Luton's Faith Communities stand in solidarity with Turkey following a record-breaking Earthquake

To

Mr Atilla Ustun

The Luton Turkish Community | 58, Dumfries Street | Luton LU1 5BS

7th February 2023

Dear Friends,

We are deeply saddened to witness devastation by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria with huge loss of precious lives. This is the deadliest and most powerful recorded earthquake to hit Turkey in decades.

Our prayers are with the affected people. We extend our heartfelt condolences for the deceased. May their souls rest in eternal peace!

As Luton’s diverse faith communities, we also extend our solidarity to you and Turkish community in Luton. We know a huge coordination is happening at the Local Turkish Cultural Centre & Mosque for clothes and other necessities and donations.

We give thanks for the aid that is already being given and for the promises of help that have been made by many nations. We also give thanks for all the aid workers and rescue efforts. We pray that the God of time and space help those trapped in collapsed buildings be found, and comfort those who have lost loved ones.

We join with the rest of the world in helping and supporting the people of Turkey move towards a future that will overshadow the experiences of today.

From:

LUTON COUNCIL OF FAITHS, GRASSROOTS & NEAR NEIGHBOURS PROGRAMMES

UK marks Holocaust Memorial Day 2023

Tens of thousands of people from across the country watched the UK Ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2023 and joined parliamentarians, faith leaders, and their friends and neighbours to light candles in their windows in remembrance of those murdered, and to stand against prejudice and hatred today.

The Commemoration was hosted by BBC presenter & journalist Kirsty Wark and featured powerful testimonies from Holocaust survivor Dr. Martin Stern MBE and Amouna Adam, a survivor of the genocide in Darfur.

GRASSROOTS Chair Revd Canon David Lawson said, “In a world scarred by genocides, HMD helps us to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution of other groups and during more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. Genocide must be resisted every day. We cannot be complacent. Even in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by us all.”

Chair of Luton Council of Faiths Prof Zafar Khan said, “Each year across the UK, thousands of people come together to learn more about the past and take action to create a safer future. Together we learn that genocide does not just take place on its own – it’s a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism, and hatred are not checked and prevented.”

“We’re fortunate here in the UK; we are not at immediate risk of genocide. However, discrimination has not ended, nor has the use of the language of hatred or exclusion. There is still much to do to create a safer future for all.”

Introducing this year’s theme – Ordinary People, Kirsty Wark said, “We are all ordinary people who have made the decision to spend time today learning about and commemorating those genocides. It was ordinary people in those places too, living ordinary lives, Who were attacked, not because of something they’d done, but simply because of who they were, because of their religion, their nationality, and the colour of their skin. Ordinary people stood by watching it happen, persuaded by the propaganda, fed to them, or afraid to take action to try to help.”

Addressing the Holocaust survivors, directly, the prime minister of the UK Rt Hon Sir Rishi Sunak said, “Week in and week out you have shared your testimonies. You have inspired us with your courage And you have taught us where hatred and prejudice can lead. Besides, thank you for that, I want to say we have heard you. We will fight antisemitism in all forms, wherever they are found.”

This was indeed an unprecedented era of horror in human history. But people around the world have continued to suffer atrocities and genocide from 1945 to today.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis stated that the perpetrators of the Holocaust were ordinary people who chose to engage in acts of extraordinary evil. Heroes of the Holocaust were not superhuman. They were also ordinary people who chose to engage in acts of extraordinary and remarkable bravery and courage at the risk of their own lives. He said, “Our societies stand and fall on the decisions taken not by mad tyrants and dictators but by ordinary people. All genocides were carried out by ordinary people, but the UN Convention on Prevention of Genocide was also drawn out by ordinary people. So today, the welfare of Uyghurs of China and  Rohingyas in Myanmar is in the hands of the ordinary people, as is the security of millions of people across Ukraine. Surely the time has come for all ordinary people to guarantee that never again means never again.”

Songs by the Fourth Choir, and the London LGBTQ+ Choir, crystallised this year’s theme of ‘ordinary people’. At the end of the ceremony, Contributors lit their memorial candles ahead of the national light the darkness moment. https://www.hmd.org.uk/lightthedarkness/   

Holocaust Survivor Manfred Goldberg BEM lighting a candle at the end of this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day online commemoration ceremony held on 26th January 2023.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis speaking at the Holocaust Memorial Day online commemoration ceremony held on 26th January 2023 and lighting a Holocaust Memorial Candle afterwards.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity commemorated in Luton

With more than 100 years of history, this annual observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, involves Christian communities throughout the world, between 18-25 January. During this week, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one” from the Gospel of John Chapter 17 verse 21 in The Holy Bible.

During this week Christians come together to pray for their unity. Congregations and parishes all over the world exchange preachers or arrange special ecumenical (inter-denominational) celebrations and prayer services.

In order to prepare for the annual celebration, ecumenical partners in a particular region are invited to produce a basic liturgical text on a biblical theme. Materials for 2023 have been prepared by the churches of Minneapolis to explore how the work of Christian unity can contribute to the promotion of racial justice across all levels of society.

In a statement Churches Together in Britain & Ireland said, “As we join with other Christians around the world for the Week of Prayer we pray that our hearts will be open to see and hear the many ways in which racism continues to destroy lives, and to discern the steps we can take as individuals and communities to heal the hurts and build a better future for everyone.”

In Luton, Deans and Heads of different denominations got together and invited Christians to reflect together on the theme – What is Interfaith and why should Christians be involved with this? Guest Speaker Revd Dr Richard Sudworth, Secretary for Inter Religious Affairs to the Archbishop of Canterbury and National Inter Religious Affairs Adviser for the Church of England shared a wealth of reflections from his experiences of interfaith community engagement.

