Luton, 8 May 2026 - Many people locally, nationally and globally are feeling anxious at the rise of politics that seek to normalise racism, hatred, sow division and spread fear towards immigrants, Muslims, minority communities, and the imagined 'other'. The nature of British politics has changed and it has changed for the worse. A lot of soul searching and objective strategising has become inevitable for the progressive forces to move the British politics back to the centre and the left of the political spectrum.

However, the recent “We Are Luton” Faith Leaders gathering at St Mary’s Church was a powerful reminder of who we are in Luton. “For over 30 years, people of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds have come together in friendship, solidarity and shared purpose - this is the spirit of Luton,” stated Sujel Miah of Luton Council of Mosques. He added, “In a time when political opportunists and far-right extremists seek to amplify hatred and turn neighbour against neighbour, we must answer not with silence, but with courage, unity and action. Hate only succeeds when good people stay silent. We all have a role to play to challenge prejudice, stand with those targeted and reject the loud minority who seek to spread fear. Luton is a town of many faces, many stories, and many traditions but we are one town, united by our shared sense of community.”

These sentiments were echoed by all the faith leaders. Ryad Khodabocus, Head of Luton Council of Faiths stated, “There have been, and there will continue to be, disagreements at times, but these relationships are important and should never be taken for granted. The real strength of Luton has always been built quietly through trust, service, hospitality and showing up for one another over many years. This gathering was a beautiful reminder of that. In academia, gatherings like these could even be understood as a form of community-based psychological first aid: spaces that reduce fear, build trust, strengthen belonging and remind people they are not alone.”

The President of Guru Nanak Gurdwara, described this gathering as “family”. To describe a town and its communities in that way is something quite profound; and also a big responsibility. Family does not mean uniformity or the absence of disagreement, but it does mean continuing to show up for one another, especially during difficult moments.

There were also many powerful reflections throughout the evening from different faith representatives. Mr Colin Hall from the Quaker community shared that the gathering of togetherness “felt like Paradise”. Mr Brian Green from the Jewish community spoke about challenging his own community to continue reaching out and getting to know others more deeply. He also explained how he wished other areas in the UK had what we have in Luton.

The Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh speakers resonated with the words of the Bahá’í representative Mr Farzad Forgahani who talked of the earth as one country and mankind its citizens, and that we all are flowers of one garden, waves of one sea, branches of one tree, and drops of one ocean.

It was also important that Christian leaders of different denominations, including Revs Mike Jones & Charmaine Mhlanga, Pas Tony Thompson, and Fr Allan Jones addressed head-on the misinterpretation of Christianity by extremists, making clear that faith should not be used to fuel division, hostility or fear.

The Luton Council of Faiths Chair Prof Zafar Khan said, “One of the strengths of our shared work and vision over the years has been that it has not been reactive. Relationships built only in reaction to difficult moments are rarely sustainable. Instead, we have tried to build something deeper and more lasting: rooted in trust, friendship, consistency and a positive vision for our town. We should continue to lead with that spirit, rather than allowing ourselves to be defined only by moments of tension or negativity. Let us continue building on this momentum not only through ongoing relationships, visits, conversations, support for one another and visible cooperation for the good of Luton.”

The evening reminded us that this work matters deeply. We cannot sit on our laurels. We need to continue deepening these relationships not because of the rise or dangers of the far-right, but because it is the right thing for people of faith and conscience to do. If we fail to serve society with wisdom and compassion, people will define us without knowing us. It is through knowing one another, building trust and addressing negativity that communities remain strong and healthy.

It's about action and not reaction.

Part of the answer to today’s challenges is becoming better neighbours, better listeners and more visible contributors to the wellbeing of our society.

In her message the HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada said, “Our king has spoken of Britain as a community of communities, a place where diversity is not only recognised, but protected, and where space is safeguarded for belief, faith, and the traditions that shape our lives. In Luton, this principle is something that we hold dear to our hearts. I would like to thank our faith and community leaders, for their long-standing commitment to peace and harmony in this town. For more than 30 years, organisations, such as Grassroots, and the Luton Council of Faiths, have helped build trust, understanding, and a strong sense of shared community identity. This gathering has been an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to respect, tolerance, and, most importantly, to one another.”

We are grateful to Hope Not Hate, Near Neighbours, and The Feast Youth Project for their support in organising this event.

QUOTES from “We Are Luton” Faith Leaders gathering

At St Mary’s Church on 8th May 2026

Revd Mike Jones, C of E Vicar of St Mary’s Church, Luton (Event Host)

The problem is often bigger than our relationships, and our commitment here is to reverse that. We are here to get to know one another because if we make our relationships bigger than our problems, we become part of the solution.

There has been much said about marches, rallies, and the way Christianity is being spoken about publicly. As Christians, it is important to be clear. The gospel teaches forgiveness, but it also teaches justice, peace, reconciliation, and love of neighbour. That fuller picture is too often ignored.

Christian faith cannot be used to justify hate. Just as people of every faith reject violence done in their name, we say clearly: hatred does not represent Christianity.

