How To … engage with faith communities

We live in a diverse multi-cultural society, which is home to many of the world's religions. The 2001 census recorded that three-quarters of the British population belong to a faith group. Faith, in its different guises promotes peace, equality, love, honesty, compassion and respect.

Many of your clients and employees will belong to a faith group, and understanding diverse beliefs leads to better communication and interaction with tenants, allowing support in employment and education to be more readily accepted. Often, faith institutions are the only community organisations left in neighbourhoods where the social infrastructure has been eroded. Their objectives are similar to social housing providers, in that they demonstrate a commitment to the community.

Faith groups are well placed to reach the socially excluded and can provide advice, information and training that is sensitive to faith and cultural differences. Faith communities already play a significant role in tackling the government's neighbourhood renewal, social inclusion and welfare to work agendas.

Faith Regen UK works alongside social landlords, faith groups and other concerned organisations to deliver empowerment projects to disadvantaged communities. Our regeneration work includes developing the ability of places of worship to provide specific advice, support or training to members of the community who may be excluded. Faith leaders are already guiding their people spiritually, but may lack the business and cultural acumen to help those in need in a practical manner on a day-to-day basis.

Working across cultures can sometimes be a major source of misunderstanding and conflict and it is easy to offend when you do not know religious etiquette or customs. It is important to never make assumptions about an unfamiliar belief system.

Making contact
Many contacts at faith groups may be volunteers and have very busy schedules, so be prepared to persevere, and remember to avoid clashes with religious festivals.

When meeting members of several faiths choose a venue where they will all feel comfortable. Places of worship or pubs would not be appropriate. If catering for members of several faiths, the simplest option is to provide vegetarian food with no alcohol.

Venues, regularity and practices of prayer or worship vary greatly, so when visiting a place of worship you should observe codes of dress and conduct and note prayer times. Some prayer includes yoga and meditation (Buddhism, Hinduism) and this can take place at home or any other venue. Other more formal forms of worship take place at special times, orchestrated by a faith leader. Ritual prayer is an essential part of cultural and religious practices in some communities. For example, Muslims pray five times a day. A multi-faith prayer room should be sufficient to meet the spiritual needs of your employees and tenants.

Interpretation may be necessary so why not use your multilingual staff? If you draw up a list of who speaks which language in the office, you will have instant access to a translator. Plain and straightforward language should be used and you should consider how to demonstrate what you mean to the specific audience. Avoid jargon, as it creates a barrier to trust and progress.

If you demonstrate a consensus between your values it will increase motivation and participation. Even if you do not conform to a faith group, most people certainly empathise with a desire to avoid harming another person.

Put yourself in the other person's place and consider what barriers they may face. If possible provide transport, childcare and run women-only workshops.

Greetings vary. While some members of faith groups adopt western culture, others follow strict guidelines where physical contact and eye contact with a person of the opposite sex is considered inappropriate. In Muslim culture, women are considered precious and men and women must lower their gaze to prevent temptation. Please note that in a formal working environment in the West exceptions are made.

Names are extremely important: establish which name is personal and which is family. Remember that it is not always appropriate to ask someone's Christian name.

If in doubt, ask! A polite enquiry about a particular religious belief or language requirement will not be offensive if prompted by a genuine desire to get it right.