Members of Hounslow Friends of Faith stepped out on 22^nd June on their annual Walk of Peace and Friendship.  The walkers were welcomed at five faith institutions in Isleworth, representing Muslim, Sikh, Christian and Quaker communities all within a radius of less than two miles.  At each stop, a short presentation provided over 40 participants with an insight into beliefs and practices; and refreshments reinforced the spirit of friendship.

Insights learnt                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Members heard how the Sikh school uses stories from other religions in their faith teaching.  The Quakers highlighted their concern for peace and community building.  The Islamic Centre reminded us that only a tiny minority of Muslims are extremely radical and are not in any way representative of the vast majority. St John’s Church also mentioned community, highlighted by their successful summer fair the day before.  The nuns in Gumley House exemplified the inspiration to service.

Mayor’s support                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Councillor Corinna Smart, the Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow, showed her support by joining the walk.   One concrete outcome of the event was a proposal to establish closer ties between two of the institutions.   ‘Very informative’ and ‘learned a lot’ were two of the feedback comments and suggestions were made for future visits.

Does involvement with other faiths weaken or strengthen one’s own faith?  How can people remain true to their own faith, but also engage meaningfully with others?  How should people behave who belong to faiths which seek to recruit new members?

These issues will be touched on by Rev Dr James Walters at a talk on Wednesday 16^th July.  James is chaplain and interfaith adviser at the LSE, an institution known in the past at least for radical and secular studies.  There is however now a new interfaith centre which James has helped set up which is used by a wide range of faith groups with its own interfaith programme.

The talk takes place at the Parish Centre, St Michael and St Martin’s Church, Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EH at 7.30pm and is open to all.  For catering purposes it would be helpful if you could let us know if you are coming. Contact details on the Home Page.

Hounslow a local resource

Hounslow borough contains within its borders an ideal resource for teaching children about the world faiths in terms of buildings and people.  Schools do not have to go far to give students hands on experience of faith buildings and practices, yet this can be an underused resource.  How can this be overcome?

Sharing experiences

HFOF laid on a training course for 14 RE teachers in June to highlight places of worship which welcome visits. Examples of good practice and teaching tips for visits were offered and experiences shared.  For example, some parents do not wish their children to visit some places of worship.  This can be overcome by inviting parents to come along themselves.

Feedback

Feedback from the teachers was very positive.  There were requests for further sessions on linking RE with other areas of the curriculum, assessment and using the commemoration of World War 1 in RE in addition to history classes. Due to changes in funding, there are now fewer opportunities for RE teachers to meet to share updates and teaching tips and this session also provided this opportunity.

Our 2014 interfaith walk takes place on Sunday 22nd June and will visit five places in Isleworth. St John the Baptist Church, Gumley House and Brentford and Isleworth Quaker Meeting House have been part of the Isleworth landscape for 160 years and more. The Walk will include all three and also visit the new Sikh free school in Wood Lane and the Hussaini Islamic Mission on Thornbury Road.

The route
The day starts at St John’s Church in St John’s Road at 11.30am, moves to the Hussaini Islamic Mission in Thornbury Road at 12.15, the Nishkam Sikh faith school in Wood Lane at 1.45, Gumley House Convent at 2.45 and reaches the last stop at Brentford and Isleworth Quaker Meeting House at 4pm. Lunch will be available at the Hussaini Mission in Thornbury Road around 12.15 and tea with Brentford and Isleworth Quakers at 4pm.

The walk is open to all, whether of a faith or not, but to help with catering please let us know you’re coming via the contact us tab or ring 07812 833635.

Some history
The land to build St John’s was donated in 1846 by the Duke of Northumberland along with a sum of £2000.

Gumley House was built even earlier, in 1700, by John Gumley, a successful cabinet maker as his family home. In 1795 it passed to Benjamin Angell, one of the founding members of the Quaker Meeting House, in Quakers Lane, Busch Corner and still in use today.

In 1841 Gumley House was sold to Madame d’Houët, foundress of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, who established two schools. These developed in the 20th century into St Mary’s primary and Gumley House secondary. The house itself is still the home of a community of Roman Catholic Sisters.

Changes and continuity
In recent years population changes in Isleworth and around have added other faiths to our community. The Hussaini Islamic Mission have for over 20 years used a former church building in Thornbury Road. Walkers will hear about Friday and other prayers, how festivals are marked and education is provided for the young people of the group. Continuing the theme of education, the new Nishkam Sikh multi-faith free school is currently based in Wood Lane. Half the places are available for families of non Sikhs who favour a faith school.