He called Christians to engage with and witness to all those of different faiths and none, without denigrating another religion or belief. In fact, this applies to everyone. He also encouraged by saying that it takes time to create a culture of dialogue and cooperation. As we deliberately and persistently seek to work together with others for the common good, we also learn to love each other better and that is what matters the most.

Long may we continue to strive for the unity of humankind; unity in diversity.

Revd Dr Richard Sudworth, Secretary for Inter Religious Affairs to the Archbishop of Canterbury and National Inter Religious Affairs Adviser for the Church of England with Christians from different denominations at the Luton Week of Prayer for Christian Unity event held on 24th Jan 2023.

World Religion Day Commemorated in Luton

World Religion Day is a time to celebrate the culture and diversity of all world religions. World Religion Day occurs annually on the third Sunday of January, and was first established by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of the United States in Wilmette, Illinois. The first day was observed in 1950. Since then, the event has now taken on a life of its own, as it’s no longer just followers of the Baháʼí faith that celebrate this day. People from all religions across the globe come together to mark this special day.

The Baháʼí Faith emerged in 19th century Persia (now Iran), and believes all religions have value and that there are common features and similarities between them.

 At an event commemorating World Religion Day in Luton, Carl Puran of Luton Baháʼí community said, “As Baháʼís we believe in the oneness of religion and humanity, and that no one should be treated differently because of their race, age, gender, color, sexuality, or whether they believe in religion or not.”

Another member of the Luton Baháʼí community Sam Taylor said, “Based on the Baháʼí core principles, World Religion Day exists to promote interfaith understanding and harmony. When celebrating World Religion Day, we remember that it is a time of awareness and peace. Never disparage others for their beliefs as they should never disparage you!”

People from Luton’s different faith communities were invited to bring and share prayers, readings, meditations, and thoughts on the themes of unity and peace.

Gulie Butcher, Vice Chair of Luton Council of Faiths said, “The very term ‘inter faith’ can seem as controversial to many, who feel interfaith work is about creating syncretism – an attempt to amalgamate different religions & cultures, saying we are all the same and so our differences do not really matter.”

She added, “While we fully acknowledge that there is more common between us than what divides us, we also strongly advocate and propagate that inter-faith work is not about syncretism. It is not about negotiating away our differences either. Instead, it is about asserting and affirming our differences, but doing so in a way that does not breed conflict and confrontation. It rather enriches our learning and understanding.

L to R: James Cassidy (Catholic), Carl Puran (Baháʼí), Gulie Butcher (Quaker) & Jasbir Singh (Sikh) were few amongst those who attended the World Religion Day event.

Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2023

2023 MARKS THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE MV EMPIRE WINDRUSH IN THE UNITED KINGDOM (UK). IN 2023, THE DEPARTMENT FOR LEVELLING UP, HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES (DLUHC) WILL BE MARKING THIS SPECIAL OCCASION BY LAUNCHING THE WINDRUSH DAY GRANT SCHEME 2023.

Windrush Day celebrates the British Caribbean community’s sacrifice and contribution to our country. Projects funded under the scheme will be commemorating, celebrating, and educating their communities about the Windrush Generation and their descendants.

Applications are open to registered charities, exempt charities, CICs, social enterprises, and community benefit societies, as well as local authorities. To find out more, please read through the criteria and guidance documents.

To offer support for people who want to apply for this year’s funding (3 online (zoom) and 1 in person (The Foundry) webinars/workshop events have been arranged to provide information around eligibility, criteria, and requirements.  

For an overview of the scheme and an opportunity to ask questions, please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/near-neighbours-55683967223 

Please note that advise cannot be given on the suitability or strength of your project idea.

For more information, please visit the website: https://www.near-neighbours.org.uk/windrush75

Dr Nordine Campbell launching her book at Windrush Civic Event in the Luton Town Hall on 22nd June 2022.

Holocaust Memorial Day Event 27th Jan 2023 at 4pm

On Holocaust Memorial Day, we pause to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution and in genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

You are warmly invited to join us to watch the Holocaust Memorial Day 2023 UK Online Commemoration, which will be streamed online next Thursday 26 January at 7pm. 

There are just a few branded commemoration candles available to order when you register.  You are invited to light a candle for Light the Darkness, our national moment of reflection, at 4pm on 27 January, when we remember those who were murdered for who they were and to stand against prejudice and hatred today.

We are delighted that Kirsty Wark, esteemed journalist and news presenter, will be our narrator this year and the film will feature Sir David Suchet, Adrian Lester CBE and recent graduates from The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, along with moving contributions from survivors of the Holocaust and more recent genocides.

We do hope that you will join us on 26 January to mark the important occasion of Holocaust Memorial Day and to learn from genocide for a better future.

With kind regards

Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE 

Chief Executive 
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust

Luton Peace Garden initiative awarded Queen's Green Canopy 'Tree of Trees'

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/people/luton-peace-garden-initiative-awarded-queens-green-canopy-tree-of-trees-3984117

The Luton Peace Garden Initiative has been honoured with a special tree that was planted at the Wardown Park Arboretum.

The project was selected to receive this special ‘Tree of Trees’ as part of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Queen’s Green Canopy UK-wide tree planting initiative.

The Queen’s Green Canopy was a unique tree-planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. A field maple, the only UK native maple, was one of the 350 ceremonial trees from the ‘Tree of Trees' living sculpture outside Buckingham Palace during the Queen’s Jubilee.

