URC Thames North Synod Moderator Revd George Watt Visit GRASSROOTS Luton

GRASSROOTS Luton is a longstanding ecumenical programme of community engagement, supported by different Christian denominations, including Church of England (C of E) St Albans Diocese, The Roman Catholic (RC) Diocese of Northampton, Beds, Essex and Herts (BEH) Methodist District and United Reformed Church (URC) Thames North Synod.

It was a pleasure and privilege to welcome and host on the 27th Oct 2021, the URC Thames North Synod Moderator Revd George Watt to visit GRASSROOTS Luton.

https://urc.org.uk/latest-news/3643-new-moderator-of-urc-s-thames-north-synod-nominated.html

George was born and brought up in the Highlands of Scotland, living most of his childhood in the village of Lairg in Sutherland. His first pastorate was at Freemantle and Isaac Watts Memorial Churches in Southampton. In 1998, he moved to St Andrew’s, Cheam where he was minister for 12 years. George has been the Minister at Reigate Park Church in Surrey for the past ten years.

He is now working with and supporting the churches and ministers of the Thames North Synod of the United Reformed Church (URC).

During his visit to GRASSROOTS Luton, George shared how excited he is by the diverse nature of the Synod and all the richness that it entails.

In the presence of Revd Canon David Lawson, Chair, GRASSROOTS Luton, David Jonathan (Johny), Director, GRASSROOTS Luton presented an overview of the work of GRASSROOTS and talked with George while walking through the Town Centre and Bury Park areas of Luton.

Later two other GRASSROOTS Trustees Revd Maggie Hindley (former Director of London Inter Faith Centre) and Sheila Marsden (Wigmore Church Luton) and Luton based URC Minister Revd Heather Whyte also joined in to exchange greetings.

GRASSROOTS Luton thanked Revd George Watt and the URC Thames North Synod for their continual support to GRASSROOTS and requested everyone to remember the work of GRASSROOTS in prayers.

At the end of walk & talk through Bury Park area of Luton, a fellowship Lunch was served at one of the Luton restaurants.

L to R: Revd Heather Whyte (Luton URC Minister), Revd Maggie Hindley (GRASSROOTS Trustee), Revd George Watt (URC Thames North Synod Moderator), Revd Canon David Lawson (Chair, GRASSROOTS), David Jonathan (Director, GRASSROOTS) & Sheila Marsden (GRASSROOTS Trustee)

Luton's Mohammad Ryad Khodabocus invited at Windsor Castle

In 2018 British Muslim TV, Church Times and Jewish News, together with Coexist House, joined forces for the 21 for 21 project to identify inspiring individuals aged under 40 who are increasing dialogue and breaking down barriers – particularly as volunteers but also in their working lives.

We are extremely proud that our colleague Mohammad Ryad Khodabocus was identified and nominated in this project and was one of the 21 Award Winners selected across the country.

Ryad continues to inspire and educate young people on interfaith projects while working with Luton Council of Faiths, GRASSROOTS & Near Neighbours Programme.

From Oct 14 -15, 2021, Ryad and all the other 21 award winners were invited to stay at St Georges House Windsor Castle as a guest of the house.

Ryad was invited to present and pitch a project on “Mental Health with a Heart” along with a fellow award-winning colleague from the Jewish community. The result was astounding. A news headline read “£70,000 raised for trail-blazing interfaith projects at Windsor Castle.”

Please read the full article here.

https://jewishnews-timesofisrael-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/70000-raised-for-trail-blazing-interfaith-projects-at-windsor-castle/amp/

OR

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/215830

UKCCA Luton Hosts a Hall of Fame of Black Racing Drivers

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/audience-with-hall-of-fame-of-black-racing-drivers-tickets-189292016517

We all know about Sir Lewis Hamilton’s achievements. But did you know that there were Black racing drivers who race back in the 70’s,80’s, 90’s and 00’s. Join this event in association with WACA for this Black History month to listen to the stories from Tony Chambers, Winston Graham , Clive Anderson, Brandon Abrahams and Carol Glenn. Interviewer will be Dee Bailey from Realtalk with Simply Deez. Come along in person to listen and ask Q&A

