An Update - Maidenhead Faith leaders from the town sharing talks
An update from Fr Jeremy following the shared faith events:-
Reflections on the challenge of Rabbi Jonathan Romaine to the Muslim, Christian and Jewish faiths in the light of attacks made in Pittsburgh, Christchurch, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Over the last couple of month’s I joined Imam Abid Hashmi and Rabbi Jonathan Romaine in making visits to each other’s places of worship to share the theme practicing our religion, living in harmony with one another and seeking the common good. My experience of visiting both the Mosque and Synagogue in May and July was a very positive one. The faith community at the Mosque welcomed me warmly. Following my address, I was given a share of the peace by all the community. I enjoyed hospitality with Imam Hashmi following the act of worship and we discussed the meaning of compassion.
At the Synagogue members of All Saints joined the service on the Friday evening for a moving act of sung worship. Following the service again we were encouraged to share in hospitality and conversation.
Both Rabbi Jonathan and Imam Hashmi gave excellent addresses at All Saints Church. Two themes emerged for me. That we share the pilgrim journey together and as Jonathan explained our faith is not passive. Imam Hashmi explained the roots of our three faiths like a tree with branches that flourish.
For my part I focussed on the word compassion and how our schools are encouraging young people to value what they have in common rather than what might divide us.
Interestingly Lord Bourne, Minister for faith at the ministry of housing communities and local government met with faith leaders from Maidenhead recently as he was hearing encouraging stories from Maidenhead of how the faith communities are encouraging community cohesion. Rabbi Jonathan I know hopes that the example of sharing talks in each other’s place of worship might be spread across the country.
Thank you, Rabbi Jonathan, Imam Hashmi and your faith communities for welcoming us and sharing valuable lessons for us to learn.
Fr Jeremy
THE ORIGINAL INFORMATION
Underneath all faiths is a commonality
The idea of Faith leaders from the town sharing talks came from Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Romain. Jonathan’s idea is to spread a message of peace and solidarity following the attacks in Pittsburgh, Christchurch, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Jonathan added ‘I felt the religious leaders had to rise to the challenge and show that, while we cannot control what extremists do, mainstream communities can forge a better way forward.’ Jonathan wants us to highlight that Jews, Christians and Muslims can practise their own religions and live in harmony with each other. The hope is that ‘this will serve as a pilot project that will be emulated throughout the UK.’
Talks are scheduled as follows:-
Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain is speaking at All Saints at 10am on Sunday 21st July
Fr. Jeremy is speaking at the Synagogue on Friday 19th July at 8.30pm finishing at 9.15pm followed by refreshments.
Imam Abid Hashmi sharing thoughts at Maidenhead Synagogue Friday June 28th 8.30pm
Imam Abid Hashmi is speaking at All Saints at 10am on Sunday 23rd June
Fr Jeremy is speaking on Friday 3rd May at 2pm at The Mosque in Maidenhead.
Fr Jeremy preached on this topic at All Saints on Sunday 28th April 2019 - a copy of the sermon can be found here - and a selection of past sermons can be found here.