FEEDBACK FROM WALKERS

Reflection: Kindness Walked Beside Me – A Journey Through Faith and Revelation

Revd. Mmasape Thathane-Tyolweni

A Walk of Witness – Kindness in Many Tongues

Today I walked, not for protest, not for ceremony, but for kindness. We moved from temple to mosque to church to Gurdwara, from the sacred to the sacred, each stop a new verse in a shared hymn.  In each place, a different name for God: Allah, Brahman, the Nameless One; yet the stories were familiar

- A Hindu priest spoke of ahimsa, the call to live without harm.
- A Buddhist shared of metta, loving-kindness that begins within and radiates outward.
- In the mosque we heard of rahmah, divine mercy extended as an everyday ethic.
- The Bahá’í speaker called us to unity and burning hearts of service.
- The Christian host reminded us that kindness is not optional; it is a fruit of the Spirit.
- In the Sikh Gurdwara, kindness became nourishment, as Langar fed our bodies and reminded us: you are welcome, and worthy, and not alone.

And in every sacred space, hospitality held us with food, with reverent quiet, with open doors and cleansed hands. Not just refreshments, but sacramental welcome.  Kindness was not spoken of. It walked with us, tray in hand, heart laid bare. What I saw today was not many religions; it was one story told in many accents:
That the divine is not far off, but always near, always inviting us to listen, serve, love.

“The Peace Walk was a wonderful opportunity to meet people of other faiths and share our

Thoughts about the topic in discussion - kindness. Kindness is a shared core value across all faiths and should be celebrated as such. With more kindness there’s more tolerance and with more tolerance more love and with more love a more peaceful and beautiful coexistence. A wonderful day. We should have more of these!”

“I thought the Walk of Peace was a wonderful event. It was very well organised and gave all the participants an opportunity to visit some of the many Places of Worship in our borough. I really appreciated that the Mayor gave up her time to take part and walk with us and also appreciated the reassuring presence of the Police Officers who accompanied us all the way.  The whole event was one of unity and cohesion. The talks given in the Places of Worship demonstrated how much we all have in common regardless of our different faiths and were inspiring and thought provoking. The hospitality offered was also excellent and is an integral part of the Walk. The atmosphere was, as always, one of conviviality, warmth, friendliness and harmony, and was what I have come to expect from each of the events that RFF organises”

“I enjoyed the walk as I always do and the theme went well. I’d be interested in a discussion about 1) an interfaith walk for children or young people. To taking a different route to different venues”

“It showed us how much we have in common than in difference”

“Lovely conversation. Friendly interaction. Thank you.”

“Great organisation to visit all places of worship. All talks were enlightening!”

“A big thank you to all the people who organised this event. It allows me to reflect on my approach to demonstrate kindness to my fellow humans.”

“I have wanted to join a faith walk for a few years and I am so glad it happened this year. It has been wonderful seeing the richness of culture, kindness and understanding that unites us all. Thank you for organising this”

“Lovely to walk with people of different faiths in Redbridge. A truly uplifting experience full of hope.”

“This is an eye opener for me. I have lived in this borough for 40 years and I am happy to join many.”

“Today’s ‘kindness’ event was a wonderful ‘baptism’ or in my case ‘refresher’ on the UKs and especially Redbridge’s diversity of faith – and how it works because the common denominator is kindness = LOVE. Thank you RFF. P.S. keep going – promoting harmony – especially among the youth”

“Excellent opportunity to connect with multi groups. Do frequently, yeah.”

“I came for the first time but it was extremely good forum and excellent walk”

“Visits interesting. Time-keeping better as we become more experienced. Still a good chance to get to know people.”

“The walk was very interesting. Every one who spoke talked about kindness and I think everyone must have picked up some little things to be kind for today.”

“What an amazing event – thank you Saira for all the organising. How wonderful to visit so many places and meet such a lot of lovely people. So important for the people of Redbridge.”

“Overall theme is kindness but it would have been nice to have heard more scriptures references from each faith’s Holy Book as to their specific teachings on kindness”

“Good walk, would be better to have faith leaders introduced better.”

“Really enjoyable event. Learnt a lot about different religions, everyone was so welcoming. Thank you!”

“Excellent event. I love doing.”

“It’s been lovely experience o be in the walk and learn about the kindness. Thank you to all.”

“I learnt a lot during the walk. I believe our community would be better if we were all kinder to one another.”

“Wonderful time. First time. I have been enjoyed so much. Thank you.”

“A very peaceful joyful and relaxed walk to very kind organisation – real cohesion of faith was truly visible.”

“Excellent as usual. Wonderful to see so many people coming together as one. Lovely welcome in all places of worship.”

“A most interesting afternoon. I have learnt so much and fascinated to see inside other religious venues. I am of the Jewish faith and would like to thank all the people involved who organised this event.”

“Learnt a lot about different religions and allowed me to learn about kindness.”

“Thank you for a much needed walk of all faiths”

“Very interesting. Nice to see so many people of different faiths.”

“Very good. Brilliantly organised. Everybody was welcomed with kindness.

“This walk made me realise you should be kind because you’re human, religion doesn’t matter, being human does.”

“More interaction with the group”

“Very interesting too. Very hospitable.”

“Very enjoyable walk. I thought each stop was truly great and all kind”

“Great afternoon.”

“It has always been an absolute pleasure to come and join the multi faith walk each year. Thank you to the organisers”

“Kindness is a beautiful word which we all know but put it in practice we normally forget when we are under pressure with other things. So please try to remember even when you are very busy. God bless you all.”

“Amazing event as always. Prompt me to coming again and again. Well done. Just what is needed.”

“it’s been a great experience to join this walk of peace. I have met a lot of community members,”

“It’s a very wonderful peace walk. We learnt much. It’s a pleasure walking together with different faiths.

“Thoroughly enjoyed the walk and learned some interesting facts of the places of worship.”