Category Archives: London

Inter Faith Walk with Faiths Together in Lambeth

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FTiL took to the streets again on 17 September. Around 40 local people were welcomed at religious centres in Brixton & Kennington. Here are some pictures from the day.

Rev David Musgrave welcomes everyone to Mostyn Road Methodist Church.

Mohammad Ijaz shares news of receiving a #VisitMyMosque award for South London Islamic Centre at Speaker’s House at Westminster earlier in the week.

Shaykh Yusuf and Adeela Shabazz show us around North Brixton Islamic Centre after a cup of tea and biscuits.

Adeela Shabazz who has been involved in community activities for many years.

In one of the prayer rooms at North Brixton Islamic Centre – congregation of 1,000 with 250 young people.

St John the Divine, Kennington, was the next stop.

The organist played as people explored the church.

Arriving at the Catholic Scalabrini Centre, Oval, preparing for the festival of Our Lady of Fatima. There are big Portuguese, Italian and Filipino communities here.

Last stop – the Jamyang Centre which hosts Tibetan Buddhist teaching, health and wellbeing sessions, meditation, a popular café and garden.

The garden at the Jamyang Centre.

Some of the Faiths Together in Lambeth group at the start of the inter faith walk.

Parsons Green

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Message from Chief Superintendent David Stringer at the Metropolitan Police:

As you may have seen on the news this morning, police were called at approximately 08:20hrs on Friday, 15 September to Parsons Green Underground Station following reports of a fire on a London tube train.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, the senior national coordinator for CT policing, has declared it a terrorist incident. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport Police attended the scene, along with colleagues from London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service. At present we are aware of a number of people who have suffered injuries.

It is too early to confirm the cause of the fire, which will be subject to the investigation that is now underway by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

The station remains cordoned off and we are advising people to avoid the area.

We would encourage anyone who has information that would assist detectives is urged to contact the hotline 0800 789 321; if it’s an emergency always call 999.

Anyone with images from the scene is asked to upload them to www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk
We urge the public to remain calm but alert and if you have any concerns, see or hear anything suspicious then contact police.

More updates will be available at 11:30hrs today, Friday, 15 September, when Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley will brief the press at New Scotland Yard.

The Archdeacon of London, chair of the Faith Sector Panel of London Resilience said, “S Dionis Church was open for the public to go in for tea, coffee, spaces & rest, but is now inside the cordon and is closed. The clergy there are seeking to help as they can.”

Cllr Sue Fenimore, Deputy Leader of the Council and a key person in bringing religious communities together in Hammersmith & Fulham, is at Parsons Green and said that it’s wonderful that people come together in such horrendous circumstances.

Lambeth Show of Unity Monday 3 July 7pm

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Brixton Business Improvement District and Faiths Together in Lambeth invite you to a

LAMBETH SHOW OF UNITY

Monday 3rd July, 7pm – 8pm

in the Forecourt at Black Cultural Archives

Windrush Square

Brixton SW2 1EF 

This event is intended to show religious and community unity in face of recent events.

Open to all: attendees are welcome to invite others to accompany them.

Grenfell Tower | Thursday 22 June | Multifaith Gathering

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All are welcome tomorrow to join local people as they remember those who have suffered in the Grenfell Tower fire.

Communities of Faith in Support of Grenfell

A Multi-Faith Gathering
in solidarity with the victims and survivors of Grenfell Tower
Thursday 22nd June
3pm in front of the Maxilla Social Club
under the Westway beside Latymer Christian Centre
116 Bramley Rd, London W10 6SU

2 Minutes Silence
Followed by reflections from local faith leaders

Grenfell Tower Fire Special Service of Prayer | today 6.30pm | open to all

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St Peter’s Notting Hill Church, Kensington Park Road, W11 2P, invites people of all faiths and none to a special service this evening at 6.30pm.   They write:

A special service for all those affected by the Grenfell Tower Fire in North Kensington and anyone who wishes to come and stand with the local community.

It will be a time to remember those who have lost their lives and to pray for those still worried about loved ones or homes.