Luton Carnival Arts Centre, 3 St Marys Road, Luton, Beds LU1 3JA

Doors open for 18:00 Event starts at 19:00 – 20:30

Only Register here if you want to attend in person .

or you can join us via Zoom - Click the link : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89296811026?pwd=WWQ4dHpQRHJST1UxQXFuckhxRmpwZz09#

Meeting ID: 892 9681 1026Passcode: 694554

If Zoom gets over subscribed it will also be streamed on Twitch - Link details to follow shortly

If you would like to have a have a table top exhibition on the day - please contact Carol Glenn on carollglenn@hotmail.com for further details

Timings for Luton Carnival Arts Centre

18:00 - 19:00 Doors open - Networking and Exhibitors

19:00 Event commences

20:30 Event finishes - Networking and Exhibitors

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/audience-with-hall-of-fame-of-black-racing-drivers-tickets-189292016517

Luton Council of Faiths, Grassroots & Near Neighbours Programmes condemn the brutal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess

The recent brutal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess, during his regular constituency surgery, has left everyone feeling shocked and appalled.

For most people he was known as a man who dedicated his life to serving them. He is being remembered by many as a kind gentleman with a big heart.

Zafar Khan, Chair, Luton Council of Faiths said, “We are deeply saddened at this heartbreaking incident. We have always unequivocally condemned, in strongest terms, any such barbaric and inhuman acts of terrorism & violence against innocent people. Our heartfelt condolences go to all the friends and family of Sir David Amess and also to the people of our nation.”

“Luton’s faith communities have always stood tall and we continue to stand together in solidarity with people across the UK and send a strong message of defiance to all extremists, that we will not be divided”, he added.

In a recently held Climate Justice event, held at the footsteps of Luton Town Hall, Zafar Khan, had said, “We must continue to strive for justice and fairness for all in our world. Together with our shared values of compassion we can indeed make a difference.”

Expressing solidarity with all, David Jonathan working with Grassroots, Luton Council of Faiths & Near Neighbours Programme in Luton said, “we deplore such an outrageously criminal and cowardly act. Near Neighbours Programme has always been supportive of all initiatives that bring communities together. We therefore entirely reject any act or message that causes discord and discomfort in community relations.”

The family of David Amess are suffering and yet they have asked people to let go of hate, seeking a positive outcome to an horrific event. Let us, in our interactions, continue to model the spirit and commitment to work together with one another that both Sir David and Jo Cox shared: “We have far more in common than that which divides us”. 

You can also download the full statement here.

Late Sir David Amess MP

Luton’s faith communities outside Salvation Army (Vicarage St.) during Annual Peace Walk (before Covid-19) organised by Luton Council of Faiths and supported by GRASSROOTS & Near Neighbours Programme

This is Church - A short film on support for Refugees produced by C of E St Albans Diocese

Several of Luton’s faith communities, places of worship, faith organisations and individuals of no particular religious affiliation have been working tirelessly to support

In its statement, Luton Council claimed Luton to be a caring and compassionate town which will do whatever it can to support people in need.

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/people/luton-ready-to-do-all-we-can-to-help-afghan-refugees-fleeing-taliban-3358080

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/people/luton-communitys-support-for-afghan-refugees-overwhelming-and-humbling-3369146

https://www.bedfordshirelive.co.uk/news/bedfordshire-news/luton-residents-overwhelming-generosity-afghan-5864488

However, thinking of the strain placed on the town, the Luton Council called upon the government to share the refugee load more fairly. Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of the Council said “we are under a lot of pressure and we don’t want our community’s generosity being taken advantage of”.

Prior to the latest influx of refugees from Afghanistan, Luton’s All Saints Church had been working to support the asylum seekers and refugees placed in Luton. The Church Hall had turned into clothing bank as donations poured in during the winter to support friends in need of warm clothing.

