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 6SU2 Minutes Silence
Followed by reflections from local faith leaders
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.
Local places of worship which are involved in supporting those affected include:
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.
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
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:
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 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.
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.
Dr Chris Hewer will be teaching two groups in South West London soon. These popular courses are free of charge and take place in private homes. Dr Hewer is well known in London for his work in this area.
Dr Hewer teaches with the input of his students and so they guide the way the course takes with their questions. The course runs from 09:30 to 16:30 daily. 
Diana Mills, who organises the courses says, “We ask you to bring your own lunch but coffee and tea and biscuits, are provided. The course is free but we ask for donations to cover costs.”
The first course is Saturday 29th April to Monday 1st May in Ham.
The second is Wednesday 24th to Friday 26th May in Kew.
Contact Diana to book your place.
Message from Commander Chishty, Metropolitan Police
Dear Friends,
7th Day Anniversary of Westminster Bridge Attack ‘A Bridge for all Communities’
There has been an overwhelming desire by people from all different faiths and backgrounds wanting to pay their respect to those who lost their lives, suffered injury and to show that #WeStandTogether against all forms of extremism and hate.
The attack took place on one of our most well-known bridges, Westminster Bridge and many people feel it is fitting to come together on a ‘bridge’ across our cities and towns symbolising that we have a ‘Bridge for all Communities’.
The proposal is simply for an assembly of people who want to come together at the same time that the attack took place last week and be able to
As a show of unity we felt it would be lovely if people were able to carry a single flower during the event which can be laid down as a sign that we will never forget those who lost their lives.
These 7 day anniversary events will be taking place across the country, including London, Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester, Leicester, Leeds and Sheffield.
The event in London will take place on Westminster Bridge and people will be asked to meet outside the Park Plaza Hotel on the South Side of Westminster Bridge at 1415hrs on Wednesday 29 March 2017.
With my best wishes
Mak Chishty
Commander Engagement
Join Londoners of all faiths and beliefs today to form a human circle of solidarity around Mosque during Friday prayers. The group will gather at 11.45am, in time to circle the mosque just before Friday prayers, which are scheduled for 12.10pm.
Friday 3rd February – London Stands As One #LondonIsOne #LondonUnited #WeStandTogether #LondonIsOpen
As part of our European strand of work, LBFN is delighted to host a reception for distinguished guests from the city of Berlin.
Join us at Collaboration House, 77 Charlotte Street, W1T 4PW, at 5-6pm on Monday 30 January. Register your place here.
We will hear from
Interfaith, Cities and Government is a new project launched by the European Council of Religious Leaders (Religions for Peace), bringing together interfaith leaders and local governments from European cities, to share best practice, exchange knowledge, and explore collaboration. The visit to London follows a meeting at Berlin Town Hall in October 2016 which included London Boroughs Faiths Network, Faiths Forum for London, the Metropolitan Police and the European Council of Religious Leaders.
The reception ends at 6pm but our guests have kindly agreed to stay on for some informal networking until 6.30pm.
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