#CandleOfJustice 2022 - Join in TODAY

To mark the second anniversary of the killing of George Floyd, Christians across the nation will be uniting on 25 May at noon to light a #CandleOfJustice, pray and commit to taking personal and institutional action to tackle racism in our society and our churches.

The web page of Churches Together in England (CTE) www.cte.org.uk/candleofjustice contains further information and a range of resources, including a prayer for 25 May written by CTBI (Churches Together in Britain & Ireland), Evangelical Alliance, the National Church Leaders Forum and CTE.

Join in

Follow these five simple steps for how you and your church can get involved in the national #CandleOfJustice campaign on 25 May:

1. At noon, pause for one minute to remember George Floyd and all those who experience racism

2. Light your candle* (or alternatively shine a light from your phone)

3. Pray using the Candle of Justice prayer

4. Pause, reflect and make a personal commitment to tackling racial injustice

5. Share on social media – upload your candle photo or share the Candle of Justice prayer graphic. Remember to use the hashtag #CandleOfJustice and tag in @ChurchesEngland 

*Safety note - please take all necessary fire precautions when using a lit candle. 

Churches Together in England (CTE) is also sharing daily prayers on racial justice from our Member Churches, one each day from Monday 23 to Sunday 29 May. Feel free to share the videos and graphics which you can find at cte.org.uk/coj-daily-prayers-2022/

Employability Day takes place this month to support young people in Luton

Luton Council and the Chiltern Learning Trust are collaborating with Reach Society to design and roll out an inspirational event that targets young people, aged 10 plus, in Luton and Bedfordshire. The event will take place on Tuesday, 31 May 2022, and shall be known as the Luton Employability Day.

The Luton Employability Day is an inspirational event that aims to address the underachievement of young people, especially Black boys and young men.  The event provides an opportunity for young people (aged 10 to 20) and their parents/guardians to interact with professionals from the Black community and a cohort of exhibitors from the public and private sectors, to discover pathways to success and develop their talents to make viable transitions into adult life.

Please note this event is not suitable for children under 10 and all attendees under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

For more info, please see the flyer below or click here or view the following link;

https://lutonbcouncil-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/employability-day-takes-place-this-month-to-support-young-people-in-luton

PLEASE NOTE: You need to pre-register to attend this event. You can register here.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fairness-task-force-building-resilience-for-tackling-poverty-tickets-335274704667

High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford visits parts of Luton for the first time

The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for the year from April 2022 to April 2023 is Lady Jane Clifford.

Although largely ceremonial now, the High Sheriff still to this day remains the Sovereign’s representative in the county for all matters relating to the judiciary and the maintenance of Law and Order. Keeping these links with our judiciary and Police forces remains pivotal to the role today, ensuring that these services have both the support and respect of the communities that they help and protect. High Sheriff fulfils the ancient role supporting the Shire, upholding its peace, encouraging loyalty to the Crown and stimulating its communities in voluntary societies to work for the common good.

It is admirable that Lady Clifford made an effort to visit parts of Luton for the first time soon after taking over as High Sheriff.

Lady Clifford visited Luton's Madinah Mosque on Oak Road, Church of God in Christ (COGIC) on Dunstable Road, Discover Islam Centre on Upper George Street, and Guru Ravidass Sangat on Cardigan Street. The warmth and hospitality she received at each of these places of worship humbled and moved her. She praised Luton's diverse religious communities for their generosity and concern for those in need and lesser privileged. She acclaimed the selfless philanthropic efforts of all the faith communities carried out on a regular basis.

Lady Clifford said, "Thank you for sharing so many wonderful and challenging stories of hope. My visit has proven to be an excellent chance for networking and building relationships. The number of groups and individuals making a difference in Luton is inspiring. Religious leaders, faith-based organisations, and faith groups provide vital support, comfort, and guidance to the communities they serve."

"My heartfelt gratitude to all who volunteer in our county. Their daily acts of kindness and giving are a living testament. I have no doubt that Luton and Bedfordshire will continue to become happier, stronger, and prosperous with each act of love & compassion extended towards one another."

Commending the role played by GRASSROOTS, Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF) & Near Neighbours Programme, Lady Clifford stated, "By bringing people together from different communities, you are indeed promoting social action and transformation. I'm delighted that your efforts have been recognised, and that LCoF has received The Queen's Award for Voluntary Services. My heartiest congratulations to LCoF and all involved in it!”