Acknowledging the work undertaken by the All Saints Church, which is now supported by several other Churches, faith communities and organisations including Care for Calais and the neighbouring Medina Mosque and Luton’s Discover Islam Centre, the Church of England Diocese of St Albans has produced a powerful and moving film titled “This is Church”, which can be viewed here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYfXtCIvmZo

In her short reflection shared towards the end of the film, Revd Jo Burke of All Saints Church is heard saying, “Start with the Gospel - The Good Samaritan’s Story is the obvious one or look at Matthew 25: 35-40 where Jesus says I was hungry you fed me. I was stranger you welcomed me. That’s all you need. Just live it in whatever way it is relevant in your setting.”

Join the COP-26 Coalition Day of Action on 6 November 1pm at Luton Town Hall

With the UK hosting COP26, many people in the UK are walking/travelling to Glasgow or London to put pressure on the governments and demand action for climate justice, but there are many people who will be taking action in their own local areas too.

https://cop26coalition.org/

The COP26 Coalition, a network of groups mobilising around climate justice for COP26, has called on concerned individuals and groups to demand system change by organising a demo or action wherever they are in the world. This will be a day to join movements from around the world in taking action for climate justice.

Take & join the action in your local area and online. Join the COP-26 Coalition Day of Action on 6 November 1 pm at Luton Town Hall

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/environment/campaign-to-save-a-luton-park-from-airport-related-development-taken-to-cop26-climate-change-conference-3440428

COP26: BE FAIR WITH YOUR CLIMATE PROMISE

In an open letter, 1.8 million Fairtrade farmers and workers are calling for urgent action, asking governments at COP26 to be fair with their $100 billion climate promise. Their letter outlines four key actions that will help protect global food supplies and limit further damage. Please read & support the letter on the link below;

https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/cop26-be-fair-with-your-climate-promise/

Diwali in Luton

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/people/get-ready-to-party-with-diwali-in-luton-3410533

Award-winning dance acts, cultural music, top Asian singers and a spectacular miniature parade are on the line-up for Diwali in Luton this month on Saturday 30th October 2021 at St George’s Square from 12noon to 7.30pm. Dramatic fireworks display from the rooftop of The Mall shopping centre is not to be missed.

PROGRAMME highlights include

12noon: Kajal and Gillie, Lyca Radio Hosts and DJ

1.15pm : Next Generation Youth Theatre, a local theatre and dance group

1.30 pm: Olivia Lynn, British country singer and rising star from Luton

2.45pm: K’z Entertainment – Bollywood dancers

3.00pm: Swarni Arts - Garba Dance

3.30pm: Gevanni Hutton - The Voice UK Finalist 2020

4pm: JIYA, a fusion of Hindi and English music

5pm: Bhangra Smash Up, a fusion of mainstream western sounds with traditional bhangra beats, using the Indian dhol and dholak

5.30pm: Jaz Dhami, a talented British Indian singer-composer who combines Punjabi and Bollywood

6:30pm PARADE & FIREWORK FINALE

Keep up to date with all the latest on Diwali in Luton at: www.diwaliinluton.co.uk

Watch the Diwali in Luton 2019 Video Highlight here https://youtu.be/3K9DAVNYcPs

Go Push Go - Epic Walk for Climate Justice (400 miles or one million steps) from London to Glasgow

Climate Change is the biggest challenge facing our world today.

Ahead of COP26, nearly 70 years old British south Indian climate activist Pushpanath Krishnamurthy (called Push) is completing an epic walk for climate justice (400 miles or one million steps) from London to Glasgow from 2nd October to 2nd November 2021. 

Many faith leaders and community members gathered at the footsteps of the Luton Town Hall to cheer him saying ‘Go Push Go’.

Mayor of Luton Cllr Mahmood Hussain said, “With its declaration of a climate emergency, the Luton Council is confronting climate change as a priority and has pledged Luton as a carbon neutral town by 2040.”

Chair of Luton Council of Faiths Prof Zafar Khan said, “Our gathering today signifies unity of purpose and unity of action for climate justice. Climate emergencies are affecting parts of the world, where many of Luton’s diverse communities come from.”

Thanking Push for his efforts, Zafar Khan said, “You represent Luton and we are united in our collective quest for climate justice.”

Many other faith leaders contributed what climate justice means in their respective faith communities and what are they doing about it.