It will also be an opportunity to give thanks for the courage of the emergency services and to pray for all those involved in the aftermath of this tragic event.

Everyone is welcome. If you have any questions about this service, then please do contact the Bishop of Kensington’s office on 020 7932 1180.

Full details here.

Local places of worship which are involved in supporting those affected include:

St Clement and St James, Treadgold Street, W11 4BP
Al Manaar, the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, 244 Acklam Road, W10 5YG
Khalsa Jatha, 62 Queensdale Rd, London W11 4SG
Notting Hill Methodist Church, 240 Lancaster Rd, W11 4AH
Tabernacle Christian Centre, 210 Latimer Rd, W10 6QY
Salvation Army, 205 Portobello Road, Notting Hill W11 1LU
Masjid Daar us Sunnah, Market Approach, Lime Grove, W12 8DE
Counselling is likely to be needed for some time.  If you are skilled and are able to offer your services, please contact Kensington & Chelsea Town Hall and email your details.  Further details here.

Message from New Scotland Yard | places of worship | hate crime

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Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer is a longstanding friend of LBFN’s and is currently Head of Community Engagement for the Metropolitan Police.  He has sent this message so that it can be passed on to congregations, colleagues and networks this weekend.

“Over the next few days, communities of different faiths will congregate across London to celebrate their holy days. We know many will reflect on the terrible events of last Saturday evening in their readings and prayers but also that some will feel worried and vulnerable about their safety as they gather in their places of worship.

“To help support these communities, we have increased the number of officers on the streets to reassure local people that they are able to go about their daily lives in peace and without fear of harassment or intimidation.

“Dedicated Ward Officers are making contact with their local places of worship to encourage them to report hate crimes and to reassure those who congregate there that the police will take these crimes seriously.

“The Metropolitan Police has made more than 25 arrests for hate crime offences since Saturday.

“We have long since recognised the impact of hate crime on communities and the hidden nature of this crime, which remains largely under-reported. The MPS stands together with policing partners, colleagues and groups to investigate all hate crime allegations, support victims and their families, and bring perpetrators to justice.

“We would appeal to anyone who witnesses or suffers any hate of any type to immediately report it so that action can quickly be taken and catch those responsible.”

Hate crime can be reported through 999 in an emergency, by dialling 101 in a non-emergency, directly at a police station, through the MOPAC Hate Crime app or through community reporting methods such as Tell MAMA, Galop, or the CST.

Total Policing is the Met’s commitment to be on the streets and in your communities to catch offenders, prevent crime and support victims. We are here for London, working with you to make our capital safer.

Vigil 6pm today | Potters Fields | London Bridge Attacks

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Message from City Hall

Dear Catriona

Please see below invitation from the Mayor of London for a vigil tomorrow evening. I do hope you can join and please share widely.

Kind regards,

Nadeem

I am getting in touch following last night’s tragic events at London Bridge. I am in close contact with the Met Police Commissioner and senior officers and have attended the government’s COBRA security meeting this morning. Our emergency services acted swiftly and bravely in tackling the terrorists and helping the injured.

There are no words to describe the grief and anger that our city is feeling today. Tragically, seven people have been killed in this sickening attack, and more than 40 injured, some of them critically.

I am appalled and furious that these twisted and cowardly terrorists deliberately targeted innocent Londoners and visitors to our city who were just enjoying their Saturday night.

There will be a vigil taking place on Monday 5 June, 6pm at Potters Fields, SE1.

I would like to invite you to join us in solidarity to remember those who have lost their lives, to express sympathy with their families and loved ones and to show the world that we stand united in the face of those who seek to harm us and our way of life. As well as Londoners and visitors, we will be joined by senior representatives of our police, security and emergency services, as well as civic, faith and community leaders. There will be a space set aside to lay tributes and flowers to the victims.

I’m urging all Londoners to remain calm and vigilant today and over the days ahead. We are all shocked and angry today but this is our city – we will never let these cowards win and we will never be cowed by terrorism.

