Residents The role of faith communities in bringing people together was highlighted at an event which saw Barking and Dagenham Council and the Barking and Dagenham Faith Forum sign up to a Charter for Faith and Belief Inclusion.

The charter has been created by the Faith & Belief Forum - a charity whose work aims to create good relations between people of different faiths and beliefs.

The charter helps to promote understanding between people of different faiths and beliefs. It is designed to represent a commitment from signatories to work together to foster good relationships between people of different beliefs in communities, workplaces and the wider society.

Cllr Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “Faith organisations play a vital role in the lives of thousands of our residents and this charter will help to promote understanding between people of different faiths and beliefs.

“I am proud to be able to support and promote all faith organisations as together we are stronger. It is a thing of joy that we can all promote cohesion, understanding and tolerance among our communities to make Barking and Dagenham the friendliest and most welcoming borough in the capital.”

Phil Champain, Director of the Faith & Belief Forum: “It has never been more important to build good relations between our different communities. The Charter for Faith & Belief Inclusion brings together organisations who want to help create a society which is welcoming to all people, of all backgrounds and beliefs. We’re delighted that the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and the Barking and Dagenham Faith Forum are joining us in this endeavour.”

Other signatories to the Charter so far include; The Department for Education, The Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Coventry University, Hindu Forum of Britain, Humanists UK and the Exilarch’s Foundation.