The panel discussion took place at Cheney School in east Oxford on April 16, and explored the topic The Role of Religion in Public Life.

It was part of the Agora series, which features regular talks on literature, science, politics, democracy, and more, and is organised by Dr Lorna Robinson, director of The Iris Project, a charity that brings ancient languages and cultures into UK state schools and communities.

Dr Robinson said: “It was a fascinating discussion at a time when many questions are being asked about religion and public life in the UK, and we were very grateful to each of our panellists for giving their time to explore these issues, and to model respectful discussion as a mode for reaching greater understanding.”

The panel featured journalist Shaista Aziz, Steven Croft, the Bishop of Oxford, author and broadcaster Maajid Nawaz, YouTuber Alex O’Connor, and philosophy academic Dr Joshua Sijuwade.

It was chaired by David Gimson, head of higher attainment at Cheney School.

Each panellist shared personal perspectives on faith and the public sphere before taking questions from an audience of 170 sixth-form students.

Topics covered included women’s dress and modesty, gender roles in Christianity and Islam, the reliability of scripture, science and religion, and comparisons between French, American, and British approaches to religion in society.

While the panel agreed on the value of pluralism, there was respectful disagreement over issues like the ordination of women and the interpretation of religious texts.

After the discussion, students continued conversations with the speakers in a more informal setting.

The event received very positive feedback from students.

One student said: “I really enjoyed the discussion style, having multiple people with different views and areas of expertise all able to share opinions and argue their side in a respectful way.

“This works really well and would be great to see how it would go with other subject matter.”

Another student said: “I really enjoyed this. I think the topic was brilliant as it is so applicable to everyone’s lives.

“I know a lot of people found the discussion really interesting and it was so nice being able to talk to the speakers further afterwards.

“Thank you for getting such amazing speakers too.”

Cheney School is a large comprehensive secondary school, in a very diverse area of east Oxford.

The Iris Project promotes learning about the ancient world through national schemes, projects and events.

It also operates the Rumble Museum at Cheney School, the first school museum to be awarded full Museum Accreditation by the Arts Council Museum Accreditation Scheme.

The OX4 Food Crew, working across East Oxford, has secured a three-year grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, for the second time.

The funding will support collaboration between organisations and residents to address the root causes of food insecurity in the OX4 area.

A spokesperson for the OX4 Food Crew said: “This funding recognises that tackling food insecurity isn’t just about food, it’s about power, voice, and infrastructure.

“By investing in grassroots organisations and lived-experience leadership, The National Lottery Community Fund is helping communities build the capacity to fix the issues affecting them, together.”

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OX4 Food Crew Spring alliance gathering (Image: OX4 Food crew Spring alliance gathering)

OX4 Food Crew is a collaboration of 8 small grassroots organisation in the east of Oxford, in areas like Cowley and Little Leys.

The grant will fund shared infrastructure, coordination, research, and leadership development for grassroots organisations.

These resources aim to create a more unified and strategic response to food insecurity and related issues such as health inequality, poverty, and insecure housing.

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OX4 Food Crew at Christmas (Image: OX4 Food Crew)

Instead of focusing solely on short-term crisis support, the project will build community capacity and empower individuals with lived experience of inequality to drive change through participatory research and community organising.

The project will be delivered in partnership with local voluntary sector organisations and the local authority to create a more coordinated response to food insecurity.

The National Lottery Community Fund awards money raised by National Lottery players to community projects, with an aim to donate £4 billion to these projects by 2030.

Vale of White Horse District Council will open applications for its Nature and Climate Action Fund on May 5, offering up to £10,000 per project from a total pot of £100,000.

The fund is designed to help not-for-profit groups and town or parish councils deliver community-based projects that combat climate change and promote nature recovery across the district.

Projects previously funded include installation of public electric vehicle charging points, solar panel installation, reuse and repair workshops, energy audits and implementation of recommendations for community buildings, and restoration of a community woodland.

Schemes should raise public awareness of climate change, encourage action, and address recent declines in nature.

The fund will close to applications at midday on June 29.

Organisations interested in applying can find full details and guidance on the district council’s website, along with case studies and video presentations from earlier recipients.

Applications are encouraged from organisations supporting minority or vulnerable groups and all projects should aim to be accessible and inclusive.