Beyond Belief

Religion and Belief in Professional Practice

Beyond Belief

Religion and Belief in Professional Practice

Wednesday 7 - Thursday 8 September 2011
University of Bradford, England

This international conference aimed to stimulate discussion among academics, practitioners, policy makers, carers, service providers and users and contribute to the evidence base relating to religion and belief.

Religion and belief often play a very significant role in determining the ways in which people interpret events, resolve dilemmas, make decisions and view themselves, their own actions and the actions of others.

Contemporary health and social care is practised in a richly diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-faith society; a society in which religious and other beliefs are of crucial importance to many and play some role in shaping the worldview of most. Service providers and policy makers need to ensure that their services are accessible, appropriate and meet the needs of those identifying with different religions as well as those who do not. Practitioners (whether they have specific religious or spiritual beliefs or none) need to recognise the potential impact of their reactions to people who espouse beliefs and values which differ from their own.