Walk of Peace October 2014

Faith Communities Join the  Walk for Peace

Some of the assembled group at the Ilford Islamic Centre

To view the full report of this event please click here

 More than 100 people from all faiths joined together on Sunday 19th October 2014 for this sixth Redbridge Faith Forum Annual Multi Faith Walk of peace.  Rabbi Larry Becker set us on our way with a message of peace drawing our attention to the fact that peace is not just about absence from war but included  absence from poverty and disease. 

The group  entered the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the former Synagogue in Coventry Road, to hear a message of peace from the Christian perspective  from Pastor Mburani.

From there we processed to  the Vihara, to hear first a Buddhist chant by Reverend Hemaratana  and the Community.  One of the younger members of the community then spoke clearly about the Buddhist teachings and life principles. 

Moving on to the Hindu Temple, Vinaya Sharma welcomed all and gave a comprehensive explanation of  Hinduism and  how peace is  an underlying  principle of  the faith. 

At the Mosque, the assembled group heard from  Imam Mohammed Sharif Ali Dowlut  who explained how Islam derives its name from the Arabic word for Peace and completely disowned the actions of those who, in the name of Islam, present a false and distorted viewpoint.

 All received a ‘goody bag’ at the Vihara and at the Hindu Temple (if they joined the walk there)  to sustain them on their walk and were also invited  for a welcome cup of tea at the Ilford Islamic centre before continuing the walk to be welcomed at the Sikh Gurdwara in the High Road. 

Mr Harbans Singh Seera  gave a most informative talk on Sikhism and the faith commitment for all to live in harmony. Walkers were given the traditional Sikh invitation to visit the langar for a delicious and sustaining vegetarian meal. This was a superb ending to a very special event where resounding  praise for the welcome at all faith venues was voiced.

One particular comment ‘inspiring to walk with others respecting others’  sums up so many of the views expressed for the walk.

This event truly demonstrated how people of all faiths and none in Redbridge (and neighbouring boroughs) continue to work together for a more peaceful and harmonious community. A number of children joined the walk and asked thoughtful and pertinent questions at each of the places of worship visited. The  Metropolitan Police Borough Commander Sue Williams  joined the walk  with her daughters. It was good to have six of our local councillors supporting this Walk of Peace demonstrating their commitment to harmony in the community.

To view the full report of this event please click here