It has been a special week for the UK’s Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) nationally.
On Wednesday 23rd Jun’21 CCJ presented the Bridge Award to HRH the Prince of Wales for his efforts to build bridges and understanding between communities and also to recognise his interfaith work; to hold a groundbreaking student conference on faith and identity; and to host well-attended webinars and workshops at the International Council of Christians and Jews summer conference.
Receiving the award at the small ceremony at Spencer House, London, Prince Charles noted that 'the essence of CCJ's mission has never been more relevant than it is today'.
The Prince concluded his comments by quoting from Isaiah 26:3: 'Never, I would say, has the CCJ been more needed in our conflict-torn world. With God’s help, Christians and Jews – and, for that matter, Muslims – must continue to work together for peace and harmony. Words given to the Prophet Isaiah should perhaps be our inspiration: ‘Thou wilt keep them in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee’.
Thanking the Prince for his work, Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, drew on Hasidic tradition, noting that Rabbi Nachman of Breslov 'famously taught that the whole wide world is a very narrow bridge and as we all walk upon it together'.
To read the full description of the event including the Chief Rabbi's speech and reflections on the award from our Trustees, click here
To read HRH The Prince of Wales words of thanks, click here.
Pictured: Above, HRH receiving the award from the CCJ Chair. Below, some of the event attendees. The guest list was kept small due to covid restrictions.
