Jeremy Corbyn will face Jewish leaders next month when he takes part in a special Labour leadership hustings focused on religion.
The party leader will go up against his rival Owen Smith and several faith representatives including Jewish leaders in a debate on 6 September. Religious leaders will speak about the role of faith within Labour and the candidates will face questions on how the party can engage with religious communities.
The hustings is hosted by The Good Faith Partnership, a consultancy that builds relationships between religious, political and charitable bodies.
One organiser told Christian Today the faith representatives had not yet been agreed but confirmed a Jewish leader would be present and would address the hustings.
Corbyn has faced criticism for an apparent rise in antisemitism in Labour under his leadership and the debate in south London will give faith leaders an opportunity to question him on the issue.
Britain's Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has accused the party of having a "severe" problem with antisemitism and criticised the "poisonous invective" and "politics of distortion" from some members.
The Jewish Labour Movement (JLM), which is involved in organising the September event, overwhelmingly backed Owen Smith over Corbyn for Labour leader earlier this month. Just four per cent of JLM members voted for Corbyn, with 92 per cent backing his rival.
David Barclay, a partner of the Good Faith Partnership, told Christian Today he was "encouraged" that both Corbyn and Smith will go before religious leaders in a hustings. "They have both agreed to come and not only to speak but to listen to the faith leaders and answer questions from people. It shows they are open to dialogue."
Barclay added: "It is really important that both Jeremy and Owen show a real willingness to engage with faith communities.
"Whoever wins it is going to be important to keep that dialogue open and make sure the voices of the different faith groups affiliated with Labour are recognised and engaged with."
The hustings will take place two weeks before ballots close for the leadership race on 21 September. The result will be announced shortly before the Labour Party conference on 25 September.
