Why Interfaith? A new book launch with GRASSROOTS contributors...

Why Interfaith? is a new book launched this week in Luton. It is a compilation of stories, reflections and challenges from recent inter faith engagements within Northern Europe by the Poorvo Communion - made up of Anglican and Lutheran Churches.

Following a conference held in Norrkoping (Sweden) in 2014, Co-Editors Revd Pernilla Myrelid (Church of Sweden) & Revd Dr Andrew Wingate (Church of England) drew together contributions from Christian scholars, including Rt Revd Dr Richard Atkinson (Bishop of Bedford), Revd Bonnie Evans Hills (CofE St Albans Diocesan Inter Faith Advisor) & David Jonathan (Director GRASSROOTS, Luton).

The Archbishop of the Church of Sweden Antje Jackelen says, “Several inspiring examples, of how people of different faiths come together to meet the challenges of our world, provide a convincing answer to the question raised in the book’s title – Why Interfaith.”

Copies of the book can be purchased from GRASSROOTS:

• Call us on 01582 416946
• Email us at jgrassroots@btconnect.com

Luton Peace Walk - 24th Sept 2016

Join us for the 20th Annual Peace Walk 2016 – an annual public demonstration of community solidarity to build a stronger Luton by fostering better understanding.

This is an opportunity to:

• Ask questions and learn about various cultures and faith traditions
• Make new friends
• Taste a variety of snacks ending with an English Afternoon Tea
• See the inspiring 6 months journey of community and schools engagement

We will also unveil 5000 mosaic tiles made from scratch by the Luton community with William Morris inspired artworks by over 500 school children at the newly developed Peace Garden.

This year's annual Peace Walk will take place as follows:

• 1.50pm - Gather at Town Hall War Memorial
• 2.30pm - Visit the Shree Guru Ravidass Temple on Cardigan Street
• 3.50pm - Visit the Luton Central Mosque on Westbourne Road
• 5.00pm - Finish at All Saints Church on Shaftesbury Road 

The event is taking place on Saturday 24th September 2016, from 2-6pm. Please do put the date in your diary! For more details please contact us: 

• Call us on 01582 416946 / 547866
• Email info@lutonfaiths.org
• Download promotional flyer here!

Eid Fairtrade Hampers - Available NOW!

Once again we are pleased to be able to offer Eid Fairtrade Hampers! You can give an Eid Fairtrade Hamper to your loved ones or a neighbour, and why not someone of a different faith to share in the joy of Ramadan?

As we are aware, Fairtrade is not charity but it is about justice. Astonishingly, despite producing 70% of the world's food, over half of the world's hungriest people are small producer farmers in third world countries. Purchasing their products in fair trade terms means they can have a better training, tools, education, health care and clean water.

Hamper A: £31

• Fairtrade Zaytoun Olive Oil 500ml & Za'atar sachet 20g
• Fairtrade Zaytoun Medjoul Dates 500g
• Fairtrade Zaytoun Olive Oil Soap - Pomegranate
• Local Honey
• Fairtrade Candle + Ceramic Holder
• Fairtrade Moroccan Style Lamp
• Free Fairtrade Pill/Jewel Box
• Packing comes with a beautiful Olive Ribbon and Eid Mubarak Sticker and a Fairtrade compostable plate.

Hamper B: £19

• Fairtrade Zaytoun Olive Oil 250ml
• Fairtrade Zaytoun Medjoul Dates 250g
• Fairtrade Zaytoun Olive Oil Soap - Pomegranate
• Fairtrade Zattar 80g
• Local Honey
• Fairtrade Candle + Ceramic Holder
• Free Fairtrade Pill/Jewel Box
• Packing comes with an Eid Mubarak Sticker and a Fairtrade compostable plate.

Hamper C: £12

• Fairtrade Medjoul Dates 250g
• Fairtrade Olive Oil Soap - Pomegranate
• Fair Trade Candle + Holder
• Packing comes with an Eid Mubarak Sticker and a Fairtrade compostable plate.

For further enquiries or to purchase, please email info@lutonfaiths.org or call the GRASSROOTS office on 01582 416946.

Brexit and Fairtrade: Now it’s up to us

The following is a statement from Michael Gidney (Chief Executive, Fairtrade Foundation) issued on 29th June 2016:

The result of the European Union referendum won't just affect the UK.

It will have a huge impact on the lives of the farmers and workers in developing countries who grow our food, too. 

How that plays out – positive or negative – is in part down to all of us.

