Recently, a multi-faith group of over thirty guests and visitors from Sweden chose to visit Luton, despite the unfairly poor image that Luton has received
Their visit was coordinated by The Church of Sweden Diocese of Linkopping. They wanted to learn from Luton’s experiences of inter-faith work, tackling far-right and how communities, government & Police, both locally and nationally, strive to work for strengthening community cohesion while also promoting unity in diversity.
They were all ecstatic and thought visiting Luton had been worthwhile as it offered them a rich and inspirational experience.
The Mayor of Luton Cllr Yaqub Hanif welcomed and greeted them all at Luton Town Hall. Later, Adam Divney, the Service Director for Citizen Engagement, gave an excellent presentation outlining the Council's vision for the growth and prosperity of Luton.
Ryad Khodabocus of the Luton Council of Faiths illustrated practical examples and stories of interfaith community work & collaboration with an impressive visual slide show.
Canon Peter Adams, Director of St. Mary's Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, spoke about the difficulties the far right presents, and shared how community mediation helped in some really trying periods.
The Swedish guests were thrilled by the wonderful hospitality at Luton’s Central Mosque, United Synagogue, and Guru Nanak Gurudwara.
They observed a meeting of Luton’s faith leaders and were astounded to see religious leaders having an honest and open conversation on both local and global issues that affect life in Luton.
They learnt a great deal during their field visits to Discover Islam Centre, Luton Council’s Social Justice Unit, Bedfordshire Police Community Cohesion, The Feast, Grassroots & Near Neighbours Programmes.
We in Luton have a wealth of inspiring stories to share. Long may we continue to work together for peace and harmony in Luton and beyond, and may our cooperation, friendships, and relationships across faiths and cultures, continue to grow.
The Chair of GRASSROOTS Programme, Revd Canon David Lawson, said, “The fact that Luton made an impact upon the Swedish group is a testament to everyone in Luton working to promote peace and understanding across communities. I am sure the group will return to Sweden with much to think about and hopefully in time translate something of the Luton experience into their own particular contexts.”
The Church of England Diocese of St Albans and The Church of Sweden Diocese of Linkopping have a long-standing partnership. During this visit, the Diocese of Linkopping Bishop Marika Markovits and the Diocese of St Albans Bishop Alan Smith signed a special covenant strengthening link between the two Dioceses. A delicious farewell Lunch was served at the St Albans Cathedral by The Venerable Jo Kelly-Moore, the Dean of St Albans,
The Church of Sweden Diocese of Linkopping Bishop Marika Markovits (L) and the Church of England Diocese of St Albans Bishop Alan Smith signed a special covenant strengthening link between the two Dioceses.
The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, the Dean of St Albans Cathedral (R) presented a gift to The Revd Mattias Bähr, the Dean of Linkopping Cathedral (L).
The Swedish Guests’ Welcome Meal hosted at All Saints Church Luton
The Swedish Group outside Luton Town Hall
The Mayor of Luton Cllr Yaqub Hanif personally welcomed and greeted the Swedish guests at Luton Town Hall
The Swedish Guests were given a short but quite an interesting briefing about the Luton Town Hall.
Ryad Khodabocus of the Luton Council of Faiths illustrated practical examples and stories of interfaith community work & collaboration with an impressive visual slide show.
Ryad Khodabocus of the Luton Council of Faiths in conversation with Susanna Löfgren, the Swedish Group Coordinator
The Swedish guests attended the Remembrance Service outside Luton Town Hall.
The Swedish guests presenting gifts to Sarah Pinnock, Luton Council Prevent Coordinator & Adam Divney, the Service Director for Citizen Engagement, after they gave an excellent presentation outlining the Council's vision for a stronger and a prosperous Luton.
The Swedish Guests enjoyed hospitality at Guru Nanak Gurudwara Luton.
The Swedish Guests enjoyed hospitality at Guru Nanak Gurudwara Luton.
The Swedish Guests thanked and presented a gift to Guru Nanak Gurudwara Luton for their hospitality.
At St. Mary's Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, Peter Adams spoke about the difficulties the far right presents, and shared how community mediation helped in some really trying periods.
The Swedish Guests enjoyed an authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at St Mary’s Church Luton.
The Church of Sweden Diocese of Linkopping Bishop Marika Markovits (second from right) with a few other Swedish guests visited Luton’s Discover Islam Centre as one of their Field Visits.
The Swedish Group were warmly welcomed at Luton’s Central Mosque.
The Church of Sweden Diocese of Linkopping Bishop Marika Markovits speaking at a meeting with Luton & Sunni Councils of Mosques.
The Swedish Guests thanked and presented gifts to Luton Central Mosque and Luton Councils of Mosques for their excellent welcome and hospitality.
The Swedish Guests observed a meeting of Luton’s faith leaders convened by Luton Council of Faiths
The Revd Dr Kevin Walton, Canon Chancellor at St Albans Cathedral welcoming Swedish guests.