In its 27th year, Luton’s Annual Peace Walk continued to be one of the most popular multi-faith events in the town. While also commemorating the UN’s International Day of Peace (IDP), it attracted people of all ages from Luton’s diverse communities.
People visited a Catholic Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Luton Christian Fellowship, Turkish Mosque & Community Centre, and Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton. They were treated with cakes, biscuits, Turkish delights, samosas & pakoras.
Several dignitaries included the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada, Mayor of Luton Cllr Yaqub Hanif, Luton MPs Sarah Owen & Rachel Hopkins, Bishop of Bedford Rt. Revd. Richard Atkinson and Cllrs. Javeria Hussain and Maria Lovell.
Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and displacing millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos, gaping inequalities and political polarisation are all around
Therefore, we need to work and act for Peace. And that is exactly what Luton’s Peace Walk was all about.
It was indeed a public demonstration of community solidarity and yet another step towards building a stronger Luton, when in view of the Churches burnt in Pakistan and Quran burning incidents in Scandinavian countries, Luton’s different faith leaders called for stronger legislation to prevent such acts provoking communal discord.
Calling upon the UK Prime Minister, the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, and also the UK High Commission of Pakistan, faith leaders demanded robust international laws and treaties to safeguard the rights and beliefs of the religious communities worldwide.
In a statement, they also reaffirmed their commitment to living in peace and harmony with one another and creating an inclusive society for all.
Later, students and teachers from Ramridge, Chantry, Southfield, and Whitefield Primary Schools gave presentations about their work on climate change and environmental issues. They shared their commitment to being an Eco-School, litter picking and planting trees.
Young individuals who had completed the CATALYST Youth Leadership & Mental Health Training Programs, sponsored by Near Neighbors, were awarded certificates. They shared their aspirations for a better world and their resolve to combat poverty, deprivation, and other current problems in our town.
May all these hopes, aspirations, and commitments for a better world bear fruits!
Revd Charmaine Mhlanga of Sundon Park Baptist Church, and also part of Churches Together in Luton, was one of the many volunteers, marshalling Luton’s Annual Peace Walk held on Sat 23rd Sep 2023
Young individuals who had completed the CATALYST Youth Leadership & Mental Health Training Programs, sponsored by Near Neighbors, joined Luton’s Annual Peace Walk held on Sat 23rd Sep 2023 at Luton Christian Fellowship.
Julie Furnivall & Ian Alderman Luton’s climate activists interacting with young people from Guru Nanak Gurudwara at Luton’s Annual Peace Walk held on Sat 23rd Sep 2023
Luton’s Annual Peace Walk held on Sat 23rd Sep 2023 started at a Catholic Church called ‘Our Lady Help of Christians’ where different faith leaders reaffirmed their commitment to living in peace and harmony with one another and creating an inclusive society for all.
Many primary school students joined Luton’s Annual Peace Walk held on Sat 23rd Sep 2023
Many dignitaries joined Luton’s Annual Peace Walk held on Sat 23rd Sep 2023.
From L to R: Mayor of Luton Cllr Yaqub Hanif, Bishop of Bedford Rt. Revd. Richard Atkinson, Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada, Chair of Luton Council of Faiths Prof Zafar Khan & both Luton MPs Sarah Owen & Rachel Hopkins at the back.
Young individuals who had completed the CATALYST Youth Leadership & Mental Health Training Programs, sponsored by Near Neighbors, were awarded certificates at Luton Christian Fellowship during Luton’s Annual Peace Walk held on Sat 23rd Sep 2023.
Sarah Owen, one of the two Luton MPs and also a Shadow Minister for Faith spoke at the Turkish Mosque during Luton’s Annual Peace Walk held on Sat 23rd Sep 2023
Faith leaders & Primary School students at at the Turkish Mosque during Luton’s Annual Peace Walk held on Sat 23rd Sep 2023
Luton’s Annual Peace Walk held on Sat 23rd Sep 2023 was indeed a public demonstration of community solidarity and building friendships across faiths and cultures.
Dignitaries, faith leaders and young people join together at Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton where Luton’s Annual Peace Walk ended on Sat 23rd Sep 2023.
HM’s Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada interacting with the Sikh young girls at Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton where Luton’s Annual Peace Walk ended on Sat 23rd Sep 2023.
Mr Sanjeev Kumar, General Secretary at Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton interacting with Luton MP Rachel Hopkins while hosting refreshments at the end of Annual Peace Walk on Sat 23rd Sep 2023.