National Recognition
25 November 2009
International inter-religious relations expert Professor Paul Weller has been recognised for his significant contribution to exploring multi-faith issues after being awarded a top honour from the Dialogue Society.
Professor Weller, also Head of Research and Commercial Development for EHS at the University of Derby, received an 'award of appreciation' at the Dialogue Society's tenth anniversary dinner and awards ceremony at Renaissance Chancery Court in London in November.
The Anniversary dinner highlighted the work and achievements of the Dialogue Society over the past ten years with awards of appreciation being presented to partners and friends from the academic, political and third sector and those who have contributed to community well-being overall.
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Pictures courtesy of the Dialogue Society
Cohesive Communities
More than 300 leading guests from the political, media, academic and third sector world including Minsters, senior civil servants, opinion-makers, leading academics, editors, community representatives, and many other public figures working towards developing cohesive communities were at the event.
With a positive and proactive outlook, the Dialogue Society has sought to break down barriers, overcome prejudices and achieve integrated cohesive communities who share in their 'Britishness' while rejoicing in their diversity. In the past ten years, the Society has organised over four 400 events, hosted over 40,000 guests and facilitated over 60,000 interactions, focusing its efforts on making dialogue work.
Distinguished Contribution
Also in November Professor Weller spoke at a conference at the Multi-Faith Centre in Derby to mark 'Inter-Faith Week' on the theme of 'Building a Society for the Future: Bridges and Bonds in the East Midlands, where he responded to a keynote presentation by Dr Adam Dinham of the Faiths and Civil Society Unit of Goldsmiths, University of London.
He also spoke at another conference in Newcastle on Tuesday entitled 'Opening Doors in the North-East' giving the keynote address on 'Inter-Faith Developments: Patterns of Engagement and Emerging Issues.'
Professor Weller was recently awarded the University of Derby's first ever Doctor of Letters (higher doctorate) for his 'distinguished contribution to inter-religious dialogue and pluralism in the changing religious landscape of the UK'.
