Fairtrade Fortnight Cake Baking event in Luton proclaimed Fairtrade isn’t Charity – It is Justice.

Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual promotional campaign that happens once every year. The Fairtrade Foundation UK produces resources and guidelines, helping Fairtrade campaigners and activists across the country, to increase awareness of Fairtrade products and the benefits of supporting Fairtrade.

This year during the annual Fairtrade Fortnight 27th Feb – 12th Mar 2023, the Fairtrade Foundation UK has brought into the spotlight, the harmful effect of the climate crisis on the future of our food.

Luton Fairtrade Steering Group, convened by Grassroots and supported by the Luton Council of Faiths, joined in spreading a simple message: making the small switch to Fairtrade supports producers in protecting the future of some of our most-loved food and the planet.

The 4th Annual Fairtrade Cake Baking Competition held at St Anne’s Church is another way of engaging with and involving people from different faiths and cultures in strengthening the Luton Fairtrade campaign going strong for the last 18 years.

The bakers were invited to present their cakes with recipes and the packaging as evidence of the three fair-trade ingredients. Nearly 50 guests, friends, and neighbours were then asked to taste the cakes and choose the three best cakes – the best-looking cake, the best-tasting fruit cake, and the best-tasting sponge cake.

The top three winners were given Fairtrade prizes, sponsored by Near Neighbours.

Expressing gratitude to all those who had taken part in the competition, the event organiser Revd Anne Crosby, Vicar of St Anne with St Christopher Parish said, “Fairtrade Fortnight is a great time to make or renew our commitment to Fairtrade. By choosing Fairtrade teas, coffees, sugar, fruits, biscuits, and chocolates, available in most supermarkets, you support 7 million people in 59 developing countries.”

She added, “Fairtrade helps disadvantaged farmers and communities in developing countries. It guarantees them a fair price for their produce. It pays them an additional premium, with which they access education, healthcare, and sustainable farming methods and achieve inclusive and equitable climate solutions.”

To find out more about how to take part in Fairtrade Fortnight 2023, please visit;

https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/current-campaigns/fairtrade-fortnight/

Fairtrade isn’t Charity – It is Justice. To give people what they deserve, please support Fairtrade. We all can do our bit by choosing to buy products with the Fairtrade logo on it.

Winners of the Annual Fairtrade Cake Baking Competition with Cllr Tahmina Saleem, and representatives from Grassroots, Luton Council of Faiths and Near Neighbours Programme

Take action: Hostile words lead to hostile actions

A Call from the City of Sanctuary Network - Please take a few moments to use the template to write to your MP.

Thank you to all the City of Sanctuary groups who signed the open letter coordinated by Together With Refugees calling on leaders to condemn last week's violence.

We are now encouraging all City of Sanctuary groups, awarded organisations and individuals involved in this movement of welcome to write directly to your own MP reminding them that hostile words lead to hostile actions.

You can find more information and template letter here.

Violence and division do not represent us. We know firsthand that the UK is a place of welcome. Together we must stand united in defense of Britain as a place of safety for all.

Now it’s time for our politicians to defend our values, too.

Hannah Green hannah@uk.cityofsanctuary.org

Racial Justice Sunday 2023 – Stephen Lawrence

Racial Justice Sunday (RJS) has been celebrated since 1989. In 1995 RJS became an ecumenical event.  Therefore, every year resources for RJS are produced by Churches Together in Britain & Ireland (CTBI). In the past, it used to be celebrated on the second Sunday in September every year, but from 2017 onwards RJS is celebrated on the second Sunday in February. 

Many people feel Racial Justice issue is a thing of the past. We have gone past it and it is all fine now. The question therefore for us all to ponder is - Do we think we should bother observing RJS anymore? If yes, why? If not, why? We must think about it, and reflect upon it, in our living rooms, on our dining tables, in our social circles, while shopping or dog-walking or holidaying, or while watching the news, etc.

In a statement Churches Together in Britain & Ireland (CTBI) said;

https://ctbi.org.uk/racial-justice-sunday-2023-stephen-lawrence/

22 April 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the racist killing of Black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, in Eltham, southeast London. In many respects, Racial Justice Sunday is one of the many legacies of Stephen Lawrence’s life. As such, in marking RJS, churches are remembering a young man who in life aspired to be an architect, but whose legacy has seen him become an architect for justice, equality, dignity and unity.

This anniversary is a key moment for church and society on these islands. Stephen’s killing was very much Britain’s ‘George Floyd moment’ as it clearly revealed the ugly face of British racism, in terms not only of the hatred of those who took this young man’s life, but also of the institutional variety that characterised the appalling investigation into his killing. Akin to all such tragedies, it is a moment for reflection which will enable us to assess what, if any, progress has been made since that tragedy.