Put simply, as the UK begins to reshape its relationship with the EU, it will need to renegotiate how it trades with other countries, both in Europe and the rest of the world.

That could put farmers and workers in a vulnerable position.

Too often in the past, trade has been structured and regulated in a way that has given too much to those with power and wealth and too little to those who are powerless and poor.

Your support is needed now more than ever.

Fairtrade has shown that trade and business can be incredible forces for good, if the benefits are shared fairly. That way, everyone involved has the chance to earn a decent living, and protect their health, rights and the environment.

Over the coming months, and even years, we will need to work hard to ensure our politicians keep in mind the interests of poor farmers and workers as much as our own.

Together we will need to support them to get a fairer deal, so that they can send their children to school and invest in their futures, build strong communities and withstand the ravages of climate change.

I know that all of us who believe in a fair and just world can come together and fight harder than ever for exactly that. 

As always, thank you for your support.

A Vigil in Memory of Jo Cox

The murder of Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen, is shocking and depressing. In a country where democracy and freedom of speech is heralded, a senseless killing of a person like Jo Cox who was passionate about refugee and women's rights, who had campaigned against modern slavery, and was a former head of policy at Oxfam, is intolerable and disgraceful. 

Jo’s husband Brendan Cox said; "we all must unite to fight against the hatred that killed her. Hate doesn't have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous."

Keeping with the spirit of above words, a Vigil is being held on Monday 20th June 2016 at 5pm at the Luton Town Hall War Memorial. 

YOU ARE ALL ENCOURAGE TO JOIN IN STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST HATRED & VIOLENCE. 

Visit by Secretary of State Greg Clark MP to Luton

On Wednesday 8th June 2016 colleagues from GRASSROOTS joined others in welcoming the Secretary of State Greg Clark MP to Luton.

Meetings took place with local leaders and projects, particularly those involved in Near Neighbours projects.

Those present were from Medina Mosque and All Saints Church, Khayaal Theatre, Ghar Se Ghar Programme, Nehemiah Luton, GRASSROOTS and Luton Council of Faiths.

To see more photos of the visit, please visit our Facebook page here!

UPDATE: Greg Clark has kindly written to us to say thank you - read the letter here!

An Invitation to Eco Iftar!

Following the first successful Eco Iftar held in Luton last year, it will be held once again this year by All Faiths & None (AFAN), with support from Luton Council of Faiths (LCOF), GRASSROOTS and in conjunction with host venue St Margaret's Methodist Church.

AFAN Director Raheed Salam said, "In promoting positive community relations, we feel it is necessary for people to come together, not just to enhance mutual understanding and friendship, but also our shared concern around issues of justice and common well-being."

Date: Tuesday 14th June 2016
Venue: St Margaret’s Church, Montrose Avenue, Luton, LU3 1HT
Time: 7:45pm

For seating and catering purposes, it will be extremely helpful if you would kindly confirm your attendance no later than Friday 10th June 2016. 

Call us on 01582 416946 (or text 07886 350854)
Email jgrassroots@btconnect.com
Download promotional flyer here!

Exploring Justice and Fairness Event

Join us for a series of three workshops where we will be examining:

• What is Justice and Fairness?
• What do these values say about your faith, your morality, about our social and collective conscience?

This is an opportunity to discuss how you can positively engage in your community using critical thinking, self-reflection and mindfulness/spirituality. Refreshments will be provided and these workshops will take place on:

Dates: Tuesday 24th May, Tuesday 31st May and Tuesday 14th June 2016
Venue: Starting at St Margaret’s Church, Montrose Avenue, Luton, LU3 1HT
Time: 6-9pm
Age: 14+

To find out more information or to book a place please contact us:

Call us on 01582 416946
Email info@afan.uk.net or info@lutonfaiths.org
Download promotional flyer here!

This event is a partnership between The Methodist Church, AFAN (All Faiths & None), Luton Council of Faiths and GRASSROOTS.

Catalyst - FREE Leadership Training for 16—30 Year Olds

Catalyst is one of the UK’s most dynamic and interactive young leader training programmes. Run by St Philip’s Centre in Leicester, it aims to build the confidence of and make real, the potential of young people so that they can change their communities for the better. Catalyst involves a range of activities and learning opportunities based on themes such as: Networking, Leadership, Teamwork, Inter Faith, Communication and Community.

