Religion and Global Challenges

Cambridge Interfaith Programme

“Religion and Global Challenges” is the podcast of the Cambridge Interfaith Programme, brought to you from of the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. This podcast explores the many ways in which religious narratives and ideas, practices and experiences inform some of the most crucial challenges facing our world today. Together with our guest speakers, we discuss topics ranging from religion and climate change to how people navigate religious difference in their everyday lives. Find @CamInterfaith on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Or check out our website for more information: www.interfaith.cam.ac.uk

  1. Interfaith Futures: Talking faith, policy & community with Cambridge undergraduates

    11/13/2025

    Interfaith Futures: Talking faith, policy & community with Cambridge undergraduates

    Exploring Interfaith Futures: insights from Cambridge Divinity students In this episode of the Interfaith Futures conversation series, three undergraduate students from the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge—Tassy, Alice, and Tom—discuss their experiences attending the national launch event for Inter Faith Week in London. Speaking with CIP Programme Manager Dr Iona Hine, they share their initial awareness of Inter Faith Week, the key takeaways from the event, and how interfaith dialogue intersects with their studies and future aspirations. The conversation highlights the importance of interfaith engagement in academia, community building, and policy-making, and underscores the potential for young people to shape interfaith futures--from thinktanks to religious education. 00:00 Introduction to Interfaith Futures 00:16 Background and recent developments in interfaith initiatives 01:06 Meet the students: Tassy, Alice, and Tom 01:26 Student reflections on Inter Faith Week 04:11 Highlights from the Inter Faith Week launch event 09:12 Personal takeaways and future aspirations 14:38 Conclusion and final thoughts

    16 min

  2. 12/08/2024

    Introducing Interfaith Futures: cross-sector conversations from the UK

    What does the future hold for interfaith relations? What research is needed? What knowledge do researchers and practitioners hold that might benefit each other? And what do policymakers need to know? Such are the questions that underpin Interfaith Futures, a 15-part conversation series featuring a mix of academics, practitioners and activists, interviewed by an emerging generation of scholars and professionals—around the central topic of Interfaith Futures. The interviews were first published on the Faculty of Divinity YouTube channel in November 2024, and now repackaged for podcast listeners. Episodes range from 12 to 25 minutes, and cover a diversity of topics. Listen in and join the conversation, with #InterfaithFutures. More information: Interviews: 15 perspectives on Interfaith Futures via www.interfaith.cam.ac.uk Produced by the Cambridge Interfaith Programme.

    3 min

  3. 12/08/2024

    Empowering through coproduction and navigating intersections: strategies for a National Multifaith Youth Centre

    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 LondonThe National Multifaith Youth CentreResearch by Sophie Mitchell, Faith & Belief Forum

    16 min

  4. 12/08/2024

    A mind-opening apprenticeship: contemplating interfaith encounters as an Anglican in Bradford

    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

    17 min

  5. 12/08/2024

    Cooking up connection: a global palate for local unity

    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.ukInternational Dinner (Plymouth)

    18 min

  6. 12/08/2024

    Euphoric Trans Formations: queer theology, intersectionality and interfaith inclusion

    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 LaddinAlex Clare Young (2024) Trans Formations: Grounding Theology in Trans and Non-Binary Lives

    15 min

  7. 12/08/2024

    Radical capital: Activating faith for urban resilience

    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

    16 min

  8. 12/08/2024

    Birthing Mitzvah Day and women-led interfaith movements

    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.ukNisa Nashim: Jewish Muslim Women’s Network www.nisanashim.comThe Women’s Faith Forum

    16 min
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About

“Religion and Global Challenges” is the podcast of the Cambridge Interfaith Programme, brought to you from of the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. This podcast explores the many ways in which religious narratives and ideas, practices and experiences inform some of the most crucial challenges facing our world today. Together with our guest speakers, we discuss topics ranging from religion and climate change to how people navigate religious difference in their everyday lives. Find @CamInterfaith on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Or check out our website for more information: www.interfaith.cam.ac.uk

Information

  • Creator
    Cambridge Interfaith Programme
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Cambridge Interfaith Programme
  • Show Website
    Religion and Global Challenges