This year’s Racial Justice Sunday officially took place on 12 February 2023, but can be held at any time, and the resources are ideal for observing the anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s death.

In Luton, we support and promote several Windrush & Black History Month Commemoration events and activities, because we know there are still issues of discrimination, inequalities, and injustices.

In a 4-day CATALYST Youth Leadership Training for young people in the age range of 16-25, delivered in Luton during Feb’23, 80% of the participants shared they had experienced racism, which is alarming.

 It is therefore important, I think, for us to observe RJS. So that through our reflections, and through our actions, we can enable the justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:24)

A call to Remember, Reflect and Respond to racial justice matters on the 30th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence who died on 22 April 1993

Image Courtesy of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland | Design by 25 educational www.base25.com

26 Butchered Trees: What did I do to you?

“Vandalising trees planted in memory of loved ones who have died is beyond belief”

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/environment/devastation-as-trees-planted-in-memory-of-luton-lives-lost-to-the-covid-pandemic-are-vandalised-4035140

Mindless’ vandals have destroyed trees planted to honour the lives of Luton people who died during the Covid pandemic.

All 26 trees planted at Stopsley Common as part of Luton’s Peace Garden initiative have been cut down and vandalised.

But the community is determined to come together to replant them – and is appealing for people to donate.

Sujel Miah, the founder of the Peace Garden Initiative, said: "We are shocked and saddened to see all the trees that were planted in Stopsley Common during the cold, ice, and snow have been vandalised and cut down. We will not let this stop us, we will replant and continue to plant.”

26 butchered trees: What did I do to you?

Mohammad Ryad Khodabocus, Head of Community Relations & Development at Luton Council of Faiths, has been working hard on the tree plantations, since the project’s inception. He movingly wrote:

I was a seed, and a few took painstaking care of me over 5 years so that I grow strong for you.

But what did I do to you?

I was there, given a home but you murdered me in my own home within only a month.

I was so happy to settle, to settle not just for me but for you and the community...

I would have given you shade for your comfort,

Fruits to quench your hunger and strengthen your body with minerals I take from the ground

Pure oxgygen for your lungs and your cells

Beauty for the pleasure of your eyes

Ease for your stress

Support for animals and insects

I was so happy the day, in the cold full of snow, that a group of keen and selfless people who understood ecology and the diversity came with care and spent 4 hours to put me in the ground.

How beautiful and happy we were. But what did I do to you? Why such hate and anger?

I wish you used the same energy to join us and plant one more tree!

I am angry too when I see how trees are put down, how my mates are endangered but look like a Rose, just a bruise it gives you back a beautiful scent serving you.

I wish you channel that same anger and do something good rather than such a vile act.

I understand your trauma maybe but that was the whole purpose of me there helping in healing those with trauma, especially of the loss of a loved one.

Maybe you didn't realise, your disrespect has killed the dead twice.

Maybe it was not enough for you that Covid kill us!

I am still so grateful to those who have been fighting hard for at least a year for a place for me. A place that my ancestors were there well before you.

But here is something - nature is resilient, and those Peace Garden Guardians are resilient. We hope next time you will join us with the same zeal and plant a tree.

Yours

26, dead trees at Stopley Common Peace Garden Initiative

Ps. We will still look after your generation cause nature is about mutual aid.

Edible High Town brings neighbours together for Community Gardening

In an event funded by Near Neighborus Programme, Edible High Town invited neighbours from diverse religious, cultural & ethnic backgrounds to come together for a cuppa at a Community Garden in the High Town area of Luton, which is one of the 8 green spaces on public land tended by Edible High Town.

In this Community Garden and in other green little patches in the High Town area, people of all ages and abilities come together to grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers for all to share. They meet on Friday mornings and people can garden in their own time once they’re set up. 

Project Lead Konni Deppe said, “We want to improve people’s physical and mental well-being, reduce loneliness and isolation, and foster a sense of belonging. Our project addresses food poverty and sustainability, by making locally grown fruit and vegetables more accessible and giving people the opportunity to grow and harvest their own food near where they live.”