THERE ARE 3 LEVELS TO CATALYST: Gold, Silver and Bronze

Young people work through the different levels to learn new skills, culminating in the achievement of the Catalyst Gold standard. Participants must commit to all training days for each level. Dates will be on:

12th, 13th, 14th, 19th & 20th July 2016

Venue: All Saints' Church Hall, Warwick Road West/Shaftesbury Road, Luton, LU4 8AH
Cost: Attendance on this course is free but places are limited so must be booked in advance

For more information or to reserve a place please contact:

Call us on 01582 416946
Email near.neighbours_luton@btconnect.com
Download the registration form here - or the brochure here!

Catalyst is run by St Philip’s Centre in partnership with GRASSROOTS and the Luton
Council of Faiths. It is funded by Near Neighbours through the Department for
Communities and Local Government.

A Dialogue about Islam

On Tuesday 29th March 2016, the URC Church in Potters Bar hosted a dialogue about Islam. GRASSROOTS facilitated the event by inviting young leader Amjid Hussain from Luton Central Mosque as the main speaker, supported by Ryad Khodabocus from Luton Council of Faiths.

The event dispelled a lot of myths about Islam whilst also focusing on humanity and brother/sisterhood. The main frustration that was raised was why good Muslims are not vocal enough about ISIS. However, it was explained that much is and has happened, to the extent that a Fatwa (Islamic Ruling) by mainstream Muslim scholars has been issued condemning ISIS but sadly this does not get much media attention.

It was also noted that many Muslims are the victims of terror attacks across the world. One needs to know that a billion people (1/6) of this planet follow the Islamic faith and traditions and people are still co-existing. They key outcome identified was to continue working at a grassroots level, connecting hearts in a plural society while the Muslim community continues its on going struggles alongside others for a more peaceful and just society.

Easter Attacks in Lahore - A Letter from Bishop Atkinson

In response to the saddening attack in Lahore on Sunday 27th March 2016, a letter addressed to the Asian Christian Fellowship in Luton by Richard Atkinson (Bishop for Bedford & Luton) and Bonnie Evans-Hill (St Albans Diocesan Inter Faith Advisor and member of the GRASSROOTS team) was written stating:

28th March 2016

We share in the sorrow and concern of those deceased and affected by the brutal attack on innocent children and adults in Lahore, gathered for Easter celebrations on Sunday 27th March 2016. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with them, but also with you all in Luton, as you would personally know some of those affected by this unfortunate incident. 
 
At Easter time, when we celebrate HOPE in Christ’s resurrection, we greet you all, in the name of that Christian hope. 
 
Atrocities such as the one in Lahore yesterday and in other parts of the world e.g. recent attacks in Brussels & Turkey, have the capacity to undermine our trust in God, and in God’s creation, which God loved so much that He gave His only begotten Son for. 
 
May Christ’s hope help us and strengthen us to contain our anger and frustrations, one more time, and bring it all, before God in prayer, who, we believe understands well, the pain and suffering of being persecuted, attacked and tortured. 
 
We write this to express our solidarity and share our concerns with you all and with all the Christians in Lahore, Pakistan. This is to assure you that you are not alone and that we in St Albans Diocese uphold you all in our thoughts and prayers.
 
We offer our prayers for constrain, solace, healing and courage to nourish our fellow Christians here in Luton, in Lahore (Pakistan) and worldwide.

Signed:

+ Richard Atkinson (Bishop for Bedford & Luton)
+ Bonnie Evans-Hill (St Albans Diocesan Inter Faith Advisor)

The full letter can be read here.

The Sunni Council of Mosques and Luton Council of Mosques also wrote a letter of condolence and support to Bishop Atkinson, Luton Council of Faiths and other Christian colleagues in Luton. This letter can be read here. 

Good News from Good Friday in Bury Park

On Friday 25th March 2016 in Bury Park, Luton, there was a new twist to the traditional Good Friday Walk of Witness by local churches. As the large group of Christians passed Central Mosque on Westbourne Road, Muslim members of that mosque and others in Luton gathered to greet them and pass out gifts of candles carrying the message of peace in both English and Arabic. A number of them then walked in solidarity with their Christian neighbours up the hill to the Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

A video of the walk can be found here.

Greeting the group, Ashfaq Ahmed from Central Mosque said "We are gifting you with these candles which say 'Peace'. This really has become the theme and strength of Luton now".

“Today is a great example of how faith communities can live alongside each other in a spirit of mutual respect” said David Kesterton, Church of England Vicar of All Saints and St Peters and whose parish covers a large part of Bury Park. “Muslims and Christians are developing closer ties of friendship and trust in our part of Luton. In the light of recent events in Brussels and elsewhere, it is important we witness together to the desire for peace that is at the heart of both our faiths.”

