If different faiths can co-exist happily then so can our world

Under the momentum of globalisation the world is opening up at an astonishing speed, and religious faith has a major part to play in shaping the values which guide the modern world, Tony Blair said in a keynote speech at Westminster Cathedral.

However, the former Prime Minister warned that it has to be rescued on the one hand from the extremist and exclusionary tendency within religion today; and on the other from the danger that religious faith is seen as an interesting part of history and tradition but with nothing to say about the contemporary human condition.

In a wide-ranging speech on 'Faith and Globalisation', Tony Blair said that he is passionate about the importance of faith in the modern world and highlight the need for people of faith to reach out to one another.

Tony Blair said: "If people of different faiths can co-exist happily, in mutual respect and solidarity, so can our world. And if faith takes its proper place in our lives, then we can live with a purpose beyond ourselves alone, supporting humanity on its journey to fulfilment."

The Tony Blair Faith Foundation will launch later in the year. It will promote understanding between the major faiths, and increase understanding of the role of faith in the modern world. The foundation will work with Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists.

The Foundation will work with faith leaders and with grass roots organisations - finding the best examples on the ground where faith is used as a progressive force and providing the backing of the Foundation and its partners to give this real global impact.

Read Tony Blair's speech on 'Faith and Globalisation'

Get more information on the Tony Blair Faith Foundation

Video copyright of the Diocese of Westminster.