The Diocese of St Albans is a diverse diocese. It includes a significant number of parishes in towns like Luton, where there are large numbers of different faith communities. In furthering Diocesan efforts of engaging and partnering with members of other faith communities for the common good, Luton’s All Saints Parish Church invited Church of England (C of E) ‘Readers’ from different parishes across the diocese to come and see how Church must remain present in diverse areas, and engage positively with different faiths.
C of E Reader is a Licensed Lay Minister (LLM) authorized by a Bishop to assist Vicars in leading worship services and in carrying out other pastoral duties.
Talking about her experiences of working with Muslim neighbours, Sandra Millier, the All Saints Parish Church Reader, said, “It is about seeking ‘opportunities’ than to feel overwhelmed by the ‘challenges’; opportunities to learn more about different human beings around us, especially those sincerely engaged in seeking God. It is also about seeking opportunities to present our Christian understandings of God by the lives we live and the words we speak and contribute to the common good, together with others.”
Later, the group of Readers also observed a Refugee Support Drop-In Service at All Saints Church Hall.
Highlighting the importance of such educational tours and visits, Revd David Kesterton, Vicar of All Saints Church, who also plays the role of a Diocesan Inter Faith Advisor, said, “Engagement with people from different faiths can help us understand better, not just others’ faith, but also our own faith and beliefs. We all must engage with interfaith issues and contribute together for the common good.”
C of E St Albans Diocesan Readers on a friendly visit to Madinah Mosque in Luton