Rehana Faisal who initiated the event said: “We have had enough of outsiders and extremists like Britain First dominating conversations around our town. Today, we wanted to highlight the good relationships that we have built in Luton and our ongoing commitment to living peaceably alongside one another"

Lots of people had heard of the initiative, and there were warm greetings as the church group made their way through the busy shopping area. Some shop keepers offered food and drinks, but church leaders explained Good Friday is a quiet and reflective part of their tradition.

Around the nation in towns and villages churches often join together on Good Friday to carry a cross around their neighbourhood. In Luton things are no different – despite the common story that it is a no-go zone for Christians. Around the town walks took place in Leagrave, Limbury, Farley Hill, Stopsley, Bury Park and the town centre. In the town centre six churches joined together, and the procession with the cross, accompanied by the Salvation Army band, made its way to the Town Hall and on to St Mary's Church where the cross was planted in the ground. 

Fairtrade Fortnight 2016

Like every year, the annual Fairtrade Fortnight 2016 (from 29th Feb – 13th Mar) came up with a very noble theme: SIT DOWN FOR BREAKFAST, STAND UP FOR FARMERS. According to the Fairtrade Foundation, smallholder farmers produce more than 70% of the world's food supply, yet shockingly they represent over 50% of the world's hungriest people who produce our food, missing meals or, worse, facing a year-round struggle to get enough food to eat.

During the Fairtrade Fortnight, campaigners were encouraged to support, promote, organise and participate in Fairtrade Breakfasts in their communities – and wake others up to the challenges facing farmers and workers, so that more and more people can make, informed and responsible choices in terms of buying fair trade products. Thousands of people across the UK made it count by adding their initiatives on http://fortnight.fairtrade.org.uk/learn-more/#breakfast-map showing they care about the farmers and workers who grow our food.

Colleagues from the Fairtrade Steering Group in Luton attended a special Fairtrade Breakfast

In Luton, the Fairtrade Fortnight saw again a series of initiatives around the town pushed by GRASSROOTS and Luton Council of Faiths for people to have morning Fairtrade Breakfast or Lunch at work. The Fairtrade Town group also Joined in a Fairtrade Breakfast held by Harpenden Fairtrade in Cornelia’s Coffee Shop, St Nichloas Church Halls, Harpenden, AL5 2TP. A range of activities were also organised by the University of Bedfordshire with a Fairtrade themed Film Screening and a social media campaign with students taking selfies and tweeting with Fairtrade products to promote Fairtarde within the University network(s).

While we ask people to support Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight, we are actually encouraging people to make Fairtrade a part of their daily life routines. So please remember, if you’re grabbing a Fairtrade coffee on the go, munching on your Fairtrade muesli at work, sipping a Fairtrade cuppa at home or enjoying a Big Fairtrade Breakfast or meal with friends and family or in your community - it is all doing justice to farmers and workers by thinking globally and acting locally. To find out more about Fairtrade please visit the Fairtrade Foundation website.

Christian Muslim Storytelling

Following two successful events already held in Luton, Khayaal will be presenting two sets of performances of neighbourliness from Muslim and Christian faith traditions on two more occasions, featuring Stories from History and Stories of Wonder! 

The first of these final performances will be held at:

• Date: Thursday 10th March 2016
• Time: 6:30pm until 8.30pm (to include refreshments)
• Location: St Mary's Church, Church Street, Luton, LU1 3JF

The second of these performances will be held at:

• Date: Thursday 17th March 2016
• Time: 6:30pm until 8.30pm (to include refreshments)
• Medina Mosque, 128-130 Oak Road, Luton, LU4 8AD

Admission is free! Performances are suitable for both adults and children (7+).

For more information or to book please contact Khayaal:

• Call 01582 535840
• Email info@khayaal.co.uk
• Visit their website at www.khayaal.co.uk

Precious Pearls - International Women's Day

'Women Sowing Peace'

GRASSROOTS is happy to announce that it's annual 'Precious Pearls' event will be taking place for International Women's Day, where you can:

• Share the talents of Luton women 
• Meet women from different backgrounds
• Enjoy yourself with different cultural entertainment
• Enjoy the refreshments provided!

This event will take place on Thursday 10th March 2016 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Bury Park Community Centre, 161 Dunstable Road, Luton, LU1 1BW.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A WOMENS ONLY EVENT

For more information please contact Ghar se Ghar or GRASSROOTS:

• Call 01582 416946  
• Email gharseghar@btconnect.com
• Download the poster here!

