Faith Matters: Inspiring shared humanity
By David Jonathan, Grassroots & Luton Council of Faiths.
This year’s Church of England St Albans Diocesan Inter Faith Week event at St Albans Cathedral welcomed around 150 people from Beds, Herts, and Barnet. The theme was “How do we serve our communities”. Nearly 20 stalls showcased projects supporting refugees, winter kits for homeless, and those with dementia, eco-projects, peace gardens, food banks, soup kitchens, and inter-cultural cooking classes.
St Albans School students performed song and poetry that enthralled everyone. Dr Lesley Grey noted, “Events like tonight give me hope for a brighter future for my students. I see their tolerance and understanding expand, and their willingness to work with others is inspirational.”
Jewish and Muslim friends Adam and Akhtar spoke warmly of working together despite global tensions, visiting schools and communities to model solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
Dignitaries including HM Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss and HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada affirmed hope and solidarity and announced future community events to deepen community partnerships.
The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral welcomed all, and recalled St Albans’ foundation story of Alban sheltering the priest Amphibalus, who was fleeing persecution of Christians in Europe in the third century. She called it the story of strangers becoming friends, and said, “In that hospitality, the world was changed, as Alban courageously sacrificed his life to protect Amphibalus, and his faith. This place has since been a place of pilgrimage, inspiring shared humanity amongst people of all faiths and none.”
Bishop Richard Atkinson warned against divisive nationalism. He condemned misuse of Christian symbols by the far-right: “The cross is the ultimate sign of sacrifice for the other. Jesus calls us to love both our neighbours and our enemies and to welcome the stranger. Any co-opting and corrupting of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable.”
Inter Faith Advisors Revd Dr Alec Corio and Ulrike Hunt emphasised the Week’s role in widening participation and strengthening partnerships. Alec said, “Our Christian faith compels us to share in the radical hospitality of the cross, by seeking to build relationships that honour the differences between world religions and celebrate what all people share, together.”
The event closed with a St Alban shrine tour, leaving participants with a sense of shared purpose and hope.