The Commonwealth contains a diversity of religions, spanning 54 countries, with a population of 2.4 billion (of which 60% is aged 29 or under). Home to just about every religion in the world is to be found sincerely followed at least somewhere in the Commonwealth.
84% of the world’s population identifies with a religious group, so the figure is likely to be similar in the Commonwealth.
CJC is one of only two faith-based officially accredited to the Commonwealth organisation, (along with Muslim Aid) and therefore believe it is our role to ensure that religious communities are not neglected as an asset and their value and deep potential in harnessing the positive contribution of religious communities and their leaders are well recognised.
CJC are the leading organisation in the Commonwealth that acts to integrate faith into its work. We have created a programme called “Faith in the Commonwealth”, which brings together leading faith figures in the Commonwealth with the aim of broadening understanding and discussing how faith communities and the dimension of faith can help to advance progress across the Commonwealth.
The first event, held virtually in June 2021, was introduced by H.R.H. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. Participants included the Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth, the (CoE) Bishop of London, the Rwandan (RC) Cardinal Archbishop, and leading Hindu and Muslim teachers and scholars from India and the United States. This initiative resulted in the establishment of the Inter-Religious Commonwealth Youth Alliance.
