Forming a brave space: The University’s Faith and Belief Subcommittee

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In an era where global events are increasingly shaping local experiences, the University of Edinburgh has reaffirmed its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion by establishing the Faith and Belief Subcommittee.

This is one of five key subcommittees operating under the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC). 

The Faith and Belief Subcommittee provides a structured route to relay the needs and contributions of the University’s diverse religious and belief communities to University leaders. Its members prioritise how to enhance understanding, support and foster an inclusive culture on campus. 

Aims and objectives 

  • Support the University’s broader equality, diversity and inclusion commitments 
  • Address how external societal developments impact internal community dynamics 
  • Respond thoughtfully and effectively to issues of religion and belief across campus 
  • Foster good relations and wider participation among all groups of faith, belief and non-belief 

Dr Harriet Harris, Committee Convener and Head of the University Chaplaincy, said: 

“The Faith and Belief Subcommittee serves as a sounding board for conversations, topics and events at the University. Our membership reflects a cross-section of the University’s vibrant community, bringing together voices from academic departments, support services, student societies and religious and secular chaplaincies.

“As society becomes more secular, individuals of faith may feel hesitant to bring their full identities into the academic and professional space. This subcommittee seeks to counter this trend by ensuring that voices of faith and belief – religious and non-religious – are heard, respected, represented and celebrated.” 

Celebrating Ramadan 

Liz Grant, Convener and Assistant Principal (Global Health) and Director of the Global Health Academy said:  

“Having recently attended an Eid lunch I was thrilled to see how many colleagues from all creeds joined to celebrate the end of Ramadan with their colleagues. It was fantastic to see that sense of solidarity and celebration. I really hope that colleagues across the University see this as an opportunity to celebrate their own beliefs and get in touch with us and EDI Leads within their Colleges and Schools. The more we know from and through each other’s festivities, the more we are likely to understand what we all hold dear.”   

Sara Medel Jiminez, HR Partner EDI and subcommittee member said: 

“I was inspired by the work of the Faith and Belief Subcommittee and asked my Muslim colleagues in HR to share their personal experiences of Ramadan. Colleagues told us that they welcome questions on this topic. We worked on an inclusive guide to Ramadan for HR and shared useful resources with University leaders. This resulted in a greater dialogue and I hope that we can replicate simple initiatives like these to honour the diverse cultural practices of our community and support our colleagues from all faiths and none.” 

Get involved 

The Faith and Belief Subcommittee meets twice each academic term, with in person and hybrid sessions.  

The subcommittee is reaching out to all faith and belief communities across the University, including any not already represented by the Chaplaincy Multi-faith and Belief Team, to understand their experiences, identify unmet needs, and explore ways the University can offer stronger, more inclusive support. 

Colleagues are invited to play a part. If you are a member of a faith or belief community – religious, humanist, pagan, spiritual or otherwise – and would like to engage, please get in touch. Or if you have ideas to promote inclusivity in your department or school, please contact your local EDI Lead or the Chaplaincy directly.

Email: chaplain@ed.ac.uk  

Related links

Honorary Chaplains and Belief Contacts 

A celebration of Nowruz, Persian New Year March 2025