More than 100 faith group and community leaders celebrated the launch of the Essex Faith Covenant as they pledged to join forces to tackle the county’s biggest social issues.
Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Buddhists, Pagans and leaders from the public sector attended the event, at Firstsite, in Colchester, where they promised to pool resources make the county a better place.
The first countywide covenant in Britain, it is backed by the Government’s All Parliamentary Committee on Faith and Society, and has been signed by councils, Essex Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Essex Fire Authority.
It is also supported by Faith Action, a nationwide network of faith-based and community organisations working together to help others.
David Finch, chairman of Essex Partners and leader of Essex County Council, said: “By promoting tolerance and understanding of different faiths and working collaboratively, we can make a real difference and build much more resilient and inclusive communities.”
“In signing up to the agreement, faith communities and partners pledge to follow a joint vision, a set of principles that unify us, and focus our attention on helping others.
"The overriding sentiment of that vision is that together we are stronger.
“Together, we can proactively build trust between faith groups and public services.
"We can create opportunities to learn from each other and share best practice, and we can come together to serve the community, particularly the most disadvantaged.”
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