UK Coalition for Preventing Genocide, Protecting the Vulnerable

On the 29th of November 2016, members of faith-based organisations met in Luton with the UK Coalition for Preventing Genocide, Protecting the Vulnerable, of which GRASSROOTS team member Bonnie Evans-Hills is a member. The coalition was formed at a meeting in Treviso, Italy in September 2015, helping to develop the United Nations’ Europe Plan of Action - recommendations for a regional strategy in preventing incitement to violence that could lead to atrocity crimes. The Luton meeting brought together those working on the ground across the UK in the areas of youth work, combating hate crime and radicalisation, gender issues, and support for refugees and asylum seekers.

A statement of recommendations from this meeting will be released in a few weeks’ time, and presented to the UK government with the support of the United Nations Office for Genocide Prevention and Responsibility to Protect.

While in Luton, the group heard about the inspiring work many local faith-based organisations are carrying out to celebrate diversity and combat discrimination, including GRASSROOTS, in Luton, and Hope Not Hate, a national organisation which maps hate crime.

For further information on the Europe Plan of Action visit: http://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/adviser/pdf/Europe%20Plan%20of%20Action.pdf

Please vote GRASSROOTS for the People's Choice Award!

As GRASSROOTS enters it's 25th year of work in the Luton community, we are proud to announce that we have been nominated for the 'Luton in Harmony' award at the Luton's Best Awards 2016!   

Being nominated is of course a great achievement, but this means that we are also entered for the 'People's Choice Award' which people need to vote for, and so we need YOUR help!

Please vote for us by visiting the website here, scroll down and click on Grassroots, then click Submit. It is that simple! You can only vote for one person/organisation, and are only able to vote once from any laptop/PC/mobile phone, so please do support us as every vote counts! However, you can vote for more than one person/organisation if you use a different device (e.g. you can vote once using a laptop and a second time using a PC). 

(If needed, the full web address is http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/vote-now-for-your-people-s-choice-award-at-luton-s-best-2016/story-29869181-detail/story.html) 

We kindly invite you to also encourage your family, friends and colleagues to also vote for GRASSROOTS.

Thank you for your support! 

 

Have an Eco-Fairtrade Christmas - get your Christmas gifts from GRASSROOTS!

As we are approach advent and Christmas, thinking about the most destitute and vulnerable, we know that so much poverty and so many issues that refugees are facing are very much connected with the disruption of the climate eco-system and unfair trade and exploitation. Astonishingly, 70% of small farmers in poorer countries produce food for the western civilisation, and yet sickeningly 50% of them are dying in poverty.
 
We can all play a small role in combating this. For the second year running, GRASSROOTS is running its Fairtrade Festivals campaign. This Christmas, you can buy a Mystery Christmas Pouch for just £5.00 (if not less), which is 100% ethical and Fairtrade.  

We are proud to announce that our famous Fairtrade hampers are also now wrapped with 100% biodegradable cellophane and provided on a leaf plate. These hampers can be made bespoke to your wishes, and so include a variety of goodies which make perfect ethical Christmas gifts! You are welcome to come and visit GRASSROOTS at 47 High Town Road (but please contact us to make an appointment), where you can see a wide range of Fairtrade items on display, ready to be put into your hamper selection.

We are full of ideas for you this Christmas, from Fairtrade luxury teas, coffees, spices, candles, oils, soaps, incenses and diffusers to Fairtrade clocks and women’s bags. Oh yes, and why not sweeten your hamper with a jar of locally sourced RAW honey? We are working with pioneers in Fairtrade including TraidCraft, Namaste, Dalit, Liberation Nuts and more, so please come and see what we have on offer. 

Hamper prices vary depending on what you wish to include and are set at £10, £15, £20, £24, £30, £40, £50, £75 or more depending upon your budget. However, if you do not want to purchase a hamper but are interested in some individual items listed above, we can provide them for you too!  

To get an idea of what we have on offer, please download our exclusive Fairtrade brochure!

We have something for everyone's budget, and depending upon your purchase, you may even get a FREE gift for your support! Much more importantly though, you will also be helping to make this world a much fairer place by supporting Fairtrade, whilst helping the environment too. If you are interested and/or would like more information, please do get in touch with us: 

• Call 01582 416946  
• Email info@lutonfaiths.org

We hope to see from you soon, from all in the GRASSROOTS team!

Join us for Coffee (and a chat!) with our MPs

Our local MPs, Kelvin Hopkins and Gavin Shuker, have kindly agreed to talk with Faith Leaders and Community Members, involved in the work of Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF) and GRASSROOTS. 