Best wishes,

Sadiq

#LondonIsOpen

LBFN 18 May | Borough Timelines

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From Neighbourhood Renewal to Big Society, from mental illness to hate crime, from 9/11 to integration, PCTs to CCGs, Stop & Search to SNPs, interfaith walks & WhatsApp groups – such a lot has changed!

Join us tomorrow evening 5.30pm-7.30pm as we chart the massive contribution that local gurdwaras, synagogues, mosques, temples and churches have made to the wider community and the key contribution of local multifaith networks and forums working in partnership with councils, the NHS, local police & fire services.

Add your significant dates to our timeline (it will be posted online soon), hear from faith forums & public sector officers across the capital and be part of an engaging debate on the current context.

With us will be practitioners from Kensington & Chelsea, Harrow, Wandsworth, Hounslow, Islington, Tower Hamlets, Richmond, Lambeth, Havering, Westminster, Southwark, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, Enfield, Croydon, Barnet & the City, with borough London Resilience managers and local police officers.

If you plan to join us & haven’t yet confirmed your place, email asap.  We are meeting at Voluntary Action Islington, 200a Pentonville Road (near the junction with Killick St, next to Cycle Surgery), N1 9JP (King’s Cross tube).

As well as news from key faith forums across the capital, we’ll hear from:

  • Malik Gul, WCEN
  • Yvette Ellis, VAI
  • Steve Miller, FbRN
  • Matt Scott, London Voluntary Service Council

and hear an update on LBFN’s social labs:

  • safety & security (with London Resilience & Ecclesiastical Insurance)
  • peace-building
  • health & wellbeing
  • European links
  • intersectionality

There will be plenty of time to share news and ideas and a simple vegetarian meal will be served.

Look forward to seeing you there!

17 May | Greenwich | Southwark | Lewisham | Tower Hamlets

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For all who were involved in London 2012 (and everyone who wished they had),  Hamid Vaghefian has been in touch about an exciting sporty event and festival in four of our boroughs.  He writes:

“Imagine a major mass participation event that celebrates London’s multi-cultural diversity, brings local communities together to inspire social change, and welcomes all ages and abilities.

The Big Half will be truly global, uniquely local – but for this, we need you!

Sported is thrilled to be teaming up with London Marathon Events to give you, your group and your local community an amazing opportunity to be a big part of the festivities.

Together, we would like to extend a warm invitation to attend a special Big Half community launch event at 10:00am Wednesday 17th May 2017 at Rainmaking Loft, 1 International House, St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1UN where you will get the chance to:

  • Find out all about The Big Half, The Big Relay, The Little Half and The Big Festival.
  • Get involved and become one of the first community groups to sign up. Get the chance to say “We were there at the start!”
  • Learn how you can use The Big Half to promote and fundraise for your group.
  • Have your say and help us deliver a uniquely local event.
  • Network with other community groups in your local Borough.

London Marathon Events is delighted to announce the launch of The Big Half – an exciting new event and festival that will feel and be like no other!  Coming to the streets of Greenwich, Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Lewisham in March 2018.”

Come along to the launch event on Wednesday 17 May 10am-12 noon at Rainmaking Loft London, 1 Saint Katharine’s Way, E1W 1UN.  Register your place here.

Spring: upcoming events in London

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Spring has sprung!  And so have the opportunities for local public sector organisations and Londoners of all faiths and none to get together and make a positive impact on our local communities.

Tuesday 25 April  Making My Wishes Known. With Lambeth Council’s Adult Safeguarding team and Faiths Together in Lambeth, a chance to think about what you would want to happen in a care or treatment crisis. Book your place here.

Thursday 27 April  12.30 – 2pm: South London Interfaith Group Lunch at Streatham Friends Meeting House, Redlands Way, Roupell Park Estate, Brixton Hill, SW2 3LU. Alan Gadd writes, “A vegetarian lunch will be served at 12.30pm and then between 1pm and 2pm we will have an opportunity to share inter faith news and concerns. This month, Ken Woolhouse will facilitate a discussion on ‘Forgiveness’ with contributions from several faith perspectives.”

