The key importance of mutual understanding and good relationships between members of major world faith communities was highlighted at the meeting of NIFCON (Network for Inter Faith Concerns of the Anglican Communion) held at Launde Abbey, Leicestershire, England, September 25-28 2001. The meeting had a particular urgency in the light of the tragic events of September 11 2001.

The meeting, which included members of the Anglican Communion from several regions of the world, reaffirmed its commitment to the aims of NIFCON which include: sharing information, stories and resources across the provinces of the Communion; enabling appropriate dialogue and friendship with people of other faiths, as well as sensitive witness and evangelism where appropriate; encouraging mutual solidarity and prayer where there are places of difficulty and conflict; the exploration of theological issues.

In the multi-cultural city of Leicester members met with the local Council of Faiths and later with representatives of the Muslim community in a local mosque. In these discussions emphasis was placed on the need for compassion, forgiveness and reconciliation within and between nations and religious communities. Members expressed their deep concern as to the way in which religion is often misused for political ends, especially in situations of conflict and stated their conviction that it was essential in such circumstances to promote inter faith understanding in order to establish justice, peace and harmony.

Participants appreciated the input they received from the NIFCON Presidents, Bishop Kenneth Fernando of Sri Lanka, Bishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon of Kaduna, Nigeria and Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali of Rochester, England. Bishops Kenneth and Josiah updated the group on conflict situations in their countries that were exacerbated by tensions between faith communities. Bishop Michael (speaking via video) shared his conviction that at the present time developing inter faith understanding and relationships was one of the most important tasks laid before the Anglican Communion.

The group also heard from Canon John Peterson, Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion, who spoke about the inter faith dynamics of the Palestinian situation.

In the course of the meeting strategies were developed to facilitate the strengthening and development of NIFCON in the immediate and longer term future so that it can more effectively assist the whole Communion to witness to the Christian vocation of reconciliation.