David Jonathan (Johny), working with Grassroots, Near Neighbours and Luton Council of Faiths said, “As people of faith, we believe God created the world and God created us all to be the caretakers. Sadly, we didn’t take enough care and have polluted the earth to an extent that the earth, our home (in Pope Francis’s words) is beginning to look like an immense pile of filth.

Climate activist Push said, “I am overwhelmed by the Luton hospitality and feel greatly encouraged and enthused by the support and the immense sense of fraternity shown by Luton. The quest for peace and justice work in Luton is commendable.”

He said, “Climate change is already happening and it is sad that the poorest people who have done the least to create the problem are suffering its worst impacts.”

“Hence our collective quest for climate justice is much needed”.

 To support Push, please visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GoPushGo  

Push arriving into Luton on the sunny afternoon of 6th Oct’21

Push being greeting and being given a cordial send-off to continue his epic walk on 7th Oct’21 from the footsteps of Luton Town Hall in the presence of The Mayor of Luton Cllr Mahmood Hussain and Chair of Luton Council of Faiths Prof Zafar Khan

Luton’s diverse communities gathered at the footsteps of the Luton Town Hall before sending Push off to continue his epic walk.

Push interacting and exchanging thoughts with Sisters from the Catholic Order of the Daughters of the Holy Ghost.

Luton’s diverse communities walking few steps with Push before sending him off to continue his epic walk.

Luton’s diverse communities walking few steps with Push before sending him off to continue his epic walk.

Hospitality Stop at Discover Islam Centre Luton

Building Life Flourishing Communities from different Faith Perspectives - Virtual Gathering on Thu 25th Nov'21 (2-4pm)

“The world has never been more threatened or more divided, and is facing the greatest cascade of crises,” said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to the opening of the General Debate of the 76th Session of the General Assembly in September 2021. He sounded an alarm over the COVID-19 pandemic, a climate crisis pummeling the planet and an upheaval in Afghanistan and other nations that is thwarting peace.

 In such critical times, CWM (Council for World Mission)[1] Europe Region, is partnering with GRASSROOTS[2] Luton to explore and enrich our learning by reflecting together on

•  What do the various faith traditions say about building life flourishing communities? What stories people from different faiths can share from their respective religious tradition(s)?

•  Can different faiths work together to build life flourishing communities? If yes, how? Is there a model?

 “We, all of us, are being called to do something unprecedented. We are being called to think about ‘everything that is’, for we now know that everything is interrelated and that the well-being of each is connected to the well-being of the whole. This suggests a ‘planetary agenda’ for all the religions, all the various fields of expertise.” —Sallie McFague

CWM-GRASSROOTS bring together people from different faiths as speakers and storytellers to share their lived experiences of living and working together with those of other or no particular religious affiliations – for the common good.

YOU ARE MOST WELCOME TO JOIN IN THIS ONLINE EVENT.

Date: 25th November 2021

Time: 2-4pm

Link for Registration is https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcOyhrD8vEtUsW6gKSEJljBSpvgZYB39f

Background to the theme of Life-flourishing Communities

‘Life-flourishing communities’ is the Council for World Mission’s (CWM) overall Strategic Framework theme for 2020-2029. In the midst of forces and powers bent on despoiling, destroying and denying, the theme underscores CWM’s commitment to God’s vision of just world and flourishing life for all.

In November 2020, CWM Europe began to facilitate a series of webinars to help members and ecumenical partners to reflect on this theme. Recordings of these conversations can be found at this link:

https://cwmeurope.org/what-we-do/a-series-of-webinars-building-life-flourishing-communities/

————————————————————————————————————————————————————- 

[1] a global partnership of 32 member churches in 31 countries, with over 50,000 congregations worldwide

[2] a Christian ecumenical programme of community engagement working with Churches and other faith communities in Luton for over 30 years

Link for Registration is https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcOyhrD8vEtUsW6gKSEJljBSpvgZYB39f

UNA-Luton's virtual Webinar on Climate Crisis: Faith in the Environment - 23 October 2021

You are warmly invited to attend a virtual event jointly organized by United Nations Association-Luton, Luton Council of Faiths, Grassroots & Near Neighbours on Climate Crisis.

