The Right Reverend David Oakley, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton, made his first visit to the GRASSROOTS Programme, and it was a great blessing, according to The Revd Canon David Lawson, Chair of GRASSROOTS Luton.
Referring to the Second Vatican Council, which was the twenty-first ecumenical council of the Catholic Church, Bishop David reminded that it had produced resources to direct the life of the Church in the twentieth century and beyond. The purpose of the Council was the “modernization of the Church after 20 centuries of life.” He reinforced the Council’s call for the Church’s renewal in almost every aspect: from the Church’s language and theology to the Church’s role in the world, especially its relationship with other religions.
Bishop David concurred that interfaith cooperation is not about trying to blend all religions and cultures into one, as if we are all the same and our differences don't really matter. It is not about negotiating away our differences. It is about realising that we have more in common than what divides us, and that must motivate us to cooperate for the common good and the flourishing of all people.
Bishop David gave GRASSROOTS and the Luton Council of Faiths credit for their efforts to bring communities together. “It's wonderful to see that Luton’s inter faith work involves action as well as dialogue”, he said. “The actions of Luton's faith communities speak louder than words and it is great to see their actions are inspired by their respective beliefs.”
“Long may such partnership and networking continue, which is so clearly not about competing against one another, but complimenting one another.”
After visiting different places of worship in Luton, including the Central Mosque, Discover Islam Center, and the Sikh Temple – Guru Nanak Gurudwara, Bishop David remarked, "This has been one of the best and the happiest days since I took over as the Bishop." He offered to continue blessing and assisting GRASSROOTS as it works to advance the causes of justice, peace, and reconciliation in a hurting world.
At the Central Mosque, Bishop David extended Eid Greetings to all the Muslim friends and communities in Luton. He said, “I take this opportunity to wish you peaceful and fruitful Eid-al-Adha celebrations. Our meeting together testifies that our religions invite us to remain rooted in the values of peace; to defend the values of mutual understanding, human fraternity, and harmonious coexistence.”
President of Luton’s Central Mosque Mohammad Shafait reciprocated the sentiments saying, “We Muslims and Christians are called to open ourselves to others, knowing and recognizing each other as brothers and sisters. In this way, we can tear down walls raised out of fear and ignorance and seek together to build bridges of friendship that are fundamental for the good of all humanity.”
Bishop David Oakley welcomed at GRASSROOTS Luton by Chair Revd Canon David Lawson
Bishop David Oakley admiring Queens Award for Voluntary Services presented to Luton Council of Faiths in 2021.
Bishop David Oakley & Revd David Lawson Chair GRASSROOTS making their way to visit Luton’s different faith communities
Bishop David Oakley & Revd David Lawson Chair GRASSROOTS at Guru Nanak Gurudwara in Luton
Bishop David Oakley & Revd Canon David Lawson Chair GRASSROOTS in conversation over refreshments at Guru Nanak Gurudwara Luton
Bishop David Oakley & Revd Canon David Lawson Chair GRASSROOTS interacting with Head Imam Hafiz Ejaz Ahmed (R) and Imam Arafat Ahmed inside Luton’s Central Mosque
Bishop David Oakley & Revd Canon David Lawson Chair GRASSROOTS served food & refreshments at Luton’s Central Mosque
Bishop David Oakley & Revd Canon David Lawson Chair GRASSROOTS in conversation with Outreach Manager Gulseema Bali-Khan at Luton’s Discover Islam Centre
Bishop David Oakley showing interest in Jackfruit . Jackfruit is a tropical tree fruit grown in Asia, Africa and South America.