Al-Mahdi Institute mourns the passing of Ruth Tetlow, a deeply respected practitioner of interfaith engagement whose life’s work was marked by her generosity, leadership, and an enduring commitment to building understanding between faith communities. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all those who were enriched by her presence and dedication.
A Life of Interfaith Commitment
Ruth Tetlow devoted many decades to nurturing interfaith relationships across Birmingham and beyond. She served as a Tutor at the United College of the Ascension, Selly Oak, from 1999 to 2006, where she contributed to theological education rooted in openness, dialogue, and public engagement. Alongside this, she was a Trustee of the Birmingham Council of Faiths from the 1980s, offering long-standing leadership and service to one of the city’s most important interfaith institutions.
From 2006 onwards, Ruth worked as an interfaith trainer with the Faith Encounter Programme and went on to establish Faith Guiding courses in Birmingham, helping individuals and communities develop the skills needed for meaningful encounter across religious difference. She was also actively involved in Footsteps: Faiths for a Low Carbon Future, reflecting her belief that faith communities have a shared responsibility to respond to environmental and climate challenges.
Ruth Tetlow and Al-Mahdi Institute
Following Al-Mahdi Institute’s move to the Selly Oak Campus in 2012, Ruth became closely involved in AMI’s interfaith activities. She was a steadfast supporter of the Institute and contributed to many initiatives, including the annual Interfaith Big Iftar and a range of other interfaith events. Her engagement was always marked by encouragement, thoughtful participation, and a deep respect for learning across traditions.
Ruth’s presence within AMI’s interfaith spaces embodied the values of attentive listening, friendship, and principled dialogue. She supported AMI’s mission not only through her participation but through her genuine care for the people and relationships that sustain interfaith work.
A Lasting Legacy
Ruth Tetlow will be remembered as someone who quietly but profoundly shaped interfaith life through patience, trust-building, and long-term commitment. Her legacy lives on in the many individuals and communities she helped bring together, and in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation she so faithfully embodied.
Our condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. May she rest in peace, and may her life of service, dialogue, and friendship continue to inspire.
