Preston Faith Forum was formed in 2003 as a way of representing the voice of faith groups and communities. Since then, the Faith Forum has provided a means for communication and consultation between city council and communities.

We also run, facilitate, and support a number of activities aimed at raising awareness of aspects of the various faiths, and in the process encouraging and promoting dialogue. Preston is a multi- cultural, multi-racial City with people of a range of faiths and of no faith. These diverse communities make a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of the City.

Between them, the faith communities have a large number of buildings, both historic and contemporary, many of which have been developed to provide community facilities. These old, new and adapted buildings express the diversity which is characteristic of Preston and some of them can be visited as part of the faith trail.

This brochure is intended to give you a greater insight into the different faiths. Inside you will find some information about each faith, something of the history of that faith in Preston, and details as to where different centres of worship are to be found. We hope that you enjoy exploring this rich heritage.

Peter Lumsden, Chair, Preston Faith Forum

Mission

To improve the lives of the citizens of Preston by fostering interfaith dialogue, understanding, co-operation and joint working on a range of social, economic and environmental issues. ]

Objectives

To support the Preston Strategic Partnership in the development and delivery of a Common Strategy for Preston.
To work with and in other partnerships operating in Preston.
To influence public sector decision-makers.
To excercise Forum's consultation rights.
To share concerns between faith groups.
To increase the understanding of faiths and the positive role that they and their communities can play in society.

The Preston Faith Forum was established in May 2002 and has membership from the following faith groups: Christian, Bahá'í, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Sikh.

It exists to enable the voice of the people of various faiths in Preston to be heard in the formal decision-making community bodies of the Preston Strategic Partnership and the Preston Community Network.

No less important is the aim to encourage and facilitate constructive and positive dialogue between the various faith groups in Preston.

One of the first actions of the newly established forum was to develope a common statement expressing the aspirations belonging to the faith communities of Preston.

"Working towards PQASSO"

Practical Quality Assurance System for Small Organisations