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

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

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

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

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

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

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About Chief Rabbi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom

Luton's Sikhs greeted by Muslims at Vaisakhi Celebrations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luton's Sikhs greeted by Muslims at Vaisakhi Celebrations

Luton's Sikhs greeted by Muslims at Vaisakhi Celebrations

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

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

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

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

Inter Faith Network for the UK 2019/21 Biennial Review

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

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

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

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

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

Good Friday & Easter Greetings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRASSROOTS Luton Workshop Title is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit the WCC 11th Assembly webpage.

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

To Prevent Climate Change Our Attitudes Must Change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can Christians pray or share silence with people of other faiths?

https://ctbi.org.uk/praying-together-in-multi-faith-contexts-some-ecumenical-reflections/?ct=t(CTBI_Monthly_Newsletter-Mar22)

Praying Together in Multi-Faith Contexts: Some Ecumenical Reflections

As our society becomes more diverse and with pressure to make public and civic events more inclusive, this paper explores some of the theological challenges for Christians and offers some guidelines and possible models of engagement.

Praying Together in Multi Faith Contexts – Some Ecumenical Reflections (PDF)

Image: Shutterstock / Crystal Eye Studio

Supporting Ukraine

A recently circulated message from Nick Lowles, CEO, HOPE NOT HATE is quite helpful as we have been watching the news with horror as the crisis in Ukraine rages on. Everyday our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and all those around the world whose lives have been torn apart by conflict.

As our screens are flooded with images of war, it can be hard not to feel completely overwhelmed. We all want to do something to help, but it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why I wanted to write to you today, as a fellow member of the HOPE not hate community, to share some suggestions for actions you can take and information you can use in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Support organisations working with refugees and on the front line in Ukraine

This blog outlines a number of organisations and campaigns that you can support - we plan to keep updating this, so if you have other suggestions we could include please reply to this email to let us know.

Stand with people seeking sanctuary

It is crucial that the UK creates safe, legal and humane routes for people fleeing war and persecution in Ukraine and elsewhere. This includes immediately abandoning cruel measures in the Nationality and Borders Bill which is back in parliament next week. If passed into law, this bill will make it harder for Ukrainian refugees and other people seeking asylum to find safety here in the UK. 

If you want to take action on this issue, you can join these campaigns by Together with Refugees, Refugee Action and Amnesty International, and sign this petition.

Call out hate 

The best and worst of humanity are often on display during times of crisis and the situation in Ukraine is no exception. Everyday we’re hearing of extraordinary acts of courage and generosity in the face of oppression, but there are also those who are cynically seeking to exploit these events. 

Our recent blog explores how the far right is responding and members of the HOPE not hate team discuss the hate and fake news surrounding the conflict in our recent Radio 43 podcast here. We’re also starting a new blog series where we dig deeper into the links between UK far right figures and Russia, starting with Stephen Lennon (AKA Tommy Robinson) who has a long history of pro-Putin statements, support from Russian media and Kremlin-linked misinformation campaigns - find out more out here.

It’s also been deeply disturbing to see a range of racist commentary as part of the coverage of the Ukraine crisis. You can read and share HOPE not hate researcher Safya Khan-Ruf’s take on this here. 

Thank you for everything you do,

Nick Lowles
CEO, HOPE not hate

Alternatively, Luton Council has also compiled a list of organisations and appeals that you might consider supporting and would encourage anyone feeling powerless to visit the following weblink. https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/Community_and_living/Pages/supporting-ukraine.aspx

And here’s a helpful link from Quakers https://www.quaker.org.uk/our-work/peace/ukraine/ukraine-refugees

Luton branch of Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain

Precious Pearls Event commemorates International Women’s Day 2022

In commemorating this year’s International Women’s Day, Ghar se Ghar (Hindi/Urdu Words meaning ‘Home to Home’) – a Luton based women’s group, with the support from Near Neighbours, GRASSROOTS and Luton Council of Faiths, held its annual “Precious Pearls” event online.

Concerned with women’s safety & wellbeing, this year’s event theme was “Women Keeping Safe”. Women contributed from different religious and professional perspectives, but some personal survival stories shared were tremendously powerful and inspirational.

Women’s safety is an ongoing issue. To educate women about identifying the signs and threats and for signposting women to the right places, numerous organisations such as Women’s Aid in Luton, Luton All Women’s Centre, Luton Against Sex Trafficking (LAST), Luton Samartians shared valuable information.

Women also held in their thoughts, hearts and prayers, all the Ukranian women & girls whose safety is so much in jeopardy at this time. Some words from a poem by Lesia Ukrainka – one of Ukraine’s foremost writers and a political, civil and feminist activist (1871 – 1913), were used as a sign of hope & perseverance to appropriately conclude the event.

