6. Statement by the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip: Marking Interfaith Week

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:06 pm on 17 November 2020.

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Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP 6:06, 17 November 2020

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Thank you for your statement, Deputy Minister. Interfaith Week provides us with the opportunity to increase understanding between the faiths, and also with those with no religious beliefs at all. Deputy Minister, do you agree that interfaith disputes have been the root cause of the majority of armed conflicts, and increasing understanding is absolutely vital to avoiding conflict and loss of life? What role do you envision the Welsh Government playing in promoting understanding and awareness between the faiths as well as those in secular society? With a number of different faiths running in schools in Wales, how will the Welsh Government ensure that interfaith awareness will play a part of the religious teaching at those schools throughout the year? And finally, Deputy Minister, Interfaith Week is a great introduction to interfaith understanding and co-operation, but how will the Welsh Government ensure that this happens every week of the year, and not just one week in November? I too would like to give thanks to the faith community for always being there, not just as COVID has taken many lives and has been needed more than ever, but for coming together with the flooding and the foodbanks. Thank you so much to the faith community for always being there, particularly now. Diolch yn fawr.