Key volunteers and organisations who are part of the Peace Garden Initiative with the Tree of Trees

Holocaust Memorial Day - Online Commemoration on 26th Jan 7pm

We are delighted to share the link for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) UK Online Commemoration, which will be streamed online on Thursday 26 January 2023 at 7pm.  

HMD is for everyone and, now more than ever, it is so important to come together to bear witness. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust is here to make sure that everyone, regardless of age or background, remembers and honours those who suffered during the Holocaust, Nazi persecution of other groups and the genocides that followed. 

You can register to watch the Online Commemoration here:

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust | HMD 2023 UK Online Commemoration

We very much hope that everyone will be able to join in this online event.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Archbishop Justin Welby lighting a candle with Darfur genocide survivor Jeddah Zakaria as part of the 'Light the darkness' initiative at last year’s Holocaust Memorial Day - Online Commemoration held on 26th Jan 2022.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Event in Luton

Dear All

Every year the "Deans" from Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and URC deanery/ circuits in Luton invite a speaker to share at an event for the week of prayer for Christian Unity. This year we have Dr Richard Sudworth - the Archbishop of Canterbury's adviser on interfaith matters to speak about and lead a discussion on why we should engage in interfaith dialogue. Details are on the flyer which I invite you to share as appropriate. 

I wish you all a Happy and Blessed New Year.

Revd Canon David Kesterton

Area Dean of Luton | Vicar Parish of All Saints with St Peter, Luton

Usual day off - Friday

(01582) 720129 | 07957 228102

http://lutonchurchestogether.org.uk/events/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-at-holy-ghost-parish-centre-westbourne-road-luton-tuesday-24th-january-7-30pm-9-00pm/

Luton's Annual Peace Light Service held on the theme of SANCTUARY

Border crossing is a crucial contemporary issue. No one chooses to be a refugee. No one wants to leave home. The vast majority of people don’t want to move to another country. However, dangers to life force people to move.

Each year up to 1 billion people cross a border. Every two seconds, a person is forced to flee for safety. Every day 44,000 more people are driven from their homes. The evidence of this is seen in the high number of refugees and asylum seekers abruptly relocated to Luton, whose safety and wellbeing is put at risk due to their placement in entirely unsuitable housing.

It is commendable that despite hostility and division pushed by politicians and the press, thousands of ordinary people around the country are stepping up to support people seeking sanctuary in our communities. At the start of this year, Luton also received a ‘City of Sanctuary’ status.

Bearing these factors in mind, this year Luton’s Annual Peace Light service theme was “Sanctuary”.

For over twenty years, local scouts, civic guests and friends from other faith communities have gathered in December for the Annual Peace Light service at All Saints Church in Luton. A flame is brought from Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ which Christians mark as Christmas.

Although the Bethlehem Peace Light could not be carried this year in time for the service due to the terrible weather, All Saints Church welcomed its own Peace Light.

During the service, The Revd Canon David Kesterton, Vicar, Parish of All Saints with St Peter and C of E Area Dean of Luton said, “By sharing the Peace Light we participate in an expression of peace and goodwill to all peoples transcending national, ethnic, political and religious barriers.”

 In her talk, Reader at All Saints Church, Sandra Miller reminded of our responsibilities, not just to our neighbours but also to the strangers.

 Members from different faith communities also echoed these sentiments and called for collective responsibility to creating a just society, and providing asylum and refugee protection.

Mayor of Luton Cllr Sameera Saleem concluded the service saying, “May this light be a sign of the peace and understanding that we all long for in our town and beyond.”

The Revd Canon David Kesterton (L), Vicar, Parish of All Saints with St Peter and C of E Area Dean of Luton, Sandra Miller, Reader at All Saints (R ), sharing the Peace Light with Mayor of Luton Cllr Sameera Saleem

Members from different faith communities sharing the Peace Light at the annual commemoration of the Peace Light Service held at All Saints Church Luton

Warm Spaces in Luton

In partnership with our voluntary, faith and community groups more Warm spaces have opened across Luton this week.

In addition to providing a warm safe environment, these valuable spaces will provide:

• an opportunity for users to socialise and meet their neighbours;

• take part in activities if they wish;

• and get the valuable support and advice that some may be reluctant to seek.

We will have more warm spaces opening shortly, so please keep checking the website for updates and signposting information to support services.

Anyone is welcome to attend; have a hot drink and keep warm over the winter months. 

We are still looking for warm spaces in the North and West areas of the town, so please contact Suzanne France if you are able to support 

Here is an updated list of Churches in Luton as warm places. Please see the link below.

http://lutonchurchestogether.org.uk/news/warm-spaces-luton-churches/

Click here for more information and please share this with your contacts so those in need are aware of these spaces!

 Lauren Cox (she/her)

Community Development Officer

Social Justice Unit | Policy, Community, Engagement

Luton Council | 07732902721

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LUTON CARES:  Collaborative, Ambitious, Respectful, Empowering and Supportive

Bishop & Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Visit Luton's Places of Worship

Mrs. Susan Lousada, who recently took over as the HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, asked GRASSROOTS, Near Neighbors & Luton Council of Faiths to arrange for her to visit Luton's different faith communities at Luton Central Mosque, Luton United Synagogue, and Shree Sanatan Seva Samaj Hindu Mandir (Temple) in Lewsey Farm.

Through stories and real-world examples of neighbours from all racial and religious backgrounds coexisting peacefully, these visits aimed at forging connections, establishing bonds, and encouraging one another.

Sharing one another's concerns and aspirations during such visits helps to maintain strong community ties in Luton, according to Mr. Mohammad Shafait, President of the Central Mosque.

