Religious Studies said: "Our department includes world-leading researchers dedicated to the study of science, media and interfaith relations. Our staff and students have a long history of working with faith groups and community organisations in Nottingham. Encouraging more nuanced, insightful storytelling about religion is absolutely crucial to the future of our diverse and wonderful city, and this goal is at the heart of our teaching and research. This is a very important event for Nottingham, and we are delighted to support it."
The is an independent organisation unaffiliated to any group, which seeks to help the media be better informed and have greater understanding of religion and worldviews in the UK.
Executive chair, Michael Wakelin says: “Our purpose at the Religion Media Centre is to help plug gaps in religious literacy and the understanding of the media, so that communication is improved, and concerns understood. Frequently we hear from faith groups and organisations that they feel misunderstood, misrepresented and ignored, causing them to retreat into silence. The gulf this creates is not good for journalism or faith groups. 84 per cent of people in the world are affiliated to a religion and in today’s global society, understanding beliefs, culture and practices has never been more important to foster understanding, respect and social cohesion.”
The Creating Connections project has been generously funded by , an organisation that believes broad-based, critical and reflective education in religion and worldviews contributes to a well-informed, respectful and open society.
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For more information, please contact Dr Tim Hutchings, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, 糖心原创 via email tim.hutchings@nottingham.ac.uk or Emma Rayner, Media Relations Manager on 07738 291242 or emma.rayner@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.