Remaining true to your own faith – the value of interfaith encounter
filed in Event on 27 Jul 2014
Not many would have thought a few years ago that the London School of Economics, a university of the social sciences, would have a purpose built interfaith centre. Rev Dr James Walters, the Director explained the background and the benefits in a talk at HFOF’s AGM on 16th July. Drawing a parallel with residents in some parts of Hounslow, Dr Walters highlighted how many students come originally from overseas and that for many their faith is part of their identity. Faith and belief are now a strand in the Equality Act which organisations must provide for. The centre has developed as a place where students can practise their faith, meet and learn from others and take part in discussions and dialogue on issues of interest and common concern, particularly justice and peace. Many return to their home country and use what they have learnt through understanding better people of other faith traditions. Each year a group visit local primary schools. The children learn that university could be a possible choice for them and see people of different faiths working positively together. Dr Walters recognised how faiths have different emphases. However the search for truth is universal and we should look beyond ourselves and be open to the wisdom of others. Challenge is good he felt and can make us look at our own faith with fresh eyes. People may be drawn to the more fundamentalist form of any faith because it offers simple answers. This may be because we do not feel knowledgeable enough to provide the answers people are seeking. There is a need to speak more clearly about our own faiths and to support religion which is life affirming he said.
The photo shows HFOF committee member Anne van Staveren presenting Dr Walters with a thank you gift.
Eric Pickles praises Muslims
filed in Community, Event on 23 Jul 2014
The Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government attended a Big Iftar event in Hounslow this month and used the occasion to praise the contribution Muslims make to British Society. Iftar is the breaking of the fast each evening during Ramadan when Muslims fast during daylight hours. The Ismaili Muslim Community in Hounslow opened their doors for good fellowship and good food and to show non Muslims what the holy month is all about. Ramadan is a time when members of the community give generously to charity. The group have been busy packing boxes of items to donate to homeless charities as part of the Share a Smile initiative. During the evening Mr Pickles lent a hand to complete the last box.
Guests present included representatives of the different strands of Islam and Baha’i, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Sikh faiths. Also present were the Yemeni Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Abdulla Ali Al-Rahdi, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the newly appointed Under Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government and Seema Malhotra, the MP for Feltham and Heston.
Living in Britain, Muslims are encouraged to reach out, to build bridges and to work with colleagues and neighbours around them who are not Muslim, to share their faith and build on their shared values. The Big Iftar is a national initiative, started a year ago as a way of doing this.
Representatives of HFOF were pleased to accept generous invitations to two other iftar events this Ramadan, the Centre of Spirituality and Cultural Advancement in Feltham and the Darussalam Centre in Heston.
NATIONS – A celebration of Music and Dance
filed in Community, Event, Music on 22 Jul 2014
As part of Multicultural Month Saturday 25th October is to be day of music and dance. It will take place in the Treaty Centre in Hounslow.
Carillion who run Hounslow Library Services are inviting Music and/or Dance groups who would like to take part to get in touch.
In addition, groups representing cultural organisations are welcome to run a stall to share information, make or sell crafts or other merchandise or run workshops.
African Drummers and Brazilian Capoeira Dance are already booked to take part.
To find out more contact Kieran Nagi as soon as possible and before 15th August on 0845 456 2800 or kieran.nagi@carillionservices.co.uk