High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford at Luton’s Madinah Mosque

High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford at Luton’s Madinah Mosque

High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford at Luton’s COGIC (Church of God in Christ)

High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford at Luton’s Guru Ravidass Sangat

High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford at Luton’s Guru Ravidass Sangat

High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford at Luton’s Discover Islam Centre

High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford at Luton’s Discover Islam Centre

Luton Churches United in Fight Against Racism

At its Annual General Meeting held last week, Churches Together in Luton (CTL) reflected, reviewed and renewed its commitment to the cause of racial reconciliation and justice.

The Black Lives Matter movement, which began in 2013 but gained global prominence after George Flyod was killed in the United States in May 2020, encourages everyone to work for a world where Black lives are no longer systematically targeted and where their humanity, contributions to society, and resilience in the face of deadly oppression are recognised, acknowledged, valued, and affirmed.

In order to achieve these goals, Churches Together in Luton (CTL) launched an Ecumenical Interdenominational Commission on Racial Justice and urged church leaders to talk honestly about their experiences of racism, their hopes for the future, and their regrets for the past.

Conveners Tony Thompson and Vincent Cox said, “Our talking together has helped in building deep, meaningful, honest relationships, something that has been repeatedly mentioned as the key to racial reconciliation. Our conversations have helped us to identify how we can look at history, even the painful parts so that we can build together a new future, through forgiveness and defeating strongholds that have existed for generations.”

When asked what the expected outcomes of this commission are, Vincent Cox responded, “We are mindful of the fact that real change may bring pain and we are ready to confront it. We are looking to discern, define, explain and understand, what does it mean to be black in the UK and in Luton? How and why do black communities and people often find themselves at the bottom of the upside-down pyramid of the so-called BAME (Black, Asian, and minority ethnic) communities?”

“It is about identifying and articulating disadvantages that the racialised and in particular black communities face in our town before we can begin to think of articulating solutions and strategies to create equity around those disadvantages.”

CTL Chair Michael Singleton said, “It is important we advance our knowledge of racism, its history, and its consequences. We must break the silence and work towards the change that is needed. And change costs – some will have to lose power in order for some to gain power – only then we can justifiably establish the ideal of a just peace, equality, and equity.”

Isaac Borquaye, known as Guvna B – a UK Gospel rapper, author, and broadcaster, once said if your Church is not talking about these issues then you are part of the problem. Quoting him, Vincent Cox concluded “Our goal is redemptive change leading to racial reconciliation. Together we must seek the change within churches and between churches to then seek change in the world.”  

L to R: David Jonathan (Johny) of GRASSROOTS Luton, Pas Llyod Denny of Restoration Revival Fellowship, Bishop Richard Atkinson (C of E), Pas Vincent Cox of New Testament Church of God & Revd Patrick Kandeh, South Beds Methodist Circuit Superintendent

World Fairtrade Day 2022

This World Fair Trade Day (14th May 2022), Fairtrade Foundation UK introduced farmer Awad Melhim who grows the olives that go into Zaytoun’s Fairtrade olive oil.

Every day he sees climate change threatening his livelihood, as he explains in this film alongside six other Fairtrade farmers.

But Awad is doing all he can to take on the climate crisis, and we can choose to stand with him. By choosing Fairtrade and choosing climate justice.

‘We improve the soil by using organic manure...natural fertalizers are the key to enrich the soil and feed the trees really well.’ Awad Melhim explains how he uses organic techniques to take on the effects of climate change on his farm in Palestine.

WATCH & SHARE THE FILM TO LEARN MORE

When we choose Fairtrade, we choose more power and more money in the hands of communities taking on the climate crisis. That means farmers like Awad can scale up their great work by investing in organic techniques, planting trees, and sharing local knowledge. 

We all must talk about climate justice this World Fair Trade Day for one simple reason. The climate crisis isn’t fair.

Wealthy nations have the biggest carbon footprints and bear the most responsibility for the climate crisis. But it’s those earning the least – with the smallest carbon footprints – who feel the worst effects of climate change. 

Climate change is really worrying us, says Diana Saakwa, Fairtrade cocoa farmer, Ghana. 