Our commitment is simple — to be agents of peace and kindness in this town.

“If we make our relationships bigger than our problems, we can be part of the solution.”

Pas Tony Thompson, Chair, Churches Together in Luton

I was born in Luton. My family worked here, I left for university, found faith, and returned to serve this town. Over the years, Luton has changed, and in many ways for the better.

We grow most when we build friendships with people who are different from us. Society pushes us into bubbles where everyone is the same, but real growth happens across difference.

“You learn far more from people who are different than from people who are the same.”

This gathering shows there are many people in Luton who want to choose connection over division. Thank you for shaping who I am, and who we are becoming together.

Revd Charmaine Mhlanga, Minister, Sundon Park Baptist Church

For me, Luton is like a tree planted by a river. It has many branches — people of different faiths and no faith — but strong, shared roots.

Those roots are unity, humanity, compassion, and love. Even when storms hit, the tree stands firm.

“If one branch is broken, the whole tree feels the pain.”

My hope is that our tree continues to grow, with room for everyone, and with no branch cut off.

Mr Sujel Miah, Luton Council of Mosques

This morning, many of us felt fear when we looked at the news and thought about the country our children are growing up in. But walking into this room tonight changed that feeling.

This is what community looks like: people of different backgrounds sitting together, bound by service, care, and shared humanity.

“Hope is stronger than fear, and more powerful than hate.”

To our children, we say: you belong. You are British. You are enough.

Mr Brian Green, President, Luton United Synagogue

The late Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote that community will only flourish when people reclaim responsibility from power and politics and choose to stand together.

That is what we are doing here: speaking honestly, standing together, and building something better, not just for Luton, but as an example to others.

“Real community begins when ordinary people choose to stand together.”

Fr Allan Jones, Priest-in-Charge Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Stopsley

Religious leaders carry a sacred responsibility: to break the chains of prejudice and fear, and to lead people toward peace.

That work looks practical. It means meeting, eating, talking, and being together. Friendship is where peace begins.

“Peace grows when we choose to be together.”

Ms Grietje Reid, Luton Educator

Working with children reminds us where hope truly lies. When asked to write messages of peace, they spoke simply and clearly:

“If you are a Christian, it does not mean Islam is your enemy.”
“Be kind — it’s simple.”
“Luton is a place for kindness, not unkindness.”
“We don’t need separate places; we can all be together.”

“Peace is learned early — and lived daily.”

Their words remind us of the values we must protect.

Prof Zafar Khan, Chair, Luton Council of Faiths

For more than 30 years, faith communities in Luton have chosen relationship over division. The work is not finished — it has simply changed shape.

Challenges today may be louder and more open, but our response remains the same: unity of purpose over uniformity of opinion.

“Unity of purpose matters more than unity of opinion.”

Mr John Tizard, The Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner

Hate cannot be addressed by enforcement alone. It is challenged by values, relationships, and community leadership.

Luton is many communities — but it is one town. The vocal minority does not define us. The majority is compassionate, resilient, and committed to one another.

“Say no to hatred. Say yes to hope, unity, and peace.”

Let us take what we have shared here into every corner of our town.

Mr Yogesh Mistry, Hindu Representative

Highlighted that the Hindu community sees itself as part of one shared local community. Like children are not afraid to ask questions, we must remain open to learning and forming friendships across differences. He affirmed that progress comes through love, friendship, and shared values

“Peace is achieved through education, friendship, curiosity, and generational learning.”

Mr Harbhajan Singh Sandher, Chairman, Guru Nanak Gurdwara

Thanked organisers for the invitation and stressed that Luton is doing well because faith communities cooperate. He recognised the longstanding interfaith relationships preventing conflict, and affirmed unity.

“We are all together to make sure we’ve got peace in Luton. Seva (service), unity, and shared responsibility will keep the town peaceful.”

Mr Colin Hall, Quaker Reprsentative

Shared two central Quaker values: Seeing “that of God” in everyone, and recognising everyday kindness, goodness, and quiet connection. He observed that Luton contains many small acts of compassion, and spoke of an ambition to build a community of cooperation and interdependence. He emphasised humility and listening rather than confrontation.

“Peace grows through Inner Light, kindness, and mutual dependence.”

Mr Janaka Alahapperuma, Buddhist Representative

Expressed gratitude for being welcomed into interfaith life in Luton, and spoke about working and associating with all religions emphasising harmony, compassion, and coexistence. He reflected on shared humanity beyond labels, and encouraged mindful relationships across differences.

“Harmony comes through compassion, presence, and interconnection.”

Mr Farzad Forghani, Bahá’í Representative

Referred to walking with leaders of different faiths, affirmed the Bahá’í principle of the oneness of humanity, expressed commitment to unity among religions, emphasised cooperation and highlighted friendship as the foundation of peace.

“The Earth is but One Country and Mankind its Citizens. We All are Flowers of One Garden, Waves of One See, Branches of One Tree, Drops of One Ocean.”

Faith Leaders Unite at “We Are Luton” Gathering to Reaffirm Unity, Reject Hatred and Strengthen Community