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Shared hopes
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Representatives from Maidenheads diverse faiths, and community leaders met this week for an urgent meeting on how they can work together to promote peace and understanding. The meeting on Wednesday was attended by over 70 people, and was organised by Maidenheads Inter Faith Group and representatives from its Islamic community in response to the horrific attacks in America on September 11th, and amidst concerns that misunderstandings might lead to attacks on innocent and peace-loving Muslims.
Those at the meeting agreed unanimously that they are united in shared hope for peace, and love of humanity, regardless of faith, race or background. They also wished to stress that they offered heartfelt condolences to those affected by the tragic events in New York, Washington and Philadelphia.
All agreed that as individuals, people cannot easily influence the current political situation, and that while justice should be sought, it should not be seen as revenge, terrorism must never be tolerated, and innocent people should never be harmed in any way.
Very strong hope was expressed that by displaying cooperation and a willingness to work together to promote peace worldwide and in our own community, onlookers will see our shared commitment as a sign of hope, and as an impetus to spread love and peace amongst humankind, rather than hatred or mistrust.
We can give two clear signals from this meeting said Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, from the Maidenhead Synagogue. The first is that ordinary people want as peaceful a solution as possible. The second is to show through our own example that members of different faiths can live side by side in harmony, and that the problem is NOT religious differences, but personal ambitions and political agendas.
Other religious leaders at the meeting added their opinions:
This has been an important response from community and faith leaders in response to the atrocities in America. Said Captain John Martin from the Salvation Army.
Mr Habib Rehman from Maidenhead Islamic Trust said I am fully supportive of this initiative, to encourage improved relationships between all of our faith communities.
Dr Lee Rayfield, Dean of the Anglican Area Deanery of Maidenhead and Windsor and Priest at St Peters Church, Furze Platt added I was impressed by the number of people who came from all parts of the community, and the common concern and desire to do something constructive in response to the tragic events of September 11th.
At the meeting, decisions were made to encourage continued and improving dialogue between all Maidenheads faith communities. Suggestions for further action to help this included support for schools, and the possibility for the different faith groups to hold informative talks, enabling more people to understand more about the different beliefs and traditions.
Those at the meeting felt strongly that letters ought to be drafted and sent to the US Ambassador and the British Government to impress upon them that the Maidenhead community offers its sincere condolences regarding the recent events, and is united in the desire for a peaceful and just solution. A group of people offered to help draft a letter, and it is hoped that it will be placed somewhere public such as the Town Hall or Library so that all Maidonians should have the opportunity to show their support by signing it.
Finally, all those present wished to hold an event in Maidenhead to which all were invited, so that we as a town can display our unity both in grief for recent events, and shared desire for peace and respect of each other, regardless of faith or race. An group of volunteers from the meeting agreed to work together to organise such an event.
It was simply wonderful to see how many people came to this initial meeting to show their support, said Mr Ash Hussain, who was the meetings key organiser. Let us hope that our display of shared hopes for peace lead to improved understandings and relationships in our own community and further afield. My goal is to spread the message of peace throughout the County of Berkshire. I would therefore like to appeal to enthusiastic, committed and determined volunteers to contact me, to help me with similar initiatives in our neighbouring towns and cities.
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