Supporting churches in diverse communities
The Diocese of St Albans is home to many vibrant and diverse communities where people of different faiths live, work and learn alongside one another. Building positive relationships across faith communities is an important part of Christian witness and service, helping churches to foster understanding, strengthen communities and work together for the common good.
We are committed to supporting churches as they engage confidently and authentically with neighbours of other faiths, whether through everyday encounters, local partnerships, community projects or formal dialogue.
Available support
Our interfaith advisers are here to support parishes across the Diocese. Here are some reasons you may have come across this webpage:
- Maybe you are part of a church wanting to connect more with other faith groups in your community but not sure where to start?
- Do you have a question about a specific situation, event or challenge involving interfaith engagement and need some guidance?
- Would you like to learn more about the faith communities in your area and build relationships with greater understanding and confidence?
- Perhaps you would like to connect with others involved in interfaith engagement, sharing ideas, experiences and learning from one another.
We offer support in a variety of ways, including sharing news and stories, organising an annual event during Inter Faith Week, hosting the Diocesan Interfaith Network (DIFN), offering training and mentoring and producing a quarterly newsletter which anyone can sign up for to stay informed about interfaith activity across the Diocese.
Heard the term ‘Presence and Engagement’ and not sure what it means? The Church of England uses the term Presence and Engagement to describe parishes where more than 10% of the local population belongs to a faith other than Christianity. More than 70 parishes across the Diocese of St Albans fall into this category.
Stories from around the Diocese
We share stories and news from across the Diocese to inspire, encourage and celebrate what is taking place in interfaith engagement.
From local events and community partnerships to learning opportunities and shared initiatives, these stories highlight the many ways churches are building relationships and serving alongside people of other faiths.
Annual Celebration Event: Sharing Stories of Hope
Each year, the Diocese hosts a special gathering during Inter Faith Week to celebrate and encourage interfaith work across our communities at St Albans Cathedral.
This year’s theme is ‘Stories of Hope’, and the evening will explore how stories and conversations can bring people together in challenging and divided times. It will include inspiring speakers, opportunities for discussion, food, music and fellowship.
Featuring contributions from:
– Bishop Rob Wickham, Chair of the Church Urban Fund
– Local interfaith practitioners and community leaders
– A reflection from Bishop Richard Atkinson on his commitment to interfaith engagement as he prepares for retirement
Join the Diocesan Interfaith Network
The Diocesan Interfaith Network (DIFN) exists to encourage, support and equip churches as they build positive relationships with people of other faiths and engage in ministry within diverse parish contexts.
Whether you are an ordained minister, lay leader, church volunteer or simply interested in interfaith engagement, the network provides opportunities to learn, share experience and grow in confidence.
By joining the network, you will become part of a growing community of people committed to interfaith understanding and engagement across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and beyond. You will have better access to:
- Opportunities to connect with others engaged in similar work
- News, resources and practical ideas
- Information about training and development opportunities
- Support from the Diocese’s Interfaith Advisers
Join the Diocesan Interfaith Network by emailing David Jonathan (Johny) from Grassroots, who maintains this network.
Meet the Diocesan Interfaith Advisers
The Revd Dr Alec Corio
Alec serves as Rector of East Barnet and is one of the Diocese’s Interfaith Advisers. He supports churches across the diocese in building confident and constructive relationships with people of other faiths. Email Alec.
Mrs Ulrike Hunt
Ulrike works for The Feast Youth Project in Luton and brings extensive experience of interfaith work, particularly among young people and community groups. Email Ulrike.
Alec and Ulrike are supported by David Jonathan (Johny) from the Diocese’s Luton mission partner, Grassroots. Email Johny.
Together they are helping to develop interfaith engagement across the Diocese of St Albans and are available to offer advice and support to churches and church leaders. Whether you are beginning an interfaith initiative, developing existing relationships or looking for guidance in your local context, they would be pleased to hear from you.
Sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter
This bulletin shares news, resources, events and training opportunities from the Diocesan Interfaith Network (DIFN). Sent quarterly starting from September 2026, it helps keep subscribers informed about interfaith engagement, learning opportunities and relevant diocesan news.
If you sign up to receive this mailing, your information will be stored securely within the diocesan database and will not be visible to our Interfaith Advisers. Scroll to the bottom of the newsletters page to subscribe.