MULTI-FAITH WALK OF PEACE 10TH SEPTEMBER 2017
Redbridge Faith Forum was delighted to welcome so many participants to the Multi-faith Walk of Peace held on Sunday afternoon in Central Ilford. This year the event started at the Holocaust Memorial Garden in Valentines Park where 70 assembled walkers heard a very moving talk from Rabbi Michael Pertz who spoke about the need for forgiveness and reconciliation and the need to move on from atrocities such as the Holocaust which had affected his family personally.
A booklet (to view click here) was given to each participant which included a map of the route to be walked, a description of the venues and information about the different religions including prayers for peace.
More participants joined the Walk as it progressed and some of the original walkers left before the end due to other commitments – overall over 150 people participated and venues visited were
- the Buddhist vihara in Balfour Road
- the Hindu Temple in Cleveland Road
- Ilford Islamic Community Centre in Albert Road
- Saints Peter’s and Paul’s Catholic Church in High Road
- and the Karamsar Gurdwara in High Road
Inspirational talks were given at each venue and refreshments were enjoyed at the Vihara, the Islamic Centre and at the Gurdwara where everyone was invited to stay on to attend the Langar to enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal. Click here for the transcript of the Buddhist talk and click here for the transcript of the Sikh talk.
The Walk proved to be a wonderful time of sharing and Redbridge Faith Forum is very grateful to all the faith communities who graciously opened their doors in welcome and to everyone who participated including police Faith Community Liaison Officers Shaz and Kaser who kindly provided an escort. A fuller report including photographs is available by clicking here
The theme of peace will be further continued at the next Network Meeting on 31st October at 12.45 pm in the Central Library when “Building Bridges” will be the topic we will be discussing in depth and all are welcome.
Comments received in feedback about the Walk of Peace included:-
“It was wonderful to take part in this Redbridge Peace Walk. I feel that we are bringing communities together, which will make our society more peaceful”
“Very interesting. I have lived here all my life and this is the first time Redbridge really felt like one community”
“A very refreshing experience, positive conversation, listening to others. Each place of worship gives a very good account of itself”
“It was a great event and my father and I learnt a lot.”
“So good to hear young people’s thoughts”
“A wonderul time. Great chance to speak and share. Thank you very much”
“A great success – year on year the numbers increase – the joy of people coming together in warmth, peace and goodwill is something wonderful to witness. Great to see the regulars and great to see those new to the walk. May the message of community cohesion continue to spread”
“It was a wonderful experience meeting the old and the new participants of different faiths and sharing the word of peace at the walk. We are so lucky to have Redbridge Faith Forum. Everything is good about the walk. Everyone was enjoying the spirit together. Many thanks to all faith places of worship for refreshments and all.”