In addition to the refugee and climate crises, Mr. Dhansukh Panchal, Vice President of the Hindu Temple, stated that "we must also get ready to deal with the cost of living crisis, substantial mental health issues, and the additional political and social turmoil."

The Right Reverend Richard Atkinson, Bishop of the Church of England's St. Albans Diocese for Bedfordshire, also joined the Lord Lieutenant during these visits. He stated: "In facing the crises of our contemporary times, all of us from diverse backgrounds have similar experiences and life struggles and have common shared aspirations for a better world. Therefore, it is crucial that we continue to strive to work together for the common good.”

The Lord Lieutenant expressed her delight saying it has been an honour to have been chosen for the prestigious position of His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire and it was a joy to host and plan this week, the Royal Visit of HM King Charles visit to Luton for the first time as monarch.

"I look forward to serving all people in Bedfordshire and representing our monarchy," she stated. “I will continue to help and shine a light upon all the organisations and individuals that work tirelessly in building a fairer, kinder, respectful county where all can flourish and feel welcome.” 

The Synagogue President Mr. Brian Green made the observation that Christmas Day this year occurs within the week-long Jewish festival of Chanukah. So as we begin the Season of Advent we should celebrate together the four traditional Advent themes—Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace, which are so much needed in our world today.

HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Mrs Susan Lousada and Bishop Richard Atkinson welcomed at the Luton United Synagogue

HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Mrs Susan Lousada (R) and Bishop Richard Atkinson (L) welcomed at the Luton Central Mosque

HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Mrs Susan Lousada and Bishop Richard Atkinson welcomed at the Luton Shree Santan Seva Samaj Hindu Mandir (Temple)

Bedfordshire Police has launched a new app to report places women and girls feel unsafe

Bedfordshire Police has launched a new app for people to report incidents and behaviour which leaves them feeling unsafe.

Flare is being aimed at women and girls to empower them to anonymously report any incidents or threatening behaviour.

While crimes that need an immediate response should still be reported to police in the usual way, behaviour that can be reported via the app includes things such as cat-calling, wolf-whistling and drinks spiking.

The app can be downloaded for free via the App store or Google Play and it takes less than a minute to submit a report via the app.

We will then use data from the app to target patrols and enforcement by police officers as well as local authority enforcement teams.

The app has been launched as part of the Safer Streets project, which has brought together local partners across Bedfordshire to improve the safety of women and girls in public spaces.

While it is being targeted at women and girls specifically, anyone can report an incident via the Flare app.

We want to encourage people to speak up and report things in whatever way they feel most comfortable.

There is lots of ways you can do that here in Bedfordshire, in addition to the Flare app.

Crimestoppers – anonymous reporting service for crime.

• Fearless – anonymous reporting service for crime aimed at young people.

• StreetSafe – a police website where you can report public places where you feel unsafe.

You can always report things to police via our online reporting centre.

The Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership also has a list of support services for different issues you can talk to.

You can watch a demo of the Flare app on YouTube.

Find out more about the Safer Streets project by visiting the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner's website. 

His Majesty King Charles visits Luton Town Hall, Luton DART and Guru Nanak Gurudwara in Luton

The people of Luton today gave His Majesty The King a colourful and enthusiastic welcome on his first visit to Bedfordshire as monarch.

Laura Hutchinson of Luton Today reports here:

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/people/in-pictures-king-charles-visits-luton-town-hall-3943542

King Charles III met community leaders and volunteers in Luton Town Hall in the first of three official engagements in the town, which included Luton Town Hall, The Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) & Luton’s Guru Nanak Gurudwara.

David Jonathan (Johny), Director, GRASSROOTS, Luton Council of Faiths and Near Neighbours Programme in Luton was invited to join several other faith and community leaders from Luton’s different faith communities at the newly built Luton’s Guru Nanak Gurudwara. He said, “It was an honour for the town that His Majesty King Charles visited Luton and he spent considerable time meeting and conversing with people. He listened to the children at the Gurudwara singing Kirtan (Sikh religious devotional singing). He encouraged volunteers at the Luton Sikh Soup Kitchen who serve free meals in the Town Centre to those in need. He also visited the massive new Kitchen at the Gurudwara where hot meals are cooked for hundreds every day.”

A short video clip of His Majesty King Charles visit to the Guru Nanak Gurudwara Luton can be viewed here. https://anthonymargiocchi.smugmug.com/King-Charles-III-visits-Guru-Nanak-Gurdwara-Luton/

Mayor of Luton Councillor Sameera Saleem said: “It was a great honour to welcome His Majesty The King to Luton to experience our town’s rich diversity and compassionate communities which make our town so special. It was lovely to see so many people from the different backgrounds that make up our wonderful town, come together to welcome His Majesty.

“We are so proud that The King got to meet local community groups who demonstrate every day that care and compassion are at the core of Luton’s ethos, talking about how the community always steps forward to support those who need help and the wide range of work that takes place to build cohesion across our town.”

His Majesty received a vibrant and warm welcome outside the Town Hall in George Street and spoke to local residents and community groups, including representatives from The Ghana Society, Royal British Legion, the Luton Town Football Academy and local veterans and cadets.

He also had the opportunity to listen to singing from the St Matthew’s Primary School Choir and music from the Luton Sixth Form Music Performance Group, before going into the town hall to meet people from local voluntary, faith and community organisations.

The King waved to the crowd from the balcony before unveiling a plaque to commemorate his visit. He was presented with a gift of Luton Honey, courtesy of Colin Hall of the Bedfordshire Beekeepers Association.