Wednesday 3 May 5.30pm – 7pm  Warm-up for the Great Get Together,(17-18 June) marking the anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox MP at the Abbey Centre (Parker Morris Hall), 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU. Ask questions & share ideas to help plan your own event or get your community involved, sign up and receive your information pack and make your event faith friendly: involve those who are fasting for Ramadan, observing Shabbat on the Saturday & ideas for faith groups. Book your place here www.greatgettogetherinfosession.eventbrite.com or contact Near Neighbours co-ordinator Becky Brookman.

Sunday 6 May  Belief and Beyond Belief Festival at Southbank Centre, SE1. For Good or For Ill: How Has Religion Shaped Society?  Talks and panels throughout the day, including: How Can Faiths Work Together (with LBFN friend Jasvir Singh), Does God Love Me (Religion & Equality), Religion Behind Bars, Muslim Women Breaking New Ground, Faith and Fashion, How Has Christianity Shaped Society, Terroism and Society, Religion and Education and Women Faith Leaders.

Sunday 7 May 4.00 – 5.30pm  Lambeth Multifaith Action Group at Hyderi Islamic Centre, 26 Estreham Road, Streatham, London, SW16 5PQ. LAMAG is hosting an open discussion on “Faith in the Community” and the importance of how faith communities help to shape the community around them.

Thursday 11 May  7:30pm  A Faithful Friends visit to John Bunyan Baptist Church, Queen Elizabeth Road/Hardman Road, Kingston, KT2 6RJ for a talk by the minister, Rev Ken Walker, on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was hanged in April 1945 for his part in the resistance to the Nazis

Sunday 14 May  12-5pm Barnet Multi Faith Forum’s Barnet Unity Festival of Faith and Culture at Burnt Oak Leisure Centre, Watling Avenue, HA8 0NP.

  • music, dance and drama stage performances
  • sports zones
  • cooking demos
  • arts and crafts
  • children’s entertainments
  • food stalls & refreshments
  • exhibitions

Free entrance but it would help Barnet Multi Faith Forum if you register your place here.

Monday 15 May  Deadline for Westminster Faith Exchange‘s Annual Children’s Art Competition.  The theme for 2017 is ‘Being Alone.’ The competition is open until Monday 15 May, entry is free, and there are lots of prizes to be won. Find details and application forms here.

Wednesday 17 May 4-5pm  Westminster Cathedral Interfaith Group, Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace, SW1P 1Q.  Speaker is Rose Hickman, Community Partnerships Coordinator at The Passage.

Saturday 20 May   Westminster Interfaith’s ever popular 32nd Annual Multi-Faith Pilgrimage for Peace, starting from Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, Arnos Grove at 9.15am and ending at the North London Sikh Gurdwara, New Southgate at about 6.30pm.  This pilgrimage attracts hundreds of people.  Book your place and find the information you need here.

Sunday 21 May 1pm – 4.30pm Lewisham Annual Walk for Peace. Organised by Lewisham Police, this year’s interfaith walk through Lewisham will visit a synagogue, a church, the Islamic Centre, a Hindu temple, and the Civic Suite. Details from John Biddle at Lewisham Police.

Sunday 21 May 10am – 5.30pm Faiths In Tune Festival at the British Museum  A diverse stage music and dance programme as well as an interfaith community fair where visitors can learn about and get in touch with various faith and cultural communities from all over London.  With the ever-popular Pearls of Islam duo and LBFN friends & multifaith group Berakah Arts.

Wednesday 14 June – Thursday 15 June London School of Economics Faith Centre. Conference: Religious Imaginations and Global Transitions – how narratives of faith are shaping today’s world.  Includes Karen Armstrong and Prof Mona Siddiqui.  Book here.

Wednesday 21 June 4-5pm  Westminster Cathedral Interfaith Group, Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace, SW1P 1Q.  Speaker is Jeremy Rodell of the British Humanist Association.