It is on Saturday 23 October from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Our main theme is Climate Crisis, with focus on various faiths views towards respecting, preserving and protecting Nature and our environment.

People with or without specific faiths can learn lessons from all faiths and also from their own love for Nature in its wondrous diversity of flora and fauna, and their concern to address the climate crisis and preserve the environment designed for the wellbeing of all on our planet.

We have many speakers from diverse faith backgrounds, but with a unified goal to raise our awareness about the importance of actively preserving and living in harmony with the environment for us all. 

The programme is attached (see jpeg image below or pdf version here), which we hope will attract all of you to our event on 23 October. The Zoom link is

Topic: Climate Crisis: Faith in the Environment

Time: Oct 23, 2021 04:00 PM London

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86999529198?pwd=a2ZFeExhUERXYVo4TjlTNHh0Skowdz09

Meeting ID: 869 9952 9198

Passcode: 835937

We look forward to welcoming you on the day. Please RSVP no later than 12th Oct by email at jgrassroots@btconnect.com or text at 07886 350 854 or phone 01582-416946.

 Yours sincerely

Dr Nazia Khanum OBE DL                Prof Zafar Khan           Rev Canon David Lawson

Chair, UNA Luton                                Chair LCoF                   Chair GRASSROOTS

University of Bedfordshire hosts ‘Black & British’ With Professor David Olusoga

An Evening with David Olusoga
6 October 2021, from 17:00 – 18:00

An invitation to University of Bedfordshire's first public lecture for the academic year!

David Olusoga is a renowned historian, broadcaster and film-maker whose career has often focused on the intersection of race and history. In his lecture, David will be revealing the absences of Black history and Black role models in British education, and explores how Black Britons stamped their presence and their experiences onto the British national story. There will be an opportunity for attendee’s to take part in a Q&A session chaired by Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor Bedfordshire University. Registration is free.

Register here for this virtual lecture.

As a broadcaster David has produced such series as Empire (BBC 2), Black and British: A Forgotten History (BBC 2), the BAFTA winning Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners, he has also authored the multi award winning book Black & British: A Forgotten History, The Colonial Roots of Nazism, and many more.

Methodist South Bedfordshire Circuit Launches its Racial Justice Strategy

“Diversity is even more diverse now. We are called to be one but not the same”, said the former President of The Methodist Church of Great Britain Rev Dr Inderjit Bhogal OBE who is also the founder of “City of Sanctuary” initiative https://cityofsanctuary.org/.

Speaking at the recent launch of South Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit Racial Justice Strategy at St John’s Methodist Church in Luton, Rev Bhogal said, human beings are wondrously complex and diverse. What makes people different needn’t be reduced to certain labels e.g. BAME (Black & Minority Ethnic) communities.

The initialism and the acronym BAME has been growing in prominence, but critiques say it does lump a lot of minorities together and is used to tick a box.

Considering life isn’t black and white, discussions about valuing and embracing diversity in all its shades are important so that we grow in the way we view, perceive and understand the world.

Rev Bhogal said, “Racism is not mere prejudice; it is prejudice plus power. The only way to tackle is to end it.”

 evd Arlington Trotman & Terence Ilott, members of the South Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit Equality Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee, commended all the committee members as being “towers of strength”.

They said working together on the Strategy has enabled us all to hear God from our different perspectives. “The value of this document now will not be assessed on the basis of how and what it looks like but how we respond to it in action.”

The strategy document titled ALL TOGETHER was formally presented to the newly appointed Circuit Superintendent Rev Patrick Kandeh.

Patrick said, “We are making history tonight. It’s not the end; not even the beginning. It is the ongoing journey which must continue to progress.”

Revs Arlington Trotman (left) & Patrick Kandeh (right) launching South Beds Methodist Circuit Racial Justice Strategy at St John’s Methodist Church Luton

Dr Nicola Brady appointed General Secretary of CTBI

https://ctbi.org.uk/dr-nicola-brady-appointed-general-secretary-of-ctbi/?ct=t(CTBI_Monthly_Newsletter-Sept2021)

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Nicola Brady as its next General Secretary. Nicola will join CTBI at the beginning of 2022 following her period of service as General Secretary of the Irish Council of Churches.

