Luton Peace Walk marks 30th Anniversary
Faith Matters Column (Luton News) 30th Sep’26
More than 200 people came together to mark the 30th Anniversary of Luton’s Annual Peace Walk starting at St Mary's Church, and continuing to Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Luton Central Mosque. Participants were warmly welcomed and learned more about the beliefs, traditions and community work of each faith community.
Prof. Zafar Khan, Chair of Luton Council of Faiths, welcomed and encouraged all to continue promoting unity, acceptance and respect in what are looking difficult times ahead.
Reverend Canon Mike Jones at St Mary's Church said the aim of the Peace Walk is to make "our relationships bigger than our differences." He rejected any interpretation of Christianity that seeks to exclude or divide people, saying that such views are contrary to Christ’s message of peace and reconciliation.
He affirmed that anyone who feels vulnerable, threatened or isolated because of their faith, skin colour, ethnic or cultural identity should know that they are not alone and that we as communities of faith must stand together in support of one another.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, reflected on the symbolism of 30th Anniversary as a ‘Pearl Anniversary’, explaining that pearls are formed gradually, layer upon layer, through patience and perseverance. She suggested that the Peace Walk represents a similar process, with relationships, trust and friendship having been built steadily over three decades. She praised the Peace Walk as a positive response to division and intolerance, and a powerful example of communities coming together.
Luton's Mayor, Cllr. Javed Hussain, commended the town's voluntary and faith organisations for their continued contributions to making Luton a welcoming, inclusive and caring place to live.
The event concluded at Luton Central Mosque, where Senior Imam Hafiz Ejaz Ahmed spoke about the importance of understanding, respect and peaceful coexistence. Participants also heard contributions from local schoolchildren, the Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard, and the Bishop of Bedford, the Right Reverend Richard Atkinson, who described the Peace Walk as a "pearl of great price" that continues to strengthen community relationships.
As Luton celebrated 30 years of the Peace Walk, organisers from the Luton Council of Faiths, Grassroots, Near Neighbours Programme, local faith groups, and volunteers, were thanked for their long-standing commitment to building a united, inclusive and peaceful future for all in Luton, and beyond.