All Faiths and None
(AFAN - www.afan.uk.net)

AFAN is a programme which offers a methodology and resources to help teachers support young people of religious and non-religious backgrounds to develop mutual understanding and to share values by meeting together for dialogue and discussion. AFAN recognises the deep reservoirs of human wisdom contained in the great faiths, in their scriptures and worship traditions. It also draws on the works of the great humanist teachers of the past and present. It acknowledges the diversity of faith and belief in the modern world (with a team from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and Humanist backgrounds), but focuses on the common themes across the traditions which underpin a cohesive society.

AFAN is not a research project, nor a factory for the development of teaching materials. Nor is it a government-inspired conspiracy to domesticate religions into constrained patterns. It is an Educational Resource, with a Website ( www.afan.uk.net ) and a Teachers’ Handbook and a bank of Video, Audio and Text-based materials. All are designed to help young people to explore the ‘Big Questions’ they identify concerning faith, the meaning and purpose of life, values - work, love, environment, sex, violence etc, and belief – God, life and death, the future. AFAN works through promoting dialogue between young people from different backgrounds, in both formal and informal situations, and can offer Staff Development Workshops, One-day events or seminars in colleges and schools.