New Faith Guiding Course Opens for 2026 to Bridge Community Divides
The Faith Encounter Programme (FEP) has officially launched its 2026 Faith Guiding Course, continuing a nearly two-decade mission to transform how local places of worship engage with the public. Since its inception in 2007, the programme has successfully trained over 180 “Faith Guides” from diverse religious backgrounds, equipping them to host high-quality educational visits for schools, community groups, and curious neighbours.
The upcoming course is designed to be accessible and interactive, featuring six online sessions held on Tuesday evenings from May through June. Participants will delve into a three-part curriculum: deepening the understanding of their own traditions, exploring the complexities of interfaith relations, and mastering the practical public speaking skills required to present their faith to others with clarity and openness.
“A Faith Guide is more than just a host; they are a bridge-builder,” the programme organisers noted. By training individuals to lead professional educational tours of their own mosques, gurdwaras, churches, and temples, the FEP aims to replace misconceptions with firsthand experience and “faith literacy.”
The 2026 cohort will benefit from a subsidised fee of just £30, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent passionate community members from participating. While the primary teaching is delivered via Zoom, the course concludes with a significant in-person assessment on June 30th, followed by a celebratory Awards Evening on July 14th to honour the newly certified guides.
Prospective applicants and faith communities interested in joining this movement for social cohesion are encouraged to register early. Inquiries can be directed to the Faith Encounter Programme via email at faithencounterprogramme@gmail.com.