Ecumenical Interfaith meetings 

Dialogue between Faith Communities

Since 2018 the leaders of faith communities across Merseyside have met together twice a year with Christian leaders from the Catholic, Anglican and Free Churches. The meetings are intended to promote inter religious dialogue and relationship, but also serve as a place where all faith communities can identify areas of common interest, and other agencies can come to consult with faith groups.

Dr Crispin Pailing convened the Group since it was established in 2018. Previous interreligious dialogue had been undertaken by representatives of different faiths, but Crispin's hope was that a new group would be a place where leaders could meet and talk.

Image: Interfaith meeting at Livepool Hope University in 2025

At the November 2025 meeting they heard presentations on a number of topics, including community chaplaincy for those leaving prisons, and they were joined by the then newly appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside. They also discussed topics which were of common concern, including the impact of the changing political climate in the UK.
The meeting took place at Liverpool Hope University, and they were joined by the Vice Chancellor, who spoke about the work of the University.









Visitors to the Faith Leaders’ Group have been diverse, from the Royal Navy to the Crown Prosecution Service, and from Everton Football Club to local schools. Christian congregations are encouraged to engage locally with places of worship for other faith communities. If you would like help to explore this, or introductions to other faith groups, then please get in touch with the CTMR office.