“On this poor, indigent ground, I shall sow flowers of flowing colours; I shall sow flowers even amidst the frost, and water them with my bitter tears. And from those burning tears will melt the frozen crust, so hard and strong, perhaps the flowers will bloom and bring about for me a joyous spring.”

Caption for Pic: Women speakers and contributors at the annual Precious Pearls Event 2022

GRASSROOTS Trustees & Team light a Candle of Hope amidst Despair

After weeks the war and fighting in Ukraine continues unabated.

The situation is particularly alarming, where there is shelling of residential areas and civilian infrastructure, resulting in an increasing number of civilians killed and injured. The devastation caused by all wars around the world has been horrific.  Civilians, ordinary citizens, men, women and children pay the highest price.

Wars and violent oppression in all conflict torn areas around the world are inexcusable and intolerable.

Those providing humanitarian aid on the ground in a highly volatile situation are to be commended while those responsible for war and war crimes are to be condemned.

Recently, when GRASSROOTS Trustees & Team met together, they prayed together for the world and in particular for war to stop in Ukraine. Chair Rev Canon David Lawson said, “In our focus on Ukraine, let us not forget people continue to suffer in many other parts of the world due to continued oppression by the powerful regimes.”

Still, refusing to be overpowered by the darkness around the world, GRASSROOTS Trustees & Team lit together a candle each and held it in hand thoughtfully and prayerfully, meditating on the fact that it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

The following concluding words of the prayer were shared by all together;

“We commit ourselves to bring healing and transformation to the world, and to foster a common vision of peace; Lord God, help us to know that goodness is stronger than evil, love is stronger than hate, light is stronger than darkness, life is stronger than death.”

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https://ctbi.org.uk/racial-discrimination-amidst-invasion-of-ukraine-rjaf-statement/

In a statement, The Ecumenical Racial Justice Advocacy Forum (RJAF) has issued a statement calling for prayer and action for Black and Brown people facing racism in their attempts to flee from conflict zones in Ukraine.

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http://grassrootsluton.org.uk/news-events/2022/2/25/praying-for-peace-in-ukraine

Earlier through a statement, GRASSROOTS, jointly with Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF) & Near Neighbours Programme had urged all faith communities and all people of goodwill in Luton to pray for peace for the people of Ukraine and the region. It said “Although war makes dialogue and peacemaking far more difficult, we know there are people in both Russia and Ukraine working tirelessly for peace. We continue to uphold and stand in solidarity with them at this violent and perilous time.”

http://grassrootsluton.org.uk/news-events/2022/2/25/praying-for-peace-in-ukraine

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Also words of a poem by John Roedel are powerful. It says “In the face of war I’m so small. Yet love is big. I can’t force peace on the world but I can become a force of peace in the world.” To read the full poem, please click on the link here;

https://www.johnroedel.com/post/in-the-face-of-war-i-m-so-small-yet-love-is-big

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https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/people/luton-community-urged-to-rally-in-support-of-ukrainian-people-following-russian-invasion-3594705

Cllr Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Council, added: “We are all shocked by the devastating news coming from Ukraine. Luton has a long history of rallying around when people are in need. We saw this most recently with the plight of refugees from Afghanistan and an incredible cross-community response to the Covid pandemic.

“The council is not collecting donations directly, but we have compiled a list of organisations and appeals that residents might consider supporting and would encourage anyone feeling powerless to visit our website. https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/Community_and_living/Pages/supporting-ukraine.aspx

“But let me be clear, we are expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people in line with the position of the UK nationally. We understand this solidarity as an act of protest against the actions of the Russian government, and not in any way aimed at the Russian people.

“People of all backgrounds are welcome in Luton in the spirit of harmony and respect for diversity. We will never tolerate hatred of any kind in our community, and condemn it when it happens elsewhere.”

Goodness is stronger than evil, love is stronger than hate, light is stronger than darkness, life is stronger than death - GRASSROOTS Trustees & Team lit a Candle of Hope amidst Despair

Fairtrade Cake Baking Competition held in Luton

During this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight 21st Feb – 6th Mar 2022, St Christopher's Church (Round Green), in partnership with Luton Fairtrade Steering Group, GRASSROOTS, Luton Council of Faiths & Near Neighbours Programme, held its Annual Fairtrade Cake Baking Competition.

The cakes were presented with recipe and the packaging as evidence of fairtrade ingredients used. Prizes were given to the top three winners, voted in by the guests.

Vicar Revd Anne Crosby highlighted how Fairtrade helps to address issues of poverty, deprivation, unfairness and inequality across the world.

