Believing in London

World faith debate at the British Library

20 February 2007, 10.00 - 17.15
Admission Free

On 20 February 2007, the British Library will host an interfaith event for young Londoners aged between 16-19 years old. The day provides an opportunity to participate in a number of discussions and workshops, with the aim of encouraging young people to consider the nature of faith and belief, and to share their opinions about religion and how it affects their lives. As well as stimulating discussion about growing up in multi-faith London, the event will also ask participants to consider global contemporary themes and debates regarding multi-faith society, diversity and cultural identity.

Believing in London has been organised in collaboration with Diversity and Dialogue, with the hope of getting young Londoners to engage in discussions about their views and feelings about religion, faith and belief.

Discussion sessions will be held on 'Faith & Identity'; 'Freedom of Expression'; 'Faith in International Development;' 'Faith & Science'; and 'Growing Up in Multi-Faith London'. Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty, chairs a discussion panel which offers the chance to put questions to young people of different faiths.

A variety of workshops will be offered so that participants will have the chance to learn new skills and to express themselves through arts, music, media and drama. 'Conflict & Change' is an introductory workshop on understanding and mediating conflict in diverse societies, looking at the causes of conflict and issues around growing up in London. The 'Young Journalists' workshop uses examples of press and media to examine the representation and portrayal of faiths through language. A photography workshop asks students to explore themes of identity and multi-culturalism in their own experience. The day also includes workshops in the Library's exhibition galleries and an introduction to the Library's programmes and collections.

There will be an opportunity for participants to record their views on faith and religion via a camera set up in a 'diary room'. These recordings will be compiled and made available online to schools across the country. It is hoped that some of the discussions may also be included in the British Library's new exhibition, Sacred, which opens on 27 April. This groundbreaking exhibition brings together some of the world's most important and beautiful religious texts for the first time. Exquisite and rare examples of Jewish, Christian and Muslim sacred texts from the Library's collections will be presented alongside treasures on loan from other institutions in a unique and compelling modern context. Sacred marks the first time that sacred texts from these three faiths will have been displayed and explored together, side by side, in a major UK exhibition.

Roger Walshe, the British Library's Head of Learning, said, "This is a great opportunity for young people to come together at the British Library to express their views on a number of important issues relating to the role of religion, faith and belief in the world today. Our forthcoming exhibition, Sacred, will be bringing together some of the world's most important and beautiful sacred texts and will have an inspiring programme of activities for schools and young people. In advance of Sacred, this is a chance for young people to ensure their views and voices are heard in the exhibition and shared with people throughout the country. We are very pleased to be working with Diversity and Dialogue to achieve this aim."

The event is free of charge to young Londoners aged 16-19 years old. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

For further information on this event or other British Library Learning initiatives, contact Ruth Howlett at the British Library Press Office: +44 (0)20 7412 7112 or ruth.howlett@bl.uk

For further information on Sacred, contact Rona Levin at the British Library Press Office: +44 (0)20 7412 7111 or rona.levin@bl.uk

Notes for Editors

The British Library is the national Library of the United Kingdom. It provides world class information services to the academic, business, research and scientific communities and offers unparalleled access to the world's largest and most comprehensive research collection.

The British Library Learning programme aims to support formal and informal learning in the UK and make physical and virtual access to the British Library exciting and inspiring for students, educators and lifelong learners. A wide range of activities and resources are available for learners of all ages including free workshops, projects and online resources. The programme helps build skills in research, critical thinking and source-based learning and supports the 14-19 curriculum in key subject areas.

Sacred is open from 27 April 2007 to 23 September 2007, every day. Admission is free. Further information is available on the Library's website at www.bl.uk