She added High Town is one of Luton’s most deprived wards and in the 20% most deprived areas in the country (2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation). A high proportion of High Town’s 9k residents come from a BAME and non-British white background (2011 census) and are likely to experience racial inequity. Official figures show 23.8 per cent of High Town residents live in overcrowded accommodation, the fourth highest of Luton's 19 wards. This compares to 6.5 per cent in the East of England. The Health Foundation has found psychological distress is higher in overcrowded homes and this increased during the lockdown. High Town ward has the second highest proportion of people living in flats in Luton, according to the local authority. This means they have limited access to gardening space. Many people also lack the skills or confidence to get growing. During the Covid-19 pandemic, people have had fewer opportunities to socialise, increasing the risk of isolation and loneliness. A lack of physical exercise affects the health of children and adults alike. Neglected and under-used areas in High Town attract litter, fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and low-level crime. Our objectives, therefore, align with Luton Council’s 2016 High Town Masterplan, which says: “It is important that opportunities are realised to enhance provision, access and the quality of High Town’s open spaces as well as local biodiversity.”

She and others involved in the project expressed their joy and delight in receiving support from Near Neighbours Small Grants Fund to hold monthly weekend gardening sessions events for local residents, equipping them with gardening tips and sharing their experiences of benefitting from community gardening. These events will take place at 4 different garden locations. Over 40 new people have attended these neighbourly get together events so far.

CATALYST Youth Leadership Training Programme delivered in Luton

Funded by Near Neighbours, Catalyst Youth Leadership is an exciting and innovative programme, to help young people aged 16-26 from different backgrounds develop into positive role models. It equips young people with the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles, develop local social action and transform their own communities.  

Over 50 young leaders have been trained in Luton so far. In Feb’23 half term, 12 more young people from Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist and no faith backgrounds completed this amazing 4-day leadership course, which included topics of Faith, Identity & Belonging, Leadership, Media & Effective Communication, Social Action and Positive Change.

Luton Council of Faiths Chair Prof Zafar Khan, said, “There are those who are storytellers and they are great at it as they inspire people by effective and positive storytelling, but there are those who create stories whose stories are told by others. Catalyst is about creating such story-makers.”

Some of the feedback provided by Catalyst participants included “it was a safe and welcoming learning environment”, “these four days have been of high quality leadership training”, “the trainers were extremely good & inspirational”, “we gained practical skills and knowledge to build confidence, effective communication and leadership skills”, “we are glad to have had this amazing opportunity to discuss and critically think about some of the most pressing issues of our time”.

Thanks to the Centre for Youth & Community Development (CYCD), Leagrave Rd, Luton for hosting this programme at their premises. CYCD shares the vision of mentoring youngsters and helping them grow into responsible citizens and leaders for a better and brighter future of our world.

Thanks to Near Neighbours for supporting programmes like CATALYST and other initiatives. For more info, please visit (www.near-neighbours.org.uk)

Thanks to Luton Council of Faiths, Grassroots, The Feast Programme and Att10tive Luton for their support. Together we all share the vision of mentoring youngsters, helping them grow into responsible citizens and leaders for a better world.

In our multicultural world, our identities are complex as we are shaped by many different factors – our upbringing in life, where we live, our racial, ethnic, religious backgrounds etc. And all these factors influence our understanding of contemporary political, moral and social issues such as immigration, integration, gender & racial justice, violence & extremism, citizenship, equal economic opportunity and freedom of speech. In Catalyst training programme, young people learnt about the challenges of prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination and how best to tackle them and how we all can take away something positive that another race, religion or belief, other than our own, brings to the British society.

Luton young people from different faiths and of no faith learning Leadership skills at the Near Neighbours funded Catalyst Youth Leadership Training Programme.

Friends of The Feast Evening held in Luton

The Feast is a youth organisation that brings together young people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds for fun, food and dialogue.

At the recently held Friends of The Feast Evening at St. Mary’s Church in the heart of Luton Town Centre, The Feast Youth Worker Kristina said, “Tonight is about experiencing a Feast event the way our teenagers do.”

So guests were invited to “draw something you enjoy doing on a paper plate, placing it on your heads and then show it to the person sitting opposite, to guess what it is and introduce yourself.”

Another fun icebreaker got people walking and talking to the opposite side of the circle if they had lived in Luton for more than 10 years if they were born in Luton if they work in Luton if they lived in a country other than the UK for more than two years if they fluently speak a language other than English or have close family members living in a different country.

Later, The Feast’s Guidelines for Dialogue were introduced. These are simple but powerful in transforming discussions. People were invited to share which one stood out most to them and why. Event facilitator Ros said, “At The Feast, we are passionate about the dialogue that allows us to be truly open to someone else’s perspective; dialogue that allows others the dignity of their point of view; dialogue that creates bridges of understanding and cooperation.”

The Feast Youth Worker Kristina said, “We believe it is possible to create spaces for interaction where we don’t end up watering down our own beliefs, yet are able to appreciate and value someone else’s beliefs even if we don’t own those for ourselves.”

