At Queens we have a full programme of studies devoted to exploring what it means to be a Christian disciple in a multi faith world. Ray Gaston our Inter Faith Studies Tutor has developed with others a number of courses that enable serious engagement with the realities of living out our faith in the company of those of other faiths. Our location in Birmingham allows us to access the unique and exciting diversity of faiths in the city and the fact that Ray’s role at Queen’s is combined with the task of being the Inter Faith Enabler for the Birmingham District of the Methodist Church keeps our programme firmly rooted in the realities of everyday church life and ministry.

Track One Programme

At the end of the first term in year one a themed week on Christian Ministry in a Multi Faith Society gives students a basic introduction to Christian theology of religions, Exploring the Bible and Ministry in Multi Faith contexts and through visits to places of worship a basic introduction to a number of other faiths.

At the beginning of the second year an assessed Module Christianity & Inter Faith Relations – Theology, Dialogue & Engagement allows students to explore more deeply Christian theology and spirituality in dialogue with one particular faith tradition. Students spend 12-15 hours with another faith community and reflect on that experience and it’s impact upon their understanding of their own faith. The emphasis of the course is not so much to gather information about ‘the other’ but to learn more about ourselves and our faith in relationship with people of other faiths and fellow students on the course.

On the successful completion of the above modules students can opt to do further studies in this area with an option on The Common Good in Christianity and Islam – a course where students study alongside Muslim Students from the Al Mahdi Institute in Birmingham and a new option called ‘The Elephant in the Room’ – Inter Faith Relations and the Politics of the Israeli – Palestinian Conflict  that is being developed for 2012.

All Track One Modules and Options are open to Independent Students.

Track Two Programme

On this programme students have an introductory weekend at the end of the first year similar to the themed week for Track one and a 6 day residential in year 2 or 3 that allows a deeper engagement with the issues in a similar way to the second year track 1 programme.