Watch and share as Diana and other farmers behind Fairtrade favourites including Divine Chocolate, Cafédirect, JTS, Liberation Nuts, Traidcraft and Zaytoun explain how earning more with Fairtrade is key to taking on the climate crisis.

To mark & commemorate World Fair Trade Day, let us all help spread the word that choosing Fairtrade is part of choosing climate justice. You can find out more, and find other ways to get involved, on the World Fair Trade Organisation website.

WATCH & SHARE THE FILM

Want to hear more? Join Mary Kinyua’s lecture, Tuesday 17 May 6-7pm ONLINE.

Mary Kinyua, who has worked for years with Fairtrade flower farm workers in Kenya, acted as Fairtrade’s Head of Delegation at the UN climate summit COP26 last year.

Sign up to hear Mary Kinyua’s address at this free virtual event.

On Tuesday 17 May, she’ll be giving a keynote speech reflecting on that conference, what's next in Fairtrade farmers’ fight for climate justice and her own experience witnessing the effects of climate change first-hand.

The virtual lecture is being organised by the Scottish Fairtrade Forum and you can sign up on Eventbrite for free.

SIGN UP TO HEAR MARY’S LECTURE

Without fairer trade, we can't begin to tackle climate crisis. On days like World Fair Trade Day, it’s critical we make more people understand this. Thank you for helping to spread the word.

“Lament, Hope and Courage” - WCC publishes its Annual Review 2021

https://www.oikoumene.org/news/lament-hope-and-courage-wcc-publishes-its-annual-review-2021

As of 3 May 2022, the WCC Annual Review 2021 is available for download online. The annual review records many of the WCC’s activities undertaken in 2021 and continuing into 2022..

The publication reminds us that, as we look around us at cruel wars in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world, taking thousands of innocent lives, and at increased militarization, political divisions and economic turmoil, it is important to remember that, ultimately, the God of life prevails.

“It is important that we stand together as a WCC fellowship on a foundation of hope built by reconciliation and peace-building,” writes acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca in the foreword. “Strengthened by such faith and hope, we should not be afraid, we should not despair when we see what happens in our world today but confront it with courage.”

The annual review also shows the importance of standing together as a WCC fellowship on a foundation of hope built by reconciliation and peace-building.

“Before the conflict in Ukraine escalated, during 2021, the World Council of Churches fellowship drew together in prayer in unprecedented way,” writes Sauca. “Amid this sadness—perhaps even from this sadness— has grown a new commitment for active compassion for each other.”

WCC Annual Review 2021

Front cover of the WCC Annual Review 2021. Photo: WCC

Lectures on Interfaith Dialogue

Andrew Smith, Director of Interfaith Relations for the Bishop of Birmingham, is leading another series of Lectures on Interfaith Dialogue in conjunction with The Institute for Leadership and Community Development (ILCD).

There are six lectures between May - July 2022. They are all on-line on Fridays from 4-5:30pm GMT. They will cover a range of topics and will include speakers from different faiths as well as group discussion. They are all free to attend, you just need to book via Eventbrite.

You can find the details and booking information at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/interfaith-dialogue-course-tickets-274707998017

A Day with a Broadcaster & Scottish Hymn Writer Revd John Bell

United Reformed Churches (URCs) in and around Luton gathered together to reflect and explore songs in the 21st century, with Revd John Bell, a Scottish hymn-writer, Church of Scotland minister and a member of the Iona Community (https://iona.org.uk/). John Bell is a broadcaster and a former student activist. Throughout the world, he lectures in theological colleges and leads workshops for the renewal of congregational worship at the grassroots level. In the UK, he has been associated with the Christian Arts Festival Greenbelt for many years.

Employed full-time in the areas of music and worship with the Wild Goose Resource Group (https://www.wildgoose.scot/), John Bell has produced many collections of original hymns and songs and two collections of songs of the World Church. These are published by the Iona Community in Scotland and by G.I.A. Publications (Chicago) in North America. Several collections of his work have been published in translation in Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish, Dutch, Frisian, Japanese and German.

He often presents programmes on the BBC, majoring on contemporary religious songs from various parts of the world. He is quite a regular contributor to "Thought for the Day", part of Radio 4's Today programme.

Revd Heather Whyte, URC Minister in Luton said, “It has been good to encourage, enable and equip our congregations with liturgy and songs that are relevant, contextual, and representative of the world we live in. Revd John Bell certainly has a message, and he proclaims it with strength.”

