Multi-faith space study launched

A pioneering architectural study into the history and impact of multi-faith spaces has been launched by a University of Manchester team with a meeting of representatives from the UK's major faiths. Drs Ralf Brand, Andrew Crompton, Chris Hewson and Rev Terry Biddington - Chaplain to Higher Education in Manchester - will visit spaces in airports, hospitals, prisons, universities, crematoria and shopping centres set aside to allow the public to practice their faith. It is funded under the Religion and Society Research Programme - an initiative led by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. They hope to find out how buildings and areas used for multi-faith spaces can promote tolerance between different religions. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Paganism, Baha'ism, Druidism will all be represented at the 15 April focus group at St Ethelberga's centre for reconciliation and peace in London. Also present will be academics, a former head of BBC religion and multi-faith specialists with experience in an airport, higher education, prison and an Immigration Removals Centre. The meeting will guide the research team on where to carry out their research and the issues which are important to the different faiths.