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/people/in-pictures-king-charles-visits-luton-town-hall-3943542

His Majesty The King also visited Luton DART Parkway Station, learning about the new cable-drawn mass passenger transit system which will connect Luton Airport Parkway rail station to London Luton Airport in just over three minutes. He met apprentices who worked on the DART as well as voluntary and community organisations that have received funding from Luton Rising, the council’s airport company.

Since the start of his reign so many of King’s engagements have been about championing diversity and celebrating an inclusive Britain. The King actively supports all communities, all faiths.

Britain's King Charles III greets members of the public as he visits Luton Town Hall. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / POOL / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

King Charles III before visiting Luton Town Hall, checks out the medals on this proud veteran's chest

(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

His Majesty The King waved to the crowd from the Luton Town Hall balcony before unveiling a plaque to commemorate his visit.

His Majesty The King also visited Luton DART the new cable-drawn mass passenger transit system which will connect Luton Airport Parkway rail station to London Luton Airport in just over three minutes.

The monarch visited a new Sikh temple (Pic Courtesy Sky News)

Prof Zafar Khan (R), Chair Luton Council of Faiths, was one amongst many faith & community leaders who were greeted by HM King Charles during his visit to Luton Town Hall.

Prof Zafar Khan (L), Chair Luton Council of Faiths, was one amongst many faith & community leaders who were greeted by HM King Charles during his visit to Luton Town Hall.

Hon Lay Canon Peter Adams of St Mary’s Church Luton and also a representative of Churches Together in Luton greeted by HM King Charles during his visit to Luton Town Hall.

Many faith & community leaders were greeted by HM King Charles during his visit to Luton Town Hall.

Invitation to be an Honorary Canon of St Albans Cathedral

Each year, The Lord Bishop of St Albans The Right Reverend Dr Alan Smith has the opportunity to affirm publicly the ministry and mission of a small number of clergy and laity in the Diocese by offering them an honorary canonry.

Canonries of the Cathedral are largely an honorary title and are awarded in recognition of long and dedicated services to the Diocese, to the Church and to the wider community.

The Lord Bishop of St Albans The Right Reverend Dr Alan Smith wrote in his letter dated 10th October 2022 to David Jonathan (Johny), Director GRASSROOTS, Luton Council of Faiths and Luton Near Neighbours Programme;

“I feel that the contribution you have made to the life of the diocese, the church and the wider community makes you a very worthy and deserving recipient of a canonry.”

 At the Canon-making ceremony held at Evensong in the St Albans Cathedral on Saturday 26th November 2022 at 4pm, Johny was made a Canon.

Johny said, “I had never even thought of anything like this and to be honest I still do not understand what it actually means but I am grateful and humbled to be acknowledged in this way too.”

Thanking the Diocese and Bishop Alan, the Trustees, Staff and Volunteers of GRASSROOTS, Luton Council of Faiths and Near Neighbours Programme send their warmest greetings and heartiest congratulations to Johny, assuring him of their continued support, prayers and blessings.

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Some of the messages can be read below;

“I will add my own warmest congratulations on this news and I will be with you on 26 November as I am a Canon also! This recognition by the Diocese of your work is wonderful and just another long line of testimonies to what an impact your work has made. Hearty congratulations again!”

The Reverend Canon David Lawson, Chair, GRASSROOTS Luton

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I am delighted to know that the Diocese of St Albans has invited you to be a Lay Canon. I extend my heartiest congratulations to you on this important recognition accorded to you. I agree and associate with Bishop's remarks that you are a deserving person for this honour.

Professor Zafar Khan, Chair Luton Council of Faiths

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You are a treasure to the world of peace-building. Few live out their beliefs and convictions. Few live out their passions. Few match their heart and mind. Few persist as you do. Few have your humility and generosity. God and the people who watch you at work will only recognize you more for all that you are and do. Keep going far and bring people in multitudes to where you travel. You have taken the road less travelled, into paths unknown, even to you, only because you have dared mission in a different way. God bless you. My love and blessings to you.

Dr Ranjan Solomon. Badayl Founder/Director. Consultant for organizational transformation vis-à-vis justice and human rights

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Luton's faith leaders meet with Sarah Owen, MP Luton North during Inter Faith Week 2022

In commemorating this year's Inter Faith Week, faith and community leaders in Luton were invited to a special meeting of Luton Council of Faiths with Luton North MP Sarah Owen on Thu 17th Nov at Shree Sanatan Sewa Samaj Hindu Mandir (Temple) Hall, Hereford Road, Lewsey Farm, Luton LU4 0PS. 

Inter Faith Week is a programme of the Inter Faith Network for the UK.  It is timed to begin each year on Remembrance Sunday to encourage remembering together of the services of those of different faiths and beliefs from the UK and the Commonwealth. Millions of Muslims, Sikh, Hindu, Asians, Blacks and many from Middle East had sacrificed their lives in the two World Wars. This is why it is important to acknowledge the tremendous contributions that people of different faiths and ethnicities have made in the making of Great Britain.

Prof Zafar Khan, Chair of Luton Council of Faiths said, “Inter Faith Week is indeed a time when the spotlight is on all the organisations like ours who work tirelessly for inter faith understanding and cooperation in Luton and across the UK.  Our work to build connections between people of different faiths and beliefs is enormously important, and in the aftermath of COVID-19, finding new ways to make connections and renewing our friendships is vital.”

“Making new connections and friendships; and developing and strengthening patterns of cooperation for the common good is needed more than ever before as we tackle the devastating impact of the cost of living crisis, which is hitting us all far more than expected. Nearly 400 new refugees have also been moved into Luton, which also puts additional responsibility upon us, as to how we look after them while they are here in Luton.”