A participant said when we do shopping we want fair or rather cheaper deals. We never think if it will be a fair deal for the farmers or for the producers too.

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

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

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

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

This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight Theme “Choose the World You Want – Climate, Fairtrade & You” also highlights how farmers and workers are facing life threatening risks despite having done the least to contribute to climate change.

The Fairtrade Foundation UK and thousands of campaigners are working hard to promote trade and climate justice across the world. For more information please visit https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/choose-the-world-you-want/  

Prize Winners at Luton’s Annual Fairtrade Cake Bake Competition 2022

Collecting Help for Ukraine

https://www.facebook.com/lutonukrclub/posts/3130148603908573

Luton branch of Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain

Dear Friends of ours! Thanks again for the donations today! We continue to collect help for Ukraine, please pay attention to the information below:

We are open: Mon-Fri, from 10 am to 7 pm

Address: 16 Cromwell Hill, LU2 7PY

Contacts of Collection Coordinators:

07817932117, 07912854806, 07846637785, 07552288298

Collecting currently as a top priority please:

·         Medicine (first aid kits, painkillers, dressing pads, bandage)

·         Sleeping bags

·         Clothes: warm socks, thermal underwear, gloves, hats

·         Food: Tea, Coffee, tinned food, ready to make soups

·         Nappies (for babies and adults)

·         Military protection equipment: helmets, vests

Collecting money for thermal night vision cameras:

Account Details: 40 30 32 | 82498278

Association of Ukrainians in GB Luton branch

Thank you very much for your help!

See it on the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lutonukrclub/posts/3130148603908573

Luton branch of Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain

Praying for Peace in Ukraine

It is with huge sadness we watch the situation of war escalating in Ukraine. Wars lead to unimaginable suffering and lifelong damaging effects, particularly for women and children.

As people of different faiths and also those of no particular faith, working together in Luton, we are convinced that the world cannot develop and find answers for the challenges of today by resorting to might and violence, by showing disdain for shared human values.

We denounce any and every use of deadly armed force to resolve disputes that could be resolved by dialogue. Concerned with protecting the sanctity of human life, we call for an immediate end to the current armed hostilities.

We urge all faith communities and all people of goodwill in Luton to pray for peace for the people of Ukraine and the region.

Although war makes dialogue and peacemaking far more difficult, we know there are people in both Russia and Ukraine working tirelessly for peace. We continue to uphold and stand in solidarity with them at this violent and perilous time.

Together, we must strengthen our resolve to continue working together for peace and unity in our world, globally as well as locally.

We pray for the peace in the region.

We pray for the bloodshed and violence to quickly end.

We pray for wise leaders, and peacemakers on every side.

We pray that comfort and compassion may conquer fear and violence.

We pray that although efforts to prevent war have failed, but efforts to end it must succeed.

May we all rise up to find ways of defending the vulnerable, as we always have.

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Many other organisations have also shared their concerns and prayers for Ukraine as following;

WCC https://www.oikoumene.org/news/wcc-calls-for-an-immediate-end-to-the-current-armed-hostilities

Pope Francis https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-02/war-in-ukraine-pope-francis-goes-to-russian-embassy.html

Church of England https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/attack-ukraine-act-great-evil-statement-archbishops-canterbury-and

CAFOD https://cafod.org.uk/News/International-news/Ukraine-crisis

Quakers https://www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-events/news/quakers-condemn-attack-on-ukraine

LICC https://licc.org.uk/resources/pray-for-ukraine/

Climate Conversations for Young People

With support from Near Neighbours Programme, young people’s organisation called “The Feast” has teamed up with Youth Network and Zero Carbon Luton to host Climate Conversations for young people (aged 11 – 22).

The aim is to create a space for conversation about the climate issue, where young people can share their thoughts, frustrations and ideas; a space where they can think about what change they want to see and what they can do to bring it about.

There will be no speeches, lectures or other input by adults.

The role of the few adults there is to create the space for conversation to happen (and to ensure the safety of the young people).

Our hope is that this will be the beginning of a longer-term engagement with young people on the climate issue. 

The event is open to any young person between the ages of 11 and 22.

We invite all adults to pass this on to their young people and to encourage them to attend.

BOOKING is essential.

For more info or bookings please contact:

Ulrike Hunt | The Feast Luton Development Manager

07833146155 | ulrike@thefeast.org.uk

Fairtrade Cake Baking Competition - Sat 26 Feb'22 at 3.30pm

You are all invited to join at St Christopher's Church Hall, entrance on Felix Avenue LU2 7LE for the Annual Fairtrade Cake Baking Competition on Saturday, 26 February at 3.30 pm.

Please bring your cake, the fairtrade packaging, from three ingredients, along with the recipe.