Faith Covenant signed in Kendal to strengthen community partnerships
Council and faith groups pledge to work together for local cohesion
Westmorland and Furness Council marked a significant milestone in community collaboration by signing a Faith Covenant with local faith communities at Kendal Town Hall on 1st July.
The event was attended by an array of dignitaries and representatives from faith groups, alongside council leaders, including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, the High Sheriff of Cumbria, and NHS Chaplains. Both Councillor Jonathan Brook, Council Leader, and Miranda Cannon, Chief Executive, welcomed attendees to the ceremony.
The Faith Covenant stands as a shared commitment to cooperate in respectful and constructive ways, underscoring a mutual pledge to safeguard religious freedom and enable individuals to practice their beliefs without fear of intimidation. It delineates principles for collaboration, aiming to support inclusive services and forge stronger community ties.
Councillor Helen Chaffey, Cabinet Member for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, reflected on the covenant's significance. Chaffey said, “Faith communities already make a valuable contribution to our society in Westmorland and Furness. The Faith Covenant is a joint commitment between the local council and faith groups to work together on priorities that are important to all members of society, irrespective of whether they practice a faith or not.”
Highlighting the framework provided by the covenant, Councillor Tony Callister, Labour Group Shadow Portfolio Holder for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, commented, “Faith groups play an important role in supporting people and bringing communities together across Westmorland and Furness. This covenant provides a clear framework for building on that work and strengthening partnerships with the council and other organisations.”
Rev Jonny Gios MA from Churches Together in Cumbria emphasised the covenant's foundational role in bolstering partnerships. Gios said, “The signing of the Faith Covenant is an important milestone for our area. Faith communities have long played a vital role in supporting people and strengthening community life across Westmorland and Furness.”
The initiative, part of a broader national movement, encourages cooperation between local authorities and faith communities, with over 30 councils across the UK having already joined. The Westmorland and Furness covenant has been developed since early 2025 through the Faith Covenant Partnership, involving local faith communities and partners from the public, voluntary, and community sectors.
More information about the Westmorland and Furness Faith Covenant is available on the council’s website.