Luton North MP Sarah Owen is also the Shadow Minister for Faith and she is spearheading with Stephen Timms MP, the Labour Party's new work on Faith Champions. 

https://labourlist.org/2022/09/starmer-launches-faith-champions-network-to-engage-faith-groups/

Sarah Owen said, “Other parts of the UK do not have as active inter faith engagement as in Luton, so one of my tasks is to shout about good things happening in Luton.”

“Tackling deprivation levels in one of the richest nations is unimaginable as faith communities are expected to give and do more & more.”

In the aftermath of Covid-19, it is often heard we are finally going back to normal, but she said, “Going back to normal isn’t good enough because normal wasn’t good for many people” 

Faith leaders highlighted that it is not just politicians but we all are responsible to make our nation and our world a better place for all. Applauding this sentiment, MP Sarah responded “I came to politics to make a difference, to make a positive change. And I am determined to do as much as I can.”

Over 50 faith and community leaders, from diverse religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, contributed to this special meeting with MP Sarah Owen. This meeting was convened by Luton Council of Faiths, with support from GRASSROOTS & Near Neighbours Programmes in Luton.

Prof Zafar Khan, Chair Luton Council of Faiths in dialogue with Sarah Owen, MP Luton North at a special meeting held during Inter Faith Week 2022.

Luton's faith leaders at a special meeting with Sarah Owen, MP Luton North during Inter Faith Week 2022

Luton's faith leaders at a special meeting with Sarah Owen, MP Luton North during Inter Faith Week 2022

Luton's faith leaders at a special meeting with Sarah Owen, MP Luton North during Inter Faith Week 2022

Sarah Owen, MP Luton North addressing a special meeting of Luton's faith leaders during Inter Faith Week 2022.

Luton's faith leaders at a special meeting with Sarah Owen, MP Luton North during Inter Faith Week 2022

Luton's faith leaders at a special meeting with Sarah Owen, MP Luton North during Inter Faith Week 2022

Luton's faith leaders meet with Sarah Owen, MP Luton North during Inter Faith Week 2022

16 Days of Action against Domestic Abuse - 25 November to 10 December 2022

16 Days of Action against Domestic Abuse - 25 November to 10 December

Will you join us. We are hosting a Too Many Names event and it would be great if some of you were able to join us on 25th November 2022 at 10:30am at the far end of George St (adjacent to Crown Court/Barclays) to read out the names of all those woman who have died as a result of male violence over the last 12 months.

Also on the day and following a minute of silence at 11am we have been invited to join Azalea for their open day

Please see the flyer with relevant links here.

Follow this link to see a short YouTube video clip of last year’s event:

https://youtu.be/qi6ROMkOEDE

If you are interested please contact:

Lisa Baker, Domestic Abuse Strategic Manager, Luton Council | Email: lisa.baker@luton.gov.uk

or

Jenny Bull | Project Development Co-ordinator, Victims Support | Email: Jenny.Bull@victimsupport.org.uk

See the following links and resources for support with Domestic Abuse:

Women's Aid Directory - Women’s Aid https://www.womensaid.org.uk/

Support Services Directory - Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership https://bedsdv.org.uk/

https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/Community_and_living/crime-and-community-safety/Domestic_violence/Pages/default.aspx

Church of England Diocese of St Albans hosted Inter Faith Week Event 2022 at the Abbey

Church of England St Albans Diocese, in partnership with GRASSROOTS Luton, organised Inter Faith Week Event at St Albans Abbey AL1 1BY on Monday 14th Nov 2022 at 7:30 pm.

Please see the flyer here for more info about the event. 

Over 125 people from different Christian denominations, and different faiths, and those of no religious background were welcomed from Beds, Herts & parts of the London borough of Barnet, covered by St Albans Diocese.

Talking of this first-of-its-kind event, the Diocesan Inter Faith Advisers Revd David Kesterton (Luton) and Revd Tony Rindl (Watford) said, “It was indeed a good opportunity to share inspiration from different faith perspectives and to welcome, meet and network with friends & invited guests from different faiths, cultures, and ethnicities.”

They added, “The evening certainly exceeded our expectations and we were again struck by the connections in the language used by the different faith representatives on the topics addressed.”

The themes covered by speakers from different faiths included Climate Change, Racial Justice, Refugees & Asylum Seekers, Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation. The speakers’ statements can be viewed here.

The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore (Dean of St Albans Abbey), the official host of the event, stated “It was a very special evening. It was particularly good to meet and talk with lots of women who were in the room. Those I was sitting with all commented on the unity of language and purpose.”

The St Albans School students’ heartwarming performances enthralled everyone. The students recited poetry and sang a moving acapella version of "You raise me up".

It was wonderful that in addition to input from different faiths, musicians from St. Albans Abbey also performed instrumental music to make guests feel welcomed at the Abbey.

In the end, a short guided tour of the St. Alban shrine was also offered to guests.

High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford said, “We are grateful to The Venerable Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans Abbey, and Reverend Canon Tim Lomax Director of Mission & Ministry, Abbey Musicians and Abbey Social Justice Team for their welcome and support. It was an inspirational evening of fellowship and togetherness.”

The Diocese of St Albans is a diverse diocese.  It includes a significant number of parishes where other faith communities comprise more than ten percent of the population. Broadly speaking, there are large Jewish communities in south Hertfordshire and Barnet, and large Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities along the diocesan spine of Watford, Hitchin, St Albans, Luton and Bedford.

