Hounslow Friends of Faith (HFOF) was established in the year 2000 following an initiative to bring together the different faiths as part of the United Nations 'International Year for a Culture of Peace'.
Though the original intention was to hold a one-off event, very soon a small core of individuals began to meet regularly. Since then we have grown and now have approximately 40 regular members and contacts, with many others attending our events.
Members of HFOF approved a formal constitution in November 2003. We became affiliated to the Interfaith Network UK in 2004. Membership is open to all people who are connected with the Borough of Hounslow and adjoining Boroughs, by residence, work or worship and who share our aims and objectives. The annual subscription, renewable in January each year, is currently £5 for individuals and £10 for organisations. Members receive information about our forthcoming events, a copy of the annual report and notification of the Annual General Meeting.
Hounslow Friends of Faith holds various events throughout the year. Each year usually in the summer we hold a ‘Walk of Peace and Friendship’ during which we visit places of worship in the Borough, usually on foot. These occasions are notable for the spirit of fellowship, and the hospitality which is received in each place.
In the autumn we celebrate 'One World Week'. The occasion can vary from year to year. In 2004 we held a conference and in 2008 the title was ‘Going Green Together, what faiths are doing about the environment’. The event usually takes the form of a cultural occasion with music, dance, poems, talks, displays and of course food. The aim is to involve the wider community and families and we usually have dedicated activities for children.
We also hold periodic talks, and members are invited to join in with festivals and celebrations at different places of worship. Please see the diary for our current programme. Other activities have included meetings of priests and faith leaders and a conference for people in mixed faith relationships.