Understanding pluralism: supporting Pepperdine University’s exploration of faith and public life in the UK
The Sacred Sites Promoting Pluralism initiative is part of Pepperdine University’s Programme on Global Faith and Inclusive Societies, and has been researching how to leverage the power of sacred sites to overcome interfaith hostility and promote the value of pluralism, the peaceful coexistence of people of different perspectives (including religious beliefs). In light of the United Kingdom’s rich history and landscape of religious diversity, the initiative undertook a research trip in collaboration with the Good Faith Partnership to better understand the lived experiences of religious pluralism and how sacred sites can cultivate peace and respect for the beliefs of others in contemporary multi-religious societies.
This January, we had the privilege of hosting a delegation for a week-long programme exploring the intersection of faith, public life, and pluralism in the UK. The visit provided a rich opportunity for project lead Knox Thames and PhD Candidate Emily K Scholaro to engage with leaders, institutions, and communities shaping the country’s religious and civic landscape.
Coventry: A Legacy of Peace and Reconciliation
We began in Coventry, a city with a deep history of peacebuilding. Our visit included an exploration of the local history and symbolism facilitated by the Lord Mayor’s Peace Committee and The Godiva Trust, where we explored the city’s role in promoting reconciliation after the devastation of World War II, and how local connections and architectural details of the Coventry Cathedral reflect a profound story of pluralism and reconciliation. This theme of remembrance continued at the city’s Holocaust Memorial Day event at the Belgrade Theatre, where Coventry City Council convened a number of local voices reflecting on the power of storytelling in honouring memory and preventing future atrocities.
Our discussions at Coventry Cathedral with The Very Revd John Witcombe and the Events team underscored the role of iconic sacred spaces in a plural society and how the Cathedral has led extraordinary efforts in Coventry and beyond to promote reconciliation as a principle, from their ongoing programming to the pivotal role they play in The Community of the Cross of Nails, a worldwide network inspired by the Coventry Cathedral story of destruction, rebuilding and renewal.
London: Exploring a profoundly pluralistic society
In London, the delegation engaged with key stakeholders in policy and religious leadership. A highlight was an evening lecture at the London School of Economics featuring leading voices on international freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), including Knox Thames, Nazila Ghanea, and Qari Asim. This discussion explored how FoRB can be promoted in an increasingly polarised world.
At Westminster, we joined the UK FoRB Forum’s first stakeholder meeting of the year, where we met the newly appointed Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith. A roundtable discussion at the House of Lords allowed us to exchange insights with UK faith and policy leaders on the challenges and opportunities for religious freedom advocacy. The researchers also had the opportunity to present their findings in-depth and get feedback and reflections from participants in paths to move the work forward.
As part of the research efforts in London, the team looked into significant sacred spaces, each representing the diversity of faith in the UK. We were welcomed at St Andrew’s by the Wardrobe by Archbishop Angaelos, and explored Jewish heritage at Bevis Marks and Sandys Row Synagogues. We also engaged in dialogue at Baitul Futuh Mosque and the BAPS Neasden Temple, learning about their work and experience from community cohesion.
Our final day included a visit to East London Mosque, where we discussed faith-based social action and interfaith relations in one of the UK’s most dynamic religious communities. This programme was more than just a study tour—it was a meaningful exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives on faith’s role in public life and the specific power of sacred sites to unlock coexistence and cohesion. From Coventry’s legacy of reconciliation to London’s diverse faith communities, our conversations reinforced the role of faith-based sites and their sacred heritage to bridge divides and build stronger, more inclusive societies.