When asked why other world cultures have been so important to him, Revd Bell said, “We have exported a large number of hymns to different parts of the world—especially the developing world; I feel it is important to listen to what they have to offer and therefore, whenever possible, I do think it's helpful to sing the songs from different cultures. So we can stand together in deeper intercession with one another. And through that experience, our understanding of the world and God is enlarged.”

He added, “I never started out to be a hymn writer; but many popular songs Christians sang represented only a fraction of God and a fraction of human experience. The only alternative was to write and compose new songs which speak of our contemporary world, touch our life today and speak a language that people can understand.”

Commenting on Luton’s multi-faith multicultural context, he said, “People from different racial, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds can either be seen as a gift or a threat. I see them as gifts. Over the years, they have enriched and broadened my understanding of whom I worship as the Creator God.”

Scottish Hymn Writer John Bell leading workshop at Luton’s Wigmore Community Church on 7th May’22

Scottish Hymn Writer John Bell (R) with the URC Minister in Luton & Dunstable Revd Heather Whyte (L)

Scottish Hymn Writer John Bell with Sheila Marsden (R) Trustee & David Jonathan (L) Director of GRASSROOTS Programme in Luton

Eid Mubarak - Luton's Eid Celebrations

Luton’s Eid celebrations returned with a big bash in Lewsey Park after a gap of two years in the Covid lockdowns. The key event organiser Inspire FM Operations Manager Mohammad Tariq said, “It was an affordable, accessible and inclusive festival. We are grateful to many community volunteers for their help and support, and to the Luton Sixth Form College and Barnfield College for being our chief event partners this year.” 

The festival attended by thousands is the largest Eid festival in the region.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the dawn-to-sunset fasting month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad received the teachings of the Quran, the Islamic holy book. During Ramadan, at numerous Iftar (communal fast-breaking) gatherings in Luton, Muslims and Mosques invited neighbours and friends to join in sharing the fast-breaking meal.

Nationally, UK’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis also hosted an Iftar gathering, at which he said, “In addition to the climate crisis, the refugee crisis and ever-deepening global, political and social polarisation, we must now prepare to contend with the aftermath of a pandemic, which has created extreme economic disadvantage, significant mental health challenges and yet further political and social upheaval.”

He said, “Jews-Christians-Muslims are from the same family and occasions such as tonight’s Iftar gathering are important to reinforce our relationship with one another. Together, we can adapt and respond to the emerging landscape, which is full of challenges. Every one of us can help by giving of ourselves to the community in some way.”

Throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims donate to charities and contribute to the community’s well-being.

Luton’s Discover Islam Centre, since it started in 2011, has initiated and supported various projects of community care and well-being. In the last month alone it has served thousands of hot meals and provided support to the most vulnerable in our community, including refugees.

Long live the generous spirit of Ramadan and Eid Mubarak to all Muslim friends.

Near Neighbours Invited at Iftar Dinner hosted by UK's Chief Rabbi

It was an honour to be invited to represent the Near Neighbours Programme at a very special Iftar gathering hosted by the Office of The Chief Rabbi of the UK.

Welcoming an esteemed gathering of people from different religious, cultural and professional backgrounds, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis emphasized that Covid-19 has created a fundamental rupture in the fabric of our communal life, disrupting our established infrastructure and institutions. He said, “In addition to the climate crisis, the refugee crisis and ever-deepening global, political and social polarisation, we must now prepare to contend with the aftermath of a pandemic, which has created extreme economic disadvantage, significant mental health challenges and yet further political and social upheaval.”

He said, “Jews-Christians-Muslims are from the same family and occasions such as tonight’s Iftar gathering are important to reinforce our relationship with one another. Together, we can adapt and respond to the emerging landscape, which is full of challenges. Every one of us can help by giving of ourselves to the community in some way.”

On behalf of Near Neighbours Programme, GRASSROOTS & Luton Council of Faiths, David Jonathan presented a fairly traded gift of south Indian hand-crafted candles to the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis for hosting such a wonderful gathering with a magnificent spread of food for all the guests.

Long live such spirit of Near Neighbours - globally, nationally and locally.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————

About Chief Rabbi

Chief Rabbi is a title given to the recognized national religious leader of the Jewish community.

