Celebrating the Diversity of Faith in Lancashire

In the 2001 census, 83% of the people of Lancashire were stated ashaving an association with a faith community. This exhibition is anattempt to raise awareness of and celebrate the diversity of the faith communities which people belong to in the modern County of Lancashire.

The communities themselves are very varied in terms of numbers, size and history. At the beginning of the twentieth century the main Lancashire faith identities were Catholic, Protestant or Jewish. Now acentury later the picture is more varied, although it is worth remembering that all of the newer communities have now been practising their faith in Lancashire for more than one generation.

Although it has not been possible to make a complete survey of faith in Lancashire, seven historic world faiths which offer public prayer,worship or meditation in the County, were identified. The co-operation of members of these communities, who have provided the pictures and text for this exhibition, is gratefully acknowledged.

This exhibition also supports new equalities legislation which statesthat from December 2003 it will be unlawful for any employer to discriminate against employees and potential employees because of their religion or beliefs. Awareness raising is a key factor in implementing this legislation.

The exhibition has been produced, with the co-operation of seven faith communities in Lancashire, by: Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Lancashire Forum of Faiths, Churches Together in Lancashire, Preston and Western Lancashire Race Equality Council, Lancashire County Council, Lancashire County Library and Information Service.