The Rossendale Local Strategic Partnership

With the backing of the Local Strategic Partnership, the two organisations have produced a leaflet setting out the beliefs and practices of the two faiths.

'Christians & Muslims: Understanding Each Other' provides a fascinating insight into how the two faiths developed, showing the things that both faiths have in common and helping to promote awareness and respect for the differences between the faiths.

A second leaflet has also been produced to explain the work of the Faith Partnership and to encourage more people to get involved in joint working between different faiths in the borough.

'Rossendale Faith Partnership: a brief introduction to the partnership' explains how all of the main faiths in Rossendale are working together to break down barriers and to promote better understanding and shared values.

Councillor Janet Graham, Rossendale Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: "Both organisations are committed to improving understanding and respect between the two faiths. Some residents may be surprised about the many similarities that the two faiths share."

Chair of the Faith Partnership, Shirley Suthers added:

"Relationships between the different faiths in Rossendale are generally very good but it is important that we continue to work hard to build friendships and understanding. In 2009 we hope to develop more joint projects for the benefit of Rossendale. We would like to thank Rossendale Borough Council for their support and for helping us develop the new leaflets."

The leaflets are available from the Council's One Stop Shop in Lord Street in Rawtenstall. They can also be downloaded from Rossendale Partnership website by emailing faith@rossendalealive.co.uk.