Westmorland and Furness Council has signed a Faith Covenant with local faith communities, marking a significant step in partnership working across the area
The covenant was signed at Kendal Town Hall on 1 July, bringing together representatives from faith groups, council leaders and partner organisations, including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, the High Sheriff of Cumbria and NHS Chaplains.
Attendees were welcomed by Council Leader, Councillor Jonathan Brook, and Chief Executive, Miranda Cannon. Representatives spoke about what the covenant means to them before presenting an item to represent their community or organisation.
Faith communities already play a vital role locally, supporting inclusion and community cohesion, providing practical help and safe spaces for people, and contributing an estimated £1.67 million in financial value to the area.
The Faith Covenant is a shared commitment to work together in open, respectful and practical ways. It also highlights a joint commitment to protecting the right to freely practice religion and to helping ensure people can live without fear of intimidation.
It sets out principles for collaboration, supporting inclusive services and building stronger relationships across communities.
The Faith Covenant is part of a national initiative encouraging partnership working between local authorities and faith communities, with more than 30 councils across the UK already signed up. The Westmorland and Furness covenant has been co-developed since early 2025 through the Faith Covenant Partnership, bringing together local faith communities and partners from across the public, voluntary and community sectors.
Councillor Helen Chaffey, Cabinet Member for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, said:
“Faith communities already make a valuable contribution to our society in Westmorland and Furness. The Faith Covenant is a joint commitment between the local council and faith groups to work together on priorities that are important to all members of society, irrespective of whether they practice a faith or not. These priorities include youth work, climate and nature action and strengthening community cohesion by improving understanding between local people of different faiths and beliefs.”
Councillor Tony Callister, Labour Group Shadow Portfolio Holder for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, said:
“Faith groups play an important role in supporting people and bringing communities together across Westmorland and Furness. This covenant provides a clear framework for building on that work and strengthening partnerships with the council and other organisations.
“It’s important that everyone feels able to practice their beliefs and take part in community life with confidence and this agreement is a positive step in supporting that.”
Rev Jonny Gios MA, Churches Together in Cumbria, said:
“The signing of the Faith Covenant is an important milestone for our area. Faith communities have long played a vital role in supporting people and strengthening community life across Westmorland and Furness.
“This covenant recognises that contribution and provides a stronger foundation for partnership working between faith groups, public services and the voluntary sector. By working together with trust and understanding, we can better support those most in need and help create communities where everyone feels they belong.”
You can find out more about the Westmorland and Furness Faith Covenant on the council’s website.