Download Poster-Contrary-to-common-belief-20-Nov-2013

‘Contrary to common
belief…”
Along with Jonathan White of Estates I attended the annual meeting of the
Eastbourne Faiths Forum as part of InterFaith Week on 20th November in the
Congress Suite. The title of this year’s event was ‘Contrary to common belief…’ at
which local representatives of the following faiths gave a brief outline of their
main beliefs including any misconceptions:ISLAM-Christ respected as a Messenger but not divine;
ROMAN CATHOLICISM-the notion of ‘infallibility’ was explained;
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS-no plural marriage
(polygamy) since 1870s;
PAGANISM-do not believe in sacrifices or the devil;
HINDU-Oldest religion with a belief in reincarnation-previous lives reflected in
this one by ‘karma’;
ANGLICAN CHURCH-belief in respect and tolerance;
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH-members hold Protestant bible-based views
and observe Saturdays as the Sabbath;
CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS-Ministry centred on healing;
BUDDHISM-Do not believe in a creator God but follow Siddattha Gotama, the
Buddha (someone who has gained enlightenment), and concentrate on
meditation on the Buddha’s sayings rather than outright worship. Buddhists are
given specific names when they adopt the faith so the person who presented the
faith on the evening has a Buddhist name ‘Tejamitra’ or ‘firefriend’
After the individual presentations there was a break for refreshments and then
there was a question and answer session including a request for a brief
explanation of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
The Eastbourne Faiths Forum is sponsored by Eastbourne Borough Council
and every year organises an event to celebrate the various faiths practised in the
Eastbourne area to coincide with InterFaith Week, normally the third week in
November.
John Bassett
College Faith Champion.
For more information please contact: Monica Ray, Faiths Forum Administrator
Tel: 01323 415004, or email [email protected]