The present Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis is only the 11th Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth since the office was introduced in 1704. Chief Rabbi Mirvis succeeded Lord Sacks and since his installation in 2013, he has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most respected community Rabbis.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis was the first United Synagogue rabbi to host an address by an Imam, Dr. Mohammed Essam El-Din Fahim, in his synagogue. He has also led a delegation of members of his community to the Finchley Mosque.

For more info, please visit https://chiefrabbi.org/

On behalf of Near Neighbours Programme, GRASSROOTS & Luton Council of Faiths, David Jonathan presented a fairly traded gift of south Indian hand-crafted candles to the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis for hosting a wonderful Iftar gathering at the Wohl Suite, Office of the Chief Rabbi, 42 Hallam Street, London, W1W 6NW

Sheikh Khalifa Ezzat, Imam at London Central Mosque Trust & The Islamic Cultural Centre addressed the gathering after the address by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis

Invitation for the National Service of Thanksgiving to Celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee

The National Service of Thanksgiving to Celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, followed by a Reception at Guildhall, on Friday, 3rd June at 11.30 a.m. 

The Queen has directed that a number of people who have been recognised for their contribution to communities should be invited. 

In her letter to David Jonathan, Director, Grassroots Programme, Luton Council of Faiths and the Near Neighbours Programme in Luton, Lorna Spence | Assistant Secretary, Lord Chamberlain's Office, wrote;

“I am delighted to inform you that you have been nominated for the invitation to attend the Service and Reception, along with an accompanying guest of your choosing.”   

Expressing his gratitude to Luton’s diverse communities and to all the faith, community, political and civic leaders, for all their support and encouragement, David Jonathan said, “I am humbled and honoured to have been nominated. I am delighted to accept the invitation. I look forward to attending the service.”

Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom

Luton's Sikhs greeted by Muslims at Vaisakhi Celebrations

‘Vaisakhi’ is a historical and religious festival for Sikhs worldwide. It is celebrated in mid-April. It commemorates the birth and formation of the Khalsa Panth (the body of fully initiated Sikhs) following a sacrificial sword ritual ceremony in 1699 by the last of the ten Sikh human gurus, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It was about transforming Sikhs into soldier saints.

Five men who took the test of offering their lives on Guru’s call, became known as the Panj Piare ('Beloved Five') – each one embodying the virtues of compassion, righteousness, courage, commitment and oneness. They were then baptised into the ‘Khalsa’ by the Guru sprinkling on them Amrit ('immortalising nectar': the Sikh term for holy water).

The Khalsa is therefore a collective of committed Sikhs (male and female) who are mandated to fight oppression and uphold freedom and work to provide basic needs of all people – serving everyone, regardless of their background, recognising humanity’s oneness.

On Vaisakhi, Gurudwaras (Sikh Temples) are decorated. Community fairs and Nagar Kirtan (street processions) are held, and people gather to socialize and share festive foods.

This year in Luton, hundreds of men, women and youth came out in a street procession, led by beautifully decorated vehicles, religious and community leaders, demonstrating their devotion and community spirit as throughout the procession, at various points, devotees shared free food. Even before and after the procession, ‘Langar’ (free meal) was served and prayers were offered for the whole of humanity at Guru Nanak Gurudwara on Dallow Road. A minute silence was also observed for the people in Ukraine.

As the procession had passed through Bury Park, the President, Head Imam, Committee Members from the Central Mosque and several others from the Muslim community greeted the Sikh leaders with garlands and distributed hot snacks and tea to hundreds of Sikhs walking in the procession. This was a real testament of how Luton’s communities live in harmony with one another.

Luton's Sikhs greeted by Muslims at Vaisakhi Celebrations held on 23rd April 2022

Luton's Sikhs greeted by Muslims at Vaisakhi Celebrations

Luton's Sikhs greeted by Muslims at Vaisakhi Celebrations

Luton's Sikhs greeted & served refreshments by Muslims at Vaisakhi Celebrations

Luton's Sikhs greeted & served refreshments by Muslims at Vaisakhi Celebrations

Luton's Sikhs in Nagar Kirtan (street procession) at Vaisakhi Celebrations

Luton's Sikhs greeted & served refreshments by Muslims at Vaisakhi Celebrations

Inter Faith Network for the UK 2019/21 Biennial Review

Inter Faith Network for the UK 2019/21 Biennial Review: a look back across IFN’s work through a time of COVID

IFN has just published '2019/2021: A Review of the work of the Inter Faith Network for the UK through a time of COVID'.

