Faith Communities in Bristol and Gloucester

Find a Faith Community in Bristol or Gloucester and their surrounding areas, using either of these two methods:

• Using our Faith Community search facility (opens a new browser window).
• Using the alphabetical indexes:
  • alphabetical index of Bristol Faith Communities.
  • alphabetical index of Gloucester Faith Communities.

If the details of a faith community are incorrect, please let us know.

If you would like your faith community included in our listing, please complete our online faith community information form. Alternatively print out and complete the paper Faith Community Form, and post it off to us.

Faiths

Bahai

The Bahai Faith began in Persia in 1844. Growing to be a worldwide faith, there have been Bahai's in the UK since 1899. Two people central to the Faith's development are the Bab and Baha ‘u ‘llah. The Bab, originally known as Ali Muhammad, was a descendant of the prophet Muhammad. He declared the purpose of his mission was to herald the arrival of 'one greater than himself'. Baha’u’llah claimed to be the ‘Greater One’ and ‘the bringer of divine revelation fulfilling promises made by prophets of other religions. Bahai beliefs include; belief in one God, the equality of opportunity for women and men, the abolition of extremities of world poverty and wealth through international legislation and the establishment of universal peace by world government.

Buddhism

Buddhism originated in Northern India over 2500 years ago. From there it spread into China, Japan and Tibet. Today it is practiced throughout the world and is one of Britain’s fastest growing religions. Like other religions it has its own teachings and practices; centred around the Buddha, the Dharma - the Buddha’s teaching and the Sangha - the spiritual community. Buddhists show reverence to an ‘extraordinary man’- Siddartha Gautama. The concept of a creator God does not feature in Buddhism. Central to its teaching however, as in other religions is the concept of transcendence, of ‘going beyond’ ordinary consciousness.

Christianity

Christianity is the largest and longest established of the world religious traditions in the UK. Christians believe that there is one God who has been revealed as the Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer of all and they believe that God’s nature is revealed in the life, teaching death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians believe that in the incarnation (the birth of Jesus), that God fully identified with humanity. Christians believe that God’s healing and saving activity is fully demonstrated in the life and teaching of Jesus. In its various forms Christianity has shaped the past and present life of the British Isles including its legal structures and public institutions.

Hinduism

The term Hinduism describes the major continuing and connected religions of India, now present throughout the world. Hinduism embraces a very wide range of beliefs and practices. Being a Hindu is to find one’s place within the eternal dharma - the proper ordering of life, personal, social, cosmic. Hindus reverence One Supreme being believing in different manifestations of the divine deity itself or its powers. A strong sense of the sacred impinging upon every aspect of everyday life, and the principle of karma - the relationship between actions and their consequences are key features of the tradition. Hindus hold a number of texts to be sacred; one of the most important scriptures is the Bhagavad Gita.

Islam

Muslims, found now in all parts of the world, accept one God and Muhammad as the last Messenger to humankind. For a Muslim living is an act of worship, as is the pursuit of knowledge. The word Islam in arabic is derived from the word ‘salm’ meaning peace or security. Islam teaches that is only by submitting one’s will to God ( Ar .Allah) that one can attain peace in this life and the life hereafter. Islam is a complete way of life in which spiritual and material aspects are given equal importance. The Five Pillars translated as witness, prayer almsgiving, fasting and pilgrimage give Muslims a structure to live by. Muslims believe that the revealed message of submitting wholeheartedly to the will of God was the same message that was revealed to all the prophets and that the Qur’an, and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad provide guidance in all walks of human life for all times.

Judaism

The Jewish Community is a complex multi-faceted ethnic and cultural mix. Not all Jews consider themselves ‘religious’ but for those who do, the unity of God is the most important principle. Study of traditional texts such as Talmud is equivalent to prayer in Jewish religious culture. The most important holy day is Shabbat, which begins every Friday eve and lasts until Saturday evening. It is a day of rest, peace and prayer. There are also a variety of festivals spread throughout the year. The Jewish scriptures are called the tanakh or the Hebrew Bible, which begins with the Five Books of Moses, also called the torah, portions of which are read from a scroll during the shabbat morning synagogue Service. Jews are commanded to love God, through the practice of deeds of loving kindness and ethical behaviour to their fellow human beings. A synagogue is not only for worship but is also a community centre and study centre. However most Jewish religious observances take place in the home, for family life is of central importance in Jewish culture.

Sikhism

Sikhism originated in the Punjab over 500 years ago, the first teacher being Guru Nanak. Today there are approximately 500.000 Sikhs in the UK. Sikhs believe in one God, the teachings of the ten human gurus and the Sikh Holy Scriptures. Important beliefs are the equality of humanity and the practice of service to God and humanity .The Sikh place of worship is called a Gurdwara. It is open to every one regardless of age, sex, caste, or creed. Here all men, women and children are treated as equal. The Gudwara offers shelter and food to any one in need.