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Cambridge Interfaith Programme

 

A new academic year sees the start of a period of change and transition for the Cambridge Inter-faith Programme. After thirteen years at the helm, Professor David Ford has now retired as Director.

"The deepest secret of CIP is long term friendships across faith traditions that have enabled all sorts of joint initiatives and risk-taking, and continue to do so." - Professor David Ford

One of the primary founders of CIP, Professor Ford has been at the heart of its research and public engagement initiatives since its foundation. He has been particularly central to the development and expansion of Scriptural Reasoning, transforming CIP into a dynamic centre for sharing scriptures, delivering lectures, leading workshops, and forging relationships with diverse individuals and faith communities all over the world.
 

In 2008, Professor Ford was awarded the Sternberg Foundation's Gold Medal for Inter-Faith relations; and in 2011, he won the Coventry Peace Prize for his work with Scriptural Reasoning. 

 

“CIP has been blessed with an outstanding group of benefactors. They did far more than give money, and became part of the collegiality of the programme, often being most imaginative and far-sighted.”

 

As a fundraiser for CIP and the Faculty of Divinity, Professor Ford has displayed limitless drive and initiative, connecting with others through his warmth and charisma. As a teacher, he continues to inspire countless individuals – both students and members of the public – to engage more deeply and wisely with different faith traditions. As a writer and researcher, he has contributed invaluable perspectives and insights across the fields of inter-faith theology and relations, scriptural interpretation, and many others.

We cannot thank Professor Ford enough for his energy, insight, and guidance over the last thirteen years, and wish him the very best for his retirement.

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