You can find this at https://www.interfaith.org.uk/static/a-review-of-the-work-of-the-inter-faith-network-for-the-uk-through-a-time-of-covid

The Review is packed with stories and images of the period and we hope that you will find it both interesting and inspiring.

https://www.interfaith.org.uk/uploads/IFN_Review_2019_21.pdf

Good Friday & Easter Greetings

On Good Friday, Christians worldwide lament Jesus’ Crucifixion which reveals God’s sacrificial love for ‘ALL’, but soon follows the most important Christian festival Easter celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection, which reminds us of the eternal hope that death does not have the last word on human destiny.

“This is a poignant message and a reminder to many who have lost their loved ones due to the COVID- 19 pandemic and have experienced trauma, separation, isolation”, said Michael Singleton, Chair, Churches Together in Luton.

He added, “Easter reminds us that the first experience of Jesus’ disciples with the Risen Lord Jesus had also occurred in similar circumstances. Out of fear and to protect their lives, Jesus’ disciples had gathered in a room, behind closed doors, when the Risen Christ had appeared, bringing His peace to them. May His peace now be with us all in Luton and beyond.”

C of E Archdeacon of Bedford, Rev Dave Middlebrook said, “Easter brings a powerful liberating message of courage and hope overcoming the fear of death and life’s uncertainty. After two years of Covid lockdowns, it is a delight to see the usual Walks of Witness and street processions led by Church clusters across Luton.”

“Forgive them father, for they know not what they do,” said Jesus on the cross. May such words of Jesus inspire and guide everyone in this world to live in peace and harmony, not just with friends and family, but also with those who despise, hate, and persecute others in the name of race, religion or ethnicity.  May the miracle of Easter bring us all renewed hope, faith, love, and joy!

Pics of Good Friday Walk of Witness led by Bury Park Beech Hill Council of Churches in Luotn on 15th Apr’22

Go the egg-stra mile : Choose a Fairtrade Easter Egg

Right now supermarket shelves are choc-a-block with Easter eggs. Tasty treats that are only possible because of hard-working cocoa farmers going the extra mile.

So let’s follow their lead and go the egg-stra mile ourselves: choose a Fairtrade Easter egg, and choose more power and more money in the hands of cocoa farmers.

See where you can find those extra ethical Fairtrade eggs in the new blog of The Fairtrade Foundation UK.

REMEMBER Fairtrade is not about doing charity to people; it is about doing justice by paying people what they deserve for their labour and for their sustenance.

 We all can do our bit by choosing to buy products with Fairtrade logo on it.

You can also find even more Easter Treats here. https://www.traidcraftshop.co.uk/easter

You can also take a look at Fairtrade Easter gifts for children.

Martin Luther King had once said, “Before you finish eating breakfast in the morning, you've depended on more than half the world.”

 This ‘inter-dependence’ on one another, is at the very heart of the Fairtrade message.  

GRASSROOTS Luton invited to lead a Workshop at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th General Assembly 2022 in Karlsruhe, Germany

It is humbling that GRASSROOTS Luton has been invited to lead a Workshop at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th General Assembly 2022 in Karlsruhe, Germany from 31 August – 8 September 2022.

In her email, extending Lenten greetings from the World Council of Churches, Rev. Kay WOO, Assembly Workshops Coordinator said, “Thank you for your workshop offer. We received over 250 applications from all over the world for 100 workshop spaces. We carefully studied each workshop application, taking significant time to review, evaluate and assess all the applications. We thank you again for your patience with us during the selection process. It is my great pleasure to inform you that your workshop application has been selected.

GRASSROOTS Luton Workshop Title is:

Celebrating Difference Staying Faithful – Building Peace & Reconciliation Together with Different Faiths

Working across faiths and cultures is mostly understood as “inter faith dialogue”; that too with learned people of certain age and gender. In our workshop, we hope to be able to share practical examples of inter faith community work. We’ll share stories of how in a super-diverse, multi-faith, multi-cultural town Luton (UK), just north of London, where over 140 languages are spoken, Christians & people of different faiths join together to feed the hungry, to tackle digital and fuel poverty, to plant trees and create peace gardens.

