Anglican Diocese of Guildford donates £250,000 to University Multi-Faith Centre

Thursday 21 February 2008

The Multi-Faith Centre will create a base for the University Chaplaincy and will enable the further development of its inter-faith programmes. The Centre will contain dedicated space for Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities, together with open space for the practices of Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The project is a response to the changing needs and growing internationalisation of the University community and represents a bold educational initiative at a time when inter-faith relations are widely recognised to be of global significance.

Professor Christopher Snowden, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey commented:

"I am delighted that the Anglican Diocese of Guildford is endorsing our plans for a Multi-Faith Centre here at the University in this very clear way. Local support of this nature is crucial to our fundraising."

The Rt Revd Christopher Hill, the Bishop of Guildford added:

"I am delighted to be presenting this substantial cheque on behalf of the Board of Finance of Guildford Diocese, approved by the Bishop’s Council. It is intended to be a serious contribution toward the world-class multi-faith centre which is to be established here on the University of Surrey campus. We are proud to participate in this significant venture toward world understanding here in Surrey."

The Multi-Faith Centre project is the latest in a number of initiatives led by the University’s Multi-Faith Chaplaincy. The Centre will cost £6.5m and will be financed by a fundraising appeal with completion due in 2010.