The Bishop of Bedford Right Revd Richard Atkinson said, “As a diocese, we are committed to engaging with and partnering with members of other faith communities for pursuing the common good. Faith motivates and inspires our social action. How much more could we accomplish if we all worked together to address issues like racism, poverty, and climate change – this year’s Inter Faith Week Event focused  exactly on that.”

Rabbi Jeff Berger from Herts Inter Faith Forum and also one of the event speakers, said, “It was such a wonderful evening. It was delightful to share everyone's company and to meet many people for the first time. There was an excitement and spiritual uplift in the room before, during and after the event. It was a privilege to participate and to meet so many new faces and reconnect with friends. May the good work of all our communities, be blessed and bring blessing to those around us.”

- Ends -

NOTES:

1)      The Diocese of St Albans is working on inter faith issues in partnership with Luton based Grassroots Programme, which has been working with Churches and different faith communities in Luton for over 30 years.

2)      Inter Faith Week is a programme of the Inter Faith Network for the UK (IFN),  a charity which has been working since 1987 to promote inter faith understanding and cooperation in the UK. IFN’s programme of work, including Inter Faith Week, is supported by faith communities, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, trusts and other donors.

3)      Inter Faith Week 2021 begins on Sunday 14 November in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. This is a special Week which highlights the contribution of faith groups to society; encourages greater inter faith understanding and cooperation and also dialogue between those of religious and non-religious beliefs.  It is timed to begin each year on Remembrance Sunday to encourage remembering together of the service of those of different faiths and beliefs from the UK and the Commonwealth.

4)      More information on Inter Faith Week can be found at: http://www.interfaithweek.org/

The hashtag for social media is #InterFaithWeek.

Inter Faith Week social media accounts can be found at

http://www.twitter.com/IFWeek

http://www.facebook.com/ifweek

http://www.instagram.com/IFWeek

5)      A range of Inter Faith Week activities in England are being supported also through the Near Neighbours Programme of the Church Urban Fund, including through its Government supported small grants scheme.

Over 125 people from different and no religious backgrounds were welcomed at St Albans Abbey for the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022.

At the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022 at the St Albans Abbey, speakers from different faiths contributed their thoughts on the topical issues affecting our world today.

Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, Bishop of Bedford (5th from left) warmly greeted some of the speakers and contributors from different faiths at St Albans Abbey after the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event was over on 14th Nov 2022.

Pararmjit Kaur and Jasbir Singh from Sikh faith and community at Guru Nanak Gurudwara Luton speaking at St Albans Abbey at the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022.

Speakers and contributors from different faiths at St Albans Abbey during the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022.

Revd David Kesterton one of the Diocesan Inter Faith Advisors welcoming and conducting the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event on 14th Nov 2022 at St Albans Abbey.

Reynold Rosenberg from the Jewish faith community talked about the Faith Covenant at the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022 at St Albans Abbey.

Radha Mohan Das of Hare Krishna Mission talked about how he felt touched by the music being the language of the heart at the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022 at St Albans Abbey.

Revd Tony Rindl one of the Diocesan Inter Faith Advisors welcoming and conducting the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event on 14th Nov 2022 at St Albans Abbey.

High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford commending the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022 at St Albans Abbey.

Invited guests from different religious backgrounds enjoying refreshments and social interactions at the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022 at St Albans Abbey.

Abbey Musicians welcomed guests by playing instrumental music at the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022 at St Albans Abbey.

The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore (Dean of St Albans Abbey) highlighted the importance of inter-faith work at the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022 at St Albans Abbey.

Councillor Syed Abidi, Deputy Mayor of St Albans commending the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022 at St Albans Abbey.

Revd Luke Larner of St Paul’s Bedford, interacting with a guest from Hare Krishna Mission (Watford) at the Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event held on 14th Nov 2022 at St Albans Abbey.

Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 553rd Birth Anniversary Celebrations in Luton

The festivities in the Sikh religion revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus. These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Their birthdays, known as ‘Gurpurab’ are the occasions for celebration and prayer among the Sikhs.

Last week Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 553rd birth anniversary was celebrated with vigor and devotion in Luton. The glitzy and dazzling lights welcomed hundreds of Sikh devotees.

Guru Nanak Dev is the first of the 10 Sikh gurus. As the founder of Sikhism, he is one of the most celebrated and highly revered Sikh gurus.

The new three-storey £5m Sikh temple building on Dallow Road is named after him and hence called Guru Nanak Gurudwara – Gurudwara meaning Door to the Guru.

At the Gurpurab celebrations, it was heartening to see, not just priests and adults, but also young children beautifully dressed in traditional clothes, taking an active part in the ‘Kirtan’ (meaning devotional singing) and also serving people food after they had finished their prayers.

Guru Nanak Dev talked of universal solidarity. His concept of ‘Ek Omkar’ talks of the oneness of humanity and the oneness of God. A very popular verse from the Sikh Holy Scriptures called ‘Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’ (considered as the living word and the living Guru by the Sikhs) says that God created light – of which all the beings were born and from the same light, our universe is also born; so no one is better than the other and no one is worst than the other.

Welcoming a visiting Scouts group, Jasbir Singh and Paramjit Kaur, Sikh volunteers explained that Guru Nanak Dev Ji welcomed the needy and the poor. This shows that his priority was not in religious doctrines but in the dignity of all creation and all human beings. That is why Sikhs, wherever they are, as part of their faith, they serve ‘Langar’ – a free communal meal served at the Sikh Temple where everyone sits on the floor to eat, regardless of their social status. Even the great emperor Akbar in India is said to have sat on the floor and eaten the same food as others before he met with the Sikh Guru Amar Das Ji in the 16th century. This is one of the many ways in which the Sikh religion disseminates the spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood.