CTBI Moderator, the Revd Graham Sparkes, commented, ‘We welcome Nicola at a time of challenge and opportunity. Across our four nations and beyond there are many fractures and divisions that threaten our shared humanity, and Nicola is deeply aware of the need for CTBI to witness to the reconciling hope at the heart of our Christian faith. Her rich experience and deep commitment will guide and strengthen the ecumenical vision that guides and sustains us, and we very much look forward to her leadership amongst us.’

For Dr Nicola Brady’s Biographical details, please see the full article here;

https://ctbi.org.uk/dr-nicola-brady-appointed-general-secretary-of-ctbi/?ct=t(CTBI_Monthly_Newsletter-Sept2021)

Dr Nicola Brady, General Secretary, CTBI

Faiths leaders demand climate action at COP26 in Glasgow

https://urc.org.uk/latest-news/3916-faiths-leaders-demand-climate-action-at-cop26-in-glasgow?dm_i=2JB1,1SFF1,A2VPCX,667XQ,1

Faith leaders have joined together to demand climate action ahead of the COP26 meeting in Glasgow.

The Glasgow Multi-Faith Declaration, signed by representatives of religious communities across the United Kingdom, calls for people to be “advocates for justice” ahead of the COP summit.

The Revd Clare Downing and Mr Peter Pay, Moderators of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church (URC) made the declaration alongside leaders of every major Christian denomination and representatives from Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh communities.

The declaration states: “We remind governments of their commitments made in Paris in 2015 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, and of Article 17 of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights to protect the environment, the biosphere and biodiversity.

“We call upon them to take the urgent action needed to avert the loss, damage, and forced migration threatened by climate change.”

It adds: “Across our doctrinal and political differences, we know that we must change our ways to ensure a quality of life which all can share, and we need to provide hope for people of all ages, everywhere, including future generations. 

“To offer hope in the world we need to have confidence that those in power understand the vital role they have to play at the Glasgow COP26.”

The new multi-faith declaration builds on the 2015 Lambeth Declaration issued ahead of the Paris COP.

Find out more about COP26 and how you can add your voice to the call for action at www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/COP26.

Image: Callum Shaw/Unsplash

Climate Activist Walking from London to Glasgow STOPS OVER IN LUTON

Climate Change is the biggest challenge facing our world today.

A British South Indian Climate Activist Pushpanath Krishnamurthy (called Push) is walking from London to Glasgow ahead of COP26 to raise awareness of climate change issues and climate emergencies.

On his way, he will stop overnight in Luton.

You are invited to join him and the Mayor of Luton on 7th Oct at 9:30am at the footsteps of Luton Town Hall to give him a cordial send-off from Luton with our greetings and best wishes.

It will be helpful if you can please inform jgrassroots@btconnect.com if you are able to join in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAZSiVnnE9Y

https://www.gopushgo.co.uk/

Building Social Confidence and the work of Near Neighbours

We are pleased to invite you to our event, Building Social Confidence and the work of Near Neighbours.

At this online event, we will be discussing a new report by think tank Common Vision: Faith-led social action during the COVID-19 pandemic: Exploring a new framework of social confidence.

Dr Madeleine Pennington, Head of Research at THEOS Think Tank, has said that the report “is full of helpful examples as we process what the impact of the pandemic has been on the role of faith groups”.

You can read the full report here: http://covi.org.uk/dev4/faith-led-social-action-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

We will hear from the report’s author Caroline Macfarland and will host a discussion chaired by Near Neighbours Faith Advisory Panel member Sarwat Tasneem. It will feature case studies and a response from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (tbc).

The event is taking place online on Thursday 7th October, 10:30-12:00.

If you would like to attend, sign up here via our Eventbrite page: Building Social Confidence and the work of Near Neighbours Tickets, Thu 7 Oct 2021 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

Kind regards,

on behalf of Elizabeth Carnelley | Director of Partnerships 

Church Urban Fund | The Foundry | 17 Oval Way | London | SE11 5RR

T  07812 984818 | E  Elizabeth.carnelley@nearneighbours.org.uk | W www.nearneighbours.org.uk 

Media & Imagery: The Impact of Representation (URC Black History Monthly Event)

Being seen and heard is important but representation is essential.

