Religion and Global Challenges

Interfaith Futures: Talking faith, policy & community with Cambridge undergraduates

Exploring Interfaith Futures: insights from Cambridge Divinity students In this episode of the Interfaith Futures conversation series, three undergraduate students from the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge—Tassy, Alice, and Tom—discuss their experiences attending the national launch event for Inter Faith Week in London. Speaking with CIP Programme Manager Dr Iona Hine, they share their initial awareness of Inter Faith Week, the key takeaways from the event, and how interfaith dialogue intersects with their studies and future aspirations. The conversation highlights the importance of interfaith engagement in academia, community building, and policy-making, and underscores the potential for young people to shape interfaith futures--from thinktanks to religious education. 00:00 Introduction to Interfaith Futures 00:16 Background and recent developments in interfaith initiatives 01:06 Meet the students: Tassy, Alice, and Tom 01:26 Student reflections on Inter Faith Week 04:11 Highlights from the Inter Faith Week launch event 09:12 Personal takeaways and future aspirations 14:38 Conclusion and final thoughts

Introducing Interfaith Futures: cross-sector conversations from the UK

* What does the future hold for interfaith relations? * What research is needed? * What knowledge do researchers and practitioners hold that might benefit each other? * And what do policymakers need to know? Such are the questions that underpin Interfaith Futures, a 15-part conversation series featuring a mix of academics, practitioners and activists, interviewed by an emerging generation of scholars and professionals—around the central topic of Interfaith Futures. The interviews were first published on the Faculty of Divinity YouTube channel in November 2024, and now repackaged for podcast listeners. Episodes range from 12 to 25 minutes, and cover a diversity of topics. Listen in and join the conversation, with #InterfaithFutures. More information: Interviews: 15 perspectives on Interfaith Futures via www.interfaith.cam.ac.uk [https://www.interfaith.cam.ac.uk/news/interviews-15-perspectives-interfaith-futures] Produced by the Cambridge Interfaith Programme.

Bridging faith and economics to combat climate change: a precedent-based case

In this episode, host Noah Rouse engages in discussion with Professor Michael Pollitt, Professor of Business Economics at Cambridge Judge Business School. They explore the intersection of faith, economics, and climate change, with Pollitt pressing the case for faith leaders to support economic solutions like carbon markets. The conversation touches on overcoming theologians’ misconceptions about market economies, the role of faith in historic social movements, and the potential for faith-based leadership to inspire action in addressing global climate challenges. Professor Pollitt emphasizes the need for a clear, unified ask from faith groups to make significant progress on climate policy, highlighting youth activism as a cause for optimism. 00:00 Introduction and Host Background 00:46 Guest Introduction: Professor Michael Pollitt 01:13 Professor Pollitt's Research Overview 02:09 Religion and Economics in Climate Change 04:45 Faith Leaders and Market Economists 05:37 Historical Precedents of Faith Movements 06:55 The Role of Faith in Climate Policy 08:24 Challenges and Opportunities for Faith-Based Climate Action 11:03 Uniting Faith and Secular Efforts 13:29 Hope and Solutions for Climate Change 16:17 Final Reflections and Hopeful Initiatives 17:48 Conclusion and Thanks

The economics of religion: co-opetition, wellbeing and community resilience

In this episode, Ryan Keating, a PhD student at Cambridge University and pastor in North Cyprus, engages with Professor Sriya Iyer, a pioneer in the field of economics of religion. They discuss the role of religion in mental health, the impact of religious communities on public welfare, and how economic theories can help understand religious interactions. Their dialogue explores the intersection of religion and economics, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers and faith leaders alike. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:32 Exploring the Economics of Religion 03:31 Religion, Mental Health, and Wellbeing 06:13 Faith Communities and Economic Perspectives 11:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions Resources mentioned • SCORE | Religion and Economic Development programme, reported at interfaith.cam.ac.uk: Exploring religion and economic development. [https://www.interfaith.cam.ac.uk/news/exploring-religion-and-economic-development] • Iyer’s research on religion, mental health and wellbeing, reported at interfaith.cam.ac.uk Research news: “Religion may have helped during COVID” [https://www.interfaith.cam.ac.uk/news/research-news-religion-may-have-helped-during-covid]. • Sriya Iyer, 2018, The economics of religion in India (Harvard University Press).

Ways to connect: From broadcasting to leadership, literacy and social media

In this episode, Susie Triffitt, a third-year PhD student studying Theology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge, interviews Michael Wakelin, the executive chair of the Religion Media Centre. They discuss Wakelin's extensive background in religious broadcasting, his work with the Cambridge Interfaith Programme, and various interfaith projects, such as the leadership training program at St George's, Windsor. Wakelin also talks about the Religion Media Centre's mission to improve religious literacy in the media, responding to the Bloom Review, and the importance of new media, including TikTok, in furthering interfaith engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of building interfaith relationships and addresses the challenges and successes in the interfaith space. Michael and Susie find themselves in agreement: despite secular trends in census data, many people continue to exhibit religious behaviors, and the future of faith is promising, filled with passionate individuals. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:11 Michael Wakelin's Background and Career 01:54 Interfaith Leadership Program 02:54 Religion Media Centre 05:01 Religious Literacy and Bloom Review 07:32 Challenges and Successes in Interfaith Work 11:31 New Media and Interfaith Engagement 13:34 Future of Faith and Interfaith Relations 16:28 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts Resources mentioned * Faith in Leadership (St George’s Windsor) * Religion Media Centre (ReligionMediaCentre.org.uk) * Bloom Review * Religious Literacy Partnership * Creating Connections (an RMC project)