Join us as we share the opportunity in a social and informal setting to discuss any concerns or aspirations we may have around topics including Brexit, Hate Crime (Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism, racism etc), Britain's response to Refugees, rising levels of poverty and homelessness, hope for the Labour Party's future and more.

This event is taking place on Friday 9th December 2016, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, at Holy Ghost Parish Church, 33 Westbourne Road, Luton, Beds. LU4 8JD (Parking is available within the premises).

Please do reserve your place as it helps us to finalise seating and catering requirements!

For more information or to reserve your place please contact David Jonathan (Johny):

• Call 01582 416946 or TEXT ONLY to 07886 350854
• Email jgrassroots@btconnect.com
• Download promotional flyer here!

Safeguarding In Faith Organisations - FREE Workshop!

How can we work together to ensure the well-being of children and vulnerable adults in our places of worship and faith-based community organisations?

This workshop is FREE and open to representatives of all faiths in Luton and it’s surrounding areas, and to organisations that work with faith groups. 

It will include:

• Introduction to Safeguarding and Good Practice
• Who to Contact for Advice and Reporting
• Case Studies and Toolkits
• Pack of Resources

A vegetarian buffet will be provided!

This event is taking place on Thursday 1st December 2016, from 6pm to 8:30pm, at All Saints Church Hall (entrance to the hall is on Warwick Road West), Shaftesbury Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 8AH. 

For more information or to reserve your place please contact us:

• Call Kim Greig on 07930 601640 
• Email near.neighbours_luton@btconnect.com
• Download promotional flyer here!

Local Appeal – Winter Relief for Rough Sleepers

Biscot Faith Partnership community workers Melissa and Mary have partnered with UpRising’s Emerging Leaders Advisory Board in Luton, to provide backpacks full of essentials and food to local people who are sleeping rough this winter.

Last year Luton was one of the top ten places with high numbers of people sleeping rough in England, with 53 known rough sleepers. It is difficult to record an accurate number of rough sleepers as many hide away to protect themselves, which is especially true for women.

They are fundraising and collecting items now and will distribute backpacks throughout December. Just £30 will provide 1 backpack! You can give any amount online here.

Do you have any of the following items to give?

• backpacks, umbrellas
• scarves, hats, gloves
• new socks, emergency blankets, rain ponchos
• sanitiser, wipes, sanitary products
• cereal bars, water etc

If so, please contact Melissa on 07757 081120 to give items or monetary donations. You can also follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Come and join us for the final Circle Dancing sessions of 2016!

It's cold outside and the sun is chancing, so come inside and join us dancing!

Circle Dancing is traditional folk dancing from countries such as Greece, France, Russia, Israel, The Balkans and Celtic Britain, together with more recent choreographed dances to contemporary music.

The music is wide ranging from across the world. We dance together in a circle so no partner is needed. The steps are taught before each dance. Circle Dancing is good exercise and fun. It can also be meditative. Beginners welcome.

Classes take place at: 

Blenheim Crescent Baptist Church Hall (Blenheim Crescent)
Tuesday Afternoons from 2.30-4.00 pm
8th Nov / 13th Dec

St Anne’s Church Hall (Crawley Green Road)
Tuesday Evenings from 7.30-9.30 pm
18th Oct / 15th Nov / 20th Dec

Hockwell Ring Community Centre (Mayne Avenue)
Wednesday Afternoons from 1.00-2.00 pm
These are weekly and Term Time only

High Town Methodist Church Hall (High Town Road)
3rd Wednesday of the month 3.30 – 4.30 pm
19th Oct / 16th Nov / 21st Dec

Each of the sessions in December are CHRISTMAS SPECIALS! 

All sessions cost £3. If you would like further information please: 

• Call Ann Hyde on 01582 725266 or 07722 677280
• Email annhyde204@msn.com

Get your tickets to A Multicultural Christmas - on sale now!

A Multicultural Christmas event featuring food and entertainment from around the world will be taking place on:

• Date: Friday 25th November 2016
• Time: 7pm onwards
• Cost: Tickets cost £10 and places must be booked in advance
• Venue: Holy Ghost Parish Church Hall, Westbourne Road, Luton, LU4 8JD

You are even invited to wear your own cultural dress!

To register your interest or to book a place please contact us:

• Call us on 01582 967265 / 07957 450624
• Email crcwsmiles@hotmail.co.uk
• Download the poster here!

20th Annual Peace Walk: One to remember!

