In continuing his efforts of establishing positive relations with Luton’s faith communities, Bishop Richard Atkinson invited nearly 35 faith leaders to an informal buffet supper on Thursday 3rd October at Bishop’s Lodge, Cardington.
It indeed was a gathering, with Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Zorastrian, Jewish & Bahai friends present. All shared the warmth of fellowship and friendly conversations.
“Bishop Richard Atkinson has been working hard since he arrived here a year ago,” said David Jonathan, Co-ordinator of GRASSROOTS, a Christian charity working in Luton with Churches and other faiths, in partnership with Luton Council of Faiths.
Emphasising the need for such gatherings and appreciating Bishop Richard’s kind gesture, Allama Qazi Abdul Aziz Chishti (Senior Imam and director of the Jamia Islamia Ghousia Mosque, Westbourne Road, Luton), said, “It is great to have such a positive leadership. We hope this will start a new chapter in our journey of building good community relations.”
Chief Constable of the Bedfordshire Police, Colette Paul, said, “Luton’s dynamic and multicultural buzz is one of the reasons I opted for service in Bedfordshire Police. And tonight, having met everyone, I feel I made the right choice.”