Tips for Dealing with Extremists

Following a highly provocative so called 'Christian Patrol' by Britain First in Bury Park (in Luton) on Saturday 23rd January 2016, Christian leaders from Luton led the way in condemning their actions and stood in solidarity with members of the wider community.  

On Sunday 24th January, the very next day, a message of peace was spread throughout the community, once again declaring that Britain First are not welcome in Luton and committing to standing alongside Luton's communities as friends, neighbours and fellow Lutonians. In the week that followed, Britain First were denounced by every major Christian denomination in the UK. 

One key outcome of this week was the development of a set of tips for Dealing with Far Right and Extremist groups, a set of dos and dont's compiled by a number of community partners in Luton. This can be downloaded here. 

Near Neighbours Faithful Grant Fundraising workshop

A new Near Neighbours Faithful Grant Fundraising Workshop shall be held soon, titled 'Developing Confidence and Skills in Fundraising for Faith based Social and Community Action'.

This one day workshop is aimed at Near Neighbours project participants and other social action projects who want to develop their project and approach other funders to support their work. It will help you explore options open to you and where to seek help and advice from. It will also look at how to gather evidence and develop plans that funding decision makers will often need from you.

• Date: Thursday 11th February 2016
• Time: 9:30am until 3.00pm (to include lunch)
• Location: High Town Methodist Church Hall, 47 High Town Road, Luton, Beds, LU2 0BW

There is a small fee of £10 to cover costs of materials and trainer. However, this should not prevent anyone from attending. Please contact us if you know anyone that might have problem in meeting this cost.

For more information or to book please contact Kim Greig:

• Call 01582 416946 / 07930 601640
• Email near.neighbours-luton@btconnect.com
• Download the information flyer here!

Vigil for Peace and Solidarity

In view of the horrific attacks in Paris, Luton Council of Faiths invites us all TO BE TOGETHER on Mon 16th November 2015 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm outside Luton Town Hall, Luton, LU1 2BQ to:

• Express our condolences, together as a town
• Unequivocally condemn together such violence
• Proclaim together our commitment to continue working for peace and harmony
• Mutually share and support one another as it has affected us all

A joint Press Statement has already been issued and can be read here – http://goo.gl/7qbYKs

You are requested and encouraged to promote this gathering within your networks and fellow community members.

While extremist minorities continue to stir up hatred-division-violence, we call upon the vast majority of peace loving people, from across different faiths and those with no particular faith affiliation, to come and stand together, in such a difficult and challenging time. 

Luton's Statement on the Paris Attacks

Today, on Saturday 14th November 2015, Luton Borough Council and the town's faith communities have added their voices to the many millions of others around the world to strongly condemn last night’s attack on the city of Paris, France and offered their deepest sympathies to everyone affected by the tragedy.

Cllr Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Borough Council, said “I’ve been overcome with sadness watching these terrible events unfold. My thoughts and prayers go out the innocent victims of these senseless, heinous and unfathomable crimes. It’s too hard to comprehend that people who were simply enjoying a night out with friends and family could be targeted in this way. On behalf of all Lutonians I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the people of Paris and everyone affected by what has happened, particularly those who have lost friends, colleagues and loved ones. I hope those responsible can be brought to justice for their crimes.”

Rehana Faisal, representing both the Sunni and Luton Council of Mosques, said “The Muslim Community of Luton are deeply saddened and appalled by the horrific attacks which took place in Paris yesterday. The level of barbarism and violence shown by the perpetrators is truly horrendous. We recognise the immeasurable pain and suffering that the families and friends of the victims will be feeling, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. This was an indiscriminate attack on the whole of humanity and has touched the lives of us all, regardless of nationality, faith or background. Such attacks are designed to polarise communities and turn neighbour against neighbour. We are committed in ensuring that they do not achieve their objective.”

Zafar Khan, Chair of Luton Council of Faiths, added "An attack on one is an attack on all. In the face of such adversities, we will work even harder for peace and harmony in our world."

Circle Dancing Christmas Special!

Join us for a Circle Dancing 'Dances for the Festive Season' Christmas Special featuring:

• Dancing to music both old and new...
• The Nut Cracking Dance from Romania...
• The Shepherds Dance from France...  and many more!

Saturday 12th December 2015 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Hockwell Ring Community Centre, Mayne Avenue, Luton.

Entry costs just £3!

PLEASE BRING FOOD TO SHARE!

For more information please contact Ann Hyde:

• Call 01582 725266
• Email annhyde204@msn.com
• Download the poster here!

Supported by New Creations