We’ll demonstrate how it is possible to restore justice, peace, and the integrity of God’s creation, by putting our faith into action, by complementing one another and not competing against one another, by acknowledging and celebrating difference and yet staying faithful to our own religious beliefs and cultural identities.

Thanks to globalization we are living in an increasingly inter-connected world. We all must therefore create space for everyone to feel welcomed to partake in and contribute to God’s mission, so that in God’s beautiful world, everyone may have life – life in all its abundance, life in all its fullness.

How do we create such an ecumenical and inter-faith space? How can we confidently move in Christ's love towards reconciliation and unity, but not uniformity? This workshop will focus exactly on that.

Originally planned for 2021, the WCC General Assembly was postponed by one year because of the gravity and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Being the most diverse Christian gathering of its size in the world, the assembly will be a unique opportunity for the churches to deepen their commitment to visible unity and common witness,” said Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, interim WCC General Secretary.

Bishop Petra Bosse-Huber, from the Evangelical Church in Germany, said that the host churches are delighted that the WCC has accepted a renewed invitation to hold the 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe and encouraged all churches, especially in Germany and the surrounding region, to take advantage of the opportunity to prepare ecumenically, cross-border and with partners in church and society for the historic event.

“The current world situation needs the churches' common witness for unity and against all forms of injustice and racism,” she said. “The assembly has set itself the task of being a bridge builder for a reconciled and united world.”

Visit the WCC 11th Assembly webpage.

https://mailchi.mp/wcc-coe/wcc-11th-assembly-update-issue-234324?

To Prevent Climate Change Our Attitudes Must Change

Although living in Mt. Abu, Rajasthan, India, environmentalist Shantanu calls the entire planet his home. He is a member of a socio-spiritual organization called Brahma Kumaris (https://brahmakumaris.uk/).  After two bachelor's degrees in Fashion Design & Fine Arts, his environmental inclination has led him to design special courses focusing upon upcycling, recycling, deconstruction & reconstruction.

During his recent visit to Luton, he learnt with great interest how Luton’s different faith communities have been participating in the Faith Woodlands Communities Project, in developing Peace Gardens across the town on derelict pieces of land, in nurturing and caring for green spaces in the streets and neighbourhoods. He commended Luton’s Peace Garden Initiative in which trees are being planted for those who died of Covid in the town.

Shantanu’s personal journey with the environment had started in 2015 when he became Vegan. Within a few months after that, he found himself engaged in climate activities. He was one of the 7 young people to be funded by UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) for COP 25 in Madrid in 2019.

At present he is a mentor in the Climate Ambassadors Programme and a facilitator for Environment and Faith in the Steering Committee of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Major Group of Children & Youth (MGCY).

As a person who lives a lifestyle that is very close to nature, he says, “An inner shift in consciousness can help us look into solutions because the same consciousness that was responsible for the problems can't be bringing out solutions”.

One of his strongest beliefs is reflected in the statement, "Simplicity is Kindness".

After his meeting with GRASSROOTS & LUTON COUNCIL OF FAITHS, while speaking at a Rotary Club event in Luton, he said, “The triple crisis that our world is facing currently is normally said to be of debt, climate change and biodiversity loss, but the ACTUAL triple crisis is Greed, Apathy & Selfishness. Science doesn't have the answers for these; our attitudes must change.”

Shantanu (top right), a member of Brahma Kumaris movement and a mentor of UN Environment Prog during his recent visit to Luton

C of E St Albans Diocese Readers visit Luton's Mosque furthering Christian-Muslim Friendships

The Diocese of St Albans is a diverse diocese.  It includes a significant number of parishes in towns like Luton, where there are large numbers of different faith communities. In furthering Diocesan efforts of engaging and partnering with members of other faith communities for the common good, Luton’s All Saints Parish Church invited Church of England (C of E) ‘Readers’ from different parishes across the diocese to come and see how Church must remain present in diverse areas, and engage positively with different faiths.

C of E Reader is a Licensed Lay Minister (LLM) authorized by a Bishop to assist Vicars in leading worship services and in carrying out other pastoral duties.