GRASSROOTS was proud to once again support the 20th Annual Peace Walk organised by Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF) which was held on 24th September 2016 starting at 2pm at the Luton Town Hall War Memorial. The planning and work had started way back in January 2016, bringing together key faith leaders and engaging them with schools and the community. This year’s hosts were Shree Ravidaas Bhawan Sikh Temple on Cardigan Street, Luton Central Mosque on Westbourne Road and All Saints Church on Shaftesbury Road.

 
Primary schools namely St Martin De Porres, Chantry Academy, St Joseph Catholic, Maidenhall, Beech Hill, Hillborough Junior, Farley Hill Junior, St Margaret of Scotland, St Matthews, Wenlock CofE Junior, Ramridge and Bushmead responded positively to the school engagement programme set by LCoF during the summer term. Over two thousand pupils benefited, especially in the school assemblies by discussions held in a BBC style show, on the Religious Education (RE) theme ‘what will make our town more respectful?’ This has been a ground breaking initiative where we have had panels of local faith leaders to demonstrate how they are working together for the common good, hence providing an alternative to the negative portrayal of our town and of religion provided by the media, focusing only on war and extremism. During the panel discussions, tough questions were asked by the pupils such as ‘When will religions Unite, why do you argue or fight?  Do you always agree? Why are we different etc? 

Many schools also joined as a collective in the Character and Value Development Workshops. These workshops were delivered by screening the Kung Fu Panda movie to prompt discussions around what lessons could be learnt and practically applying them to one’s life journey. 

The most iconic activity however, has been the ‘Breath of the Compassionate’ mosaic tile artwork made from scratch and led by Artist-Potter Moriam Grillo, with a William Morris inspired theme. Children learnt about William Morris and come with inspired drawings to be printed on the tiles. The sessions cut across art, history, geography, maths and science showing the children combining arts, culture and sciences into a beautiful piece of art. Nearly 5000 pieces of tiles were made with communities across Luton, who participated in this activity with great enjoyment towards the end of summer. 

The Peace Walk day was a showcase of these great community initiatives and many more, giving participants an opportunity to expand their horizon, by also visiting different places of worship that people would probably never have had a chance to visit and ask questions about. Great hospitality was extended on the day at each place of worship, thus sharing cultures and blending into British traditions at All Saints Church with a range of activities, from unveiling the mosaic artwork in the newly developed Peace Garden and looking at community allotments, to letting one’s little Robin Hood dream come true by having a go at Archery provided by local community coaches from Shooting Stars Archery Club, also established by Luton Council of Faiths. 

To see many more photos of the day and places of worship, find Luton Council of Faiths on Facebook! 

Twenty-First Century Theologies of Religions - Book Launch

Twenty-First Century Theologies of Religions, a new book co-authored by friend and previous GRASSROOTS team member, Shanthikumar Hettiarachchi, is being launched on 5th October 2016.

Within Christian theology, debates on the theology of religions have intensified over the last thirty or so years. This book surveys the field and maps future directions in this expanding and important area of research.

Both established experts and new voices address typological debates, comparative theology, multiple religious belonging or identity, and how dialogue between different religious traditions affects our understanding of these issues. Different perspectives and traditions are represented, and, while focusing upon debates in Christian theology, voices and perspectives from a range of religious traditions are also included. This book is an essential tool for research students and established scholars working within the theology of religions and interreligious studies.

The book launch is taking place at the Ecumenical Institute for Study and Dialogue (EISD), 490/5 Havelock Rd. Colombo 6, Sri Lanka, on Wednesday 5th October 2016 at 4.30 pm. Whilst this launch is being held overseas, copies of the book are available in the UK.

For more information or to enquire about purchasing a book, please email shanthi.hettiarachchi@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

Copies of the book can be purchased from GRASSROOTS:

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

Luton Peace Walk - 24th Sept 2016

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

This is an opportunity to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eid Fairtrade Hampers - Available NOW!

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

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

Hamper A: £31

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

Hamper B: £19

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

Hamper C: £12

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

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

Brexit and Fairtrade: Now it’s up to us

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

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

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

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

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

That could put farmers and workers in a vulnerable position.

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

Your support is needed now more than ever.

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

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

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

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

As always, thank you for your support.

A Vigil in Memory of Jo Cox

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

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

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

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

Visit by Secretary of State Greg Clark MP to Luton

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

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

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

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

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

An Invitation to Eco Iftar!

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

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

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

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

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

Exploring Justice and Fairness Event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catalyst - FREE Leadership Training for 16—30 Year Olds

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

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

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

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

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

For more information or to reserve a place please contact:

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

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

A Dialogue about Islam

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

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

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