About the NERFN
The North East Regional Faiths Network is a network of groups, networks and organisations concerned with promoting good inter-faith relations and understanding in the region. Its membership is primarily open to such organisations and networks which intend to promote good inter faith relations in the region or in one of the sub-regions. Membership, only in special circumstances, is secondarily open to individuals who are able to demonstrate a history of credible inter faith engagement.
The NERFN provides regional representation and support (e.g. co-ordination of relevant training) for all groups, networks and organisations, which come under its membership. In promoting good relations and understanding, the NERFN will endeavour to organise regular dialogue meetings and multi faith events related to matters of public interest or social justice.
The NERFN will seek to develop a research base relevant to the religious richness and diversity of the region. It also seeks to become a credible ‘religious voice’ for the region as it engages with the major public regional bodies, e.g. Government Office for the North East, One North East, the Regional Development Agency, Commission for Equality and Human Rights, North East Regional Assembly, and local authorities - plus the private sector e.g. Confederation for British Industry and key players in the voluntary and community sector e.g. Voluntary Organisations’ Network North East. In doing so, it adds to the building up of ‘regional governance’ for the North East through a process of consultation and advocacy.
The NERFN works according to a realistic and manageable action plan is reviewed at least annually. It seeks to connect with, to learn from, and to be able to contribute to the development of the forum comprising the other regional faiths networks/forums in England, including the UK Inter Faith Network.