GRASSROOTS marks 30 Years by winning Luton & Bedfordshire COMMUNITY AWARD

It is remarkable that GRASSROOTS, a community engagement programme in Luton, has completed 30 years of its extraordinary & outstanding services of bringing Churches and different faith communities together in Luton.

There could not have been any better way of acknowledging and celebrating this 30th year milestone than GRASSROOTS being presented with the prestigious COMMUNITY AWARD – the Mark West Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award.

Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst and Catherine Gunn, Principal of Barnfield College presented the Award at the glitzy and dazzling 13th Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards 2022 ceremony, held on Friday 11th November 2022 at Venue Central, Britannia Estates, Leagrave Road, Luton.

In choosing a winner for THE MARK WEST DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION AWARD, Judges were looking for the person, group, business, or organisation that has done the most to work in harmony with others to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion with the aim to positively discourage discrimination and to support the whole town, involving people from all backgrounds and sectors.

The judges choice of GRASSROOTS as the Award-Winner was a befitting tribute to GRASSROOTS’ services spanning over three decades, during which GRASSROOTS has supported, resourced, and given birth to several initiatives e.g. Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF), Ghar se Ghar [Hindi/Urdu words meaning Home to Home] – a multi-cultural women’s co-operative group, Luton Fairtrade Steering Group, Making Luton a Fairtrade Town campaign, Int’l Women’s Day event ‘Precious Pearls’, ‘Faith Woodlands Communities’ Project in partnership Luton & Bedford Councils of Faiths and launched Near Neighbours Programme in Luton. These are only a few examples.

In partnership with the Luton Council of Faiths and Near Neighbours Programme, GRASSROOTS has held numerous Peace Vigils and organised Press Conferences & Press Statements in the aftermath of global-national terror attacks. It has published over 1000 Faith Matters articles in the Luton News.

GRASSROOTS delivered Cultural, Religion & Belief Awareness Training in Luton, and introduced Diversity board game and multi-faith storytelling in Luton. It has delivered Circle Dancing, and Youth Leadership Training Programmes as well in Luton.

The Award nominator Dr Nazia Khanum, Chair UNA (United Nations Association) Luton, said what is unique about GRASSROOTS, are its principles of ‘Partnership’ & ‘Empowerment’.

Dr Khanum said, “GRASSROOTS has remained ‘the unsung hero’ in the truest sense, because over three decades, it has worked in the background ‘quietly’ and ‘modestly’, but ‘consistently’ and ‘persistently’. Therefore, in acknowledging and celebrating the 30th year of GRASSROOTS’ remarkable and outstanding services, it has been my privilege to wholeheartedly commend GRASSROOTS for the prestigious Mark West Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award.”

GRASSROOTS Chair Revd Canon David Lawson said, “Thank you Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards for celebrating the unsung heroes of our diverse and multicultural community and applauding those that that seek to make our town Luton, a place where all can live with a sense of fulfilment. GRASSROOTS is extremely grateful, delighted and honoured to receive this prestigious award.“

He also thanked the four Church denominations - United Reformed Church Thames North Synod, Beds Essex & Herts District of The Methodist Church, Church of England St Albans Diocese & The Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton. He said, “It will be impossible for GRASSROOTS to do what it does if it wasn’t for the invaluable support of all these Church denominations. We are indebted to them all.”

The Revd Dr Reynaldo F. Leão-Neto, currently working as Assistant Connexional Ecumenical & Inter Faith Officer for the Methodist Church of Great Britain, has been a Former Mission Partner and Project Worker at GRASSROOTS. He also held the reigns of GRASSROOTS as its Co-Chair during 2004 - 2012. In a statement, he said, “It shows great recognition of Grassroots' work, its consistency, creativity and resilience. GRASSROOTS Team deserves it and others who contributed in the past to the Programme are also part of the achievement. We who witnessed the dangers on the way have even more reasons to be thankful to God, and to the churches that support(ed) the Programme.”  

COMMUNITY AWARDS, through its range of activities and fundraising appeals, has raised over £1 million to support a number of local and national charities. The Awards do an excellent job of ‘putting something back into the community.

https://urc-news.org.uk/2JB1-1XA1M-94A90D677AE492D3A2VPCXD652432088763117/cr.aspx

https://www.near-neighbours.org.uk/blog/2022/11/14/david-jonathan-johny-our-near-neighbours-programme-coordinator-in-luton-reflects-on-the-significance-of-inter-faith-week-amp-remembrance-sunday

Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst (L) and Catherine Gunn, Principal of Barnfield College (R) presented the Award at the glitzy and dazzling 13th Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards 2022 ceremony, held at Venue Central, Britannia Estates, Leagrave Road, Luton.

Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst (L) and Catherine Gunn, Principal of Barnfield College (R) presented the Award at the glitzy and dazzling 13th Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards 2022 ceremony, held at Venue Central, Britannia Estates, Leagrave Road, Luton.

L to R: GRASSROOTS Director David Jonathan (Johny) & Treasurer Brian Roe were delighted to win the prestigious Mark West Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award at the glitzy and dazzling 13th Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards 2022 ceremony, held at Venue Central, Britannia Estates, Leagrave Road, Luton.

Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst (L) and Catherine Gunn, Principal of Barnfield College (R) presented the Award at the glitzy and dazzling 13th Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards 2022 ceremony, held at Venue Central, Britannia Estates, Leagrave Road, Luton.