“As a youth organisation, our aim is to help young people to be confident in their own identity and beliefs, which help them to be able to live well with and appreciate someone whose identity and beliefs are different to their own.”

The Feast works with up to 3000 young people across the country through an average of 50 Youth Encounter Programmes. Nearly 1000 people have been trained in the use of The Feast’s Guidelines for Dialogue and Approach. Just last year in Luton, 18 encounters, some more deep than the others, and series of workshops have helped young people to develop relationships, gain more confidence, learn about discussing tricky topics better so it has a positive impact on our mental well-being and to be able to live well with the difference.

The Feast has been supported by Near Neighbours Programmes, nationally as well as locally in Luton.

In a statement, The Feast Luton Development Manager Ulrike Hunt said, “It is a real privilege to be able to work with and inspire young people to become community cohesion champions in Luton. Our aim is to enable more young people in Luton to meet with others from a different background to be peacemakers and change-makers in our town.”

For more info about The Feast, please visit their website www.thefeast.org.uk

Luton marks Fairtrade Fortnight 2023 by organising at Fairtrade Cake Baking Competition

You are invited to attend or take part in 

FAIRTRADE CAKE BAKE COMPETITION on Saturday 25th Feb at 2pm 

At St Anne’s Church, off Crawley Green Road (corner of Hart Lane) LU2 0QN 

During the annual Fairtrade Fortnight 27th Feb – 12th Mar 2023, the Fairtrade Foundation UK will spotlight the harmful effect of the climate crisis on the future of our food. 

https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/media-centre/news/countdown-begins-to-fairtrade-fortnight-2023/ 

Fairtrade Fortnight is a great time to make or renew our commitment to Fairtrade. By choosing Fairtrade teas, coffees, sugar, fruits, biscuits, and chocolates, available in most supermarkets, you will support 7 million people in 59 developing countries.  

Fairtrade isn’t Charity – It is Justice. 

To give people what they deserve – Support Fairtrade please! 

Fairtrade helps disadvantaged farmers and communities in developing countries. It guarantees them a fair price for their produce. It pays them an additional premium, with which they access education, healthcare, and sustainable farming methods and achieve inclusive and equitable climate solutions. 

To find out more about how to take part in Fairtrade Fortnight 2023, please click here;  

https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/current-campaigns/fairtrade-fortnight/ 

Thank you for your support. 

International Women's Day 8th March :Transforming Women

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-8th-march-transforming-women-tickets-536739310727

International Women's Day 8th March : Transforming Women

" I Am Not a Victim" : Empowered Women share their experiences by not being defined by their circumstances and Experience.

Wed, 8 March 2023, 10:00 – 16:00

AW House 6-8 Stuart Street Luton LU1 2SJ

Every woman have something to offer to another, we can learn from each other’s experiences, by coming together as one, irrespective of our culture, ethnicity gender, age, religion, and disability. We can build resilience by allowing the healing process.

There is a commonality in our experience, we can choose from the experience to remain a victim of the past, let it embody us, become trapped by it -unable to move forward allowing it to halt our very existence and define our future economically, socially, psychologically, and emotionally.

How do we as women translate our experience?

How do we apply and use our experience to help ourselves and help others?

How do we go about transforming, and continuing to grow?

What does it take?

Speakers will highlight how they have turned their experiences and enable it to empower them to take control of their lives by taking positive action. Find out what they did !!

Speakers:

Mayor Cllr Sameera Salem: Luton's Youngest Mayor

Dr Seshni Moodliar : Consultant Psychiatrist Specialism :Autism: Girls with Autism :Diagnosis and Treatment.

Marilyn Hawes: CEO of Freedom from Abuse: “ Our Son’s and Daughter’s : An Examination of the Sexual Exploitation of Children in the 20th Century

Loretta Webster: Artist Illustrator: Motherhood & Experiencing Family Court system: Share her experience in fighting the system to return her children back to their parental home. and breaking the cycle of institutional care.

Jessie Brotherson: Psychological Well-being Practitioner: Mental Health: The Beginnings of Bipolar Diagnosis: Application of Cognitive Therapy in Self-Healing.

Vicky Brotherson: Author: Living with Learning Disabilities

Vicky Brotherson: Leaning Disabilities: Author : Challenges with Diagnosis

Councillor Maria; Lovell Ex-Mayor of Luton,: From Carer to a Career in Politics

Angel Miller Entrepreneur: CEO of no ordinary book shop : Development of a Child's Intellectual Development

Valma James: Radio Broadcaster & Author of Self-Appraisal: Creating the Life You Want.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-8th-march-transforming-women-tickets-536739310727

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