Watch Aisha Thomas's TEDx talk on Why Representation Really Matters.

To think through what does this mean for the Church and particularly for the United Reformed Church (URC) and how do we live out this truth meaningfully; URC’s Global & Intercultural Ministries (Mission) invites us to discuss all this and much more in it’s Black History Monthly 1-hour-long zoom event held every month on a third Monday on 20th September, 7.30 - 8.30pm.

ZOOM LINK
https://zoom.us/j/99060809545?pwd=YlFOR2k2TUozbmJiWVZPSkxMQjNXUT09
Meeting ID: 990 6080 9545
Passcode: 264326

“Until society represents everyone, the question will always be 'where do I belong?’”

Aisha Thomas's TEDx talk challenges us to imagine a world where all races are represented in all aspects of life. Where children grow up with a sense of value, connection and understanding of difference. Her commitment to inspiring young minds was kick-started a decade ago during a mentoring meeting with a young offender in prison. He said to Aisha, "If you were my teacher, maybe I wouldn’t be in prison today." Then a law graduate, Aisha decided to retrain as an educator and dedicate her life to improving the lives of children in her community. She is currently Assistant Principal at City Academy in Bristol, and one of only 26 black secondary school teachers of 1,346 in the city.

#RepresentationMatters”

Why Representation Really Matters | Aisha Thomas | TEDxBristol (Nov 2019) Duration [13:47] available to watch here https://youtu.be/-X-taPvKWbY

Other Resources to view
Staying Power: Photographs of Black British Experience
https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/staying-power-photographs-of-black-british-experience

Photographing black Britain: Neil Kenlock & Armet Francis
https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/discover/black-british-photography-neil-kenlock-and-armet

Photo by Mikaala Shackelford | < https://unsplash.com/photos/ZJICAkYEtBA>

G20 Interfaith Forum considers religious commitments to Sustainable Development Goals

https://www.oikoumene.org/news/g20-interfaith-forum-considers-religious-commitments-to-sustainable-development-goals

At the G20 Interfaith Forum, which took place 12-14 September in Bologna, Peter Prove, director of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, spoke on religious commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focusing on children, hunger, water and sanitation.

Read the full article here please;

https://www.oikoumene.org/news/g20-interfaith-forum-considers-religious-commitments-to-sustainable-development-goals

WCC acting general secretary at G20 Interfaith Forum: “Faith calls us to interreligious solidarity” (WCC press release 13 September 2021)

G20 Interfaith Forum 2021

WCC's work on the Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation

The FEAST Programme Summer Camp 2021

In a recent Summer Day Camp by “The Feast” Programme, 17 teenagers (Years 7 – 11) enjoyed 3 days of fun activities, team challenges, and dialogue – talking about identity, surmounting challenges and also being change makers in the community.

The Feast’s Guidelines for Dialogue (https://thefeast.org.uk/resources) created safe and confidential space for young people to discuss and gave them the required confidence to say what they believe knowing they will be listened to, because it is about learning o listen to one another’s opinions with openness and respect.

At the end of the programme, young people presented ideas for a community activity to a panel, rather like in Dragon’s Den. Watch this space for an autumn project, where we put into action the winning ideas – a car wash, a bake sale and a talent auction to raise money for local charities, in recognition of the good work they do for our town.

Besides knowing and understanding each other better and learning to discuss their thoughts, opinions, ideas and beliefs, the young people also had lots of fun playing games and doing activities such as the climbing wall at Tokko Youth Centre.

On one of the days, Sophie Gresswell, a local artist, came in to run an art workshop exploring identity.

The feedback from the young people showed they had lots of fun, but it also helped them to be more confident in expressing their own beliefs, whilst being more open to listen to someone else’s ideas.

“Thank you for putting this on” one young person commented. Another said: “I’d come again!”

If you would like to find out more about The Feast, please look at their website www.thefeast.org.uk or email Luton Programme Coordinator ulrike@thefeast.org.uk 

Young Participants at The FEAST Summer Programme 2021