Talking about her experiences of working with Muslim neighbours, Sandra Millier, the All Saints Parish Church Reader, said, “It is about seeking ‘opportunities’ than to feel overwhelmed by the ‘challenges’; opportunities to learn more about different human beings around us, especially those sincerely engaged in seeking God. It is also about seeking opportunities to present our Christian understandings of God by the lives we live and the words we speak and contribute to the common good, together with others.”

Later, the group of Readers also observed a Refugee Support Drop-In Service at All Saints Church Hall.

Highlighting the importance of such educational tours and visits, Revd David Kesterton, Vicar of All Saints Church, who also plays the role of a Diocesan Inter Faith Advisor, said, “Engagement with people from different faiths can help us understand better, not just others’ faith, but also our own faith and beliefs. We all must engage with interfaith issues and contribute together for the common good.”

C of E St Albans Diocesan Readers on a friendly visit to Madinah Mosque in Luton

GRASSROOTS, Luton Council of Faiths & Near Neighbours Programme, honoured at Guru Ravidass Ji’s 645th Birthday celebrations

After the culmination of ‘Akhand Path’ (non-stop recitation of the Sikh Holy Scripture Shri Guru Granth Sahib) over a period of 48 hours, at Luton’s Guru Ravidass Sangat (Cardigan St. Luton) many dignitaries, including High Sheriff, Mayor, MPs, Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillors and PCC, joined in the auspicious 645th birthday celebrations of Shri Guru Ravidass Ji, who was a great saint, philosopher, poet, social reformer and a prominent religious visionary of social equality in north India during 14th and 15th century.

Through his spiritual devotion Guru Ravidass Ji had enhanced the cause of equality, social freedom and justice for all, particularly for those who were oppressed, exploited and marginalized.

The princely courts were amongst his supporters, many of whom had eventually become his disciples. Forty of his ‘shabads’ (sacred sayings) are included in the Sikh Holy Scripture. 

The melodious ‘Kirtan’ (devotional singing) was all about loving and serving all.

Dignitaries in their speeches appreciated Luton’s Ravidassia community’s efforts to outreach and serve the wider community.

Honouring some guests with Siropa – a length of cloth bestowed on someone as a mark of honour, General Secretary Mr Sanjiv Kumar said, “Two years of COVID has affected all our faith communities so much and in ways we never had imagined. During this time, Gurudwara’s services to community were massively supported by many of our external partners and organisations. The Siropa was a very small token of appreciation and a way of thanking all of those extraordinary people, who supported acknowledged and guided us through our journey of supporting others.”

At Guru Ravidass Ji’s 645th Birthday celebrations, traditional Siropa – a length of cloth was bestowed as a mark of honour upon a few guests, including David Jonathan (Johny) & Mohammad Ryad Khodabocus of GRASSROOTS, Luton Council of Faiths & Near Neighbours Programme for their support to the community.

Peace is as important outside the Church as it is within, acknowledged Christian Leaders in its recent gathering for peace & unity over Breakfast

Churches Together in Luton (CTL) recently gathered a group of over 40 Church leaders from different Churches, different racial, cultural & ethnic backgrounds over breakfast. It was to nurture and foster the ideals of peace and unity in our town.

CTL Chair, Michael Singleton said, “Peace is as important outside the Church as it is within. It grows when we serve together in peace and encourage one another to work for the common good.”

The keynote speaker Pastor Alan West of Luton Christian Fellowship, focusing upon the bible verse (Matthew 6:33), talked about seeking first the kingdom of God and said everything else will fall in its place. He invited all to think and reflect what can we do together to advance God’s kingdom, and not ours. He encouraged all by saying where there’s oneness and unity, there’s blessing of God. He acknowledged that as a diverse group, theologically and doctrinally, we are never going to agree on everything, but this shouldn’t stop us from discovering what we can agree upon.

Sharing several past experiences in which Christians in Luton prayed together, co-hosted town-wide events and fundraised for the well-being of our town, Alan said, “We are walking in the footsteps of so many others who have walked before us, in prayer and in action, concerned with the well-being and prosperity of this town. We must continue our journey.”

Several other Christian leaders also shared positive stories and examples from their own experiences. A wide range of Christian charity groups and organisations, working for the good of our town, were also acknowledged and acclaimed.  

Keynote Speaker Alan West & CTL Chair Michael Singleton at Christian faith and community leaders’ Breakfast Gathering