Faiths and Civil Society Unit

Part of Goldsmiths, University of London, the Faiths and Civil Society Unit (FCSU) combines interdisciplinary research with policy debate to promote public engagement around the role of religion and faith communities in public life. The unit stresses interfaith, participatory work that builds networks and encourages diverse, cross-sectoral collaborations. Current projects include an interfaith literacy training program for university leaders, linked database and network of faith groups working in eastern England, and fellowship program in international peace studies (co-sponsored with the University of Calgary). Past projects have studied faith-based community development and social services provision and the social capital of faith communities; in 2007-08 FCSU held a Economic and Social Research Council-funded seminar series on the role of faith in civil society. Dr. Adam Dinham serves as unit director, with Lord Paul Tyler of Linkinhorne serving as chair.