This event was timed to follow Interfaith Week and the Very Reverend Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester Cathedral, delivered a most inspiring talk entitled “Interfaith: connection and inclusion for the common good.” Over forty people zoomed in to hear the Dean talk about how we should all celebrate diversity and difference in our cities and towns, as we are all made in the image of God. He cited Nelson Mandela as an example of someone who had a vision of the common good, someone who was able to make peace even with those who had put him in prison for 27 years. Mahatma Gandhi also had a vision of a united humanity. The Dean contrasted these great men with what has been happening in the United States where the common good is not put first and he prayed that things would calm down there swiftly.

Dean Govender suggested that Mandela’s vision of enemies living in peace together should be an example to us and that we should create conditions where all people can flourish. We should look for the well-being of everyone, celebrate difference and make connections with people outside our normal boundaries. Our Interfaith group is a good example of this and we must ensure that religion does not divide people. No one should think his or her religion is better than the others, as all the religions are connected and we are all humankind. Inclusion of others is important, regardless of gender, creed or sexuality. We should work together – as Rabbi Jonathan Sacks said, “Face to face is good but side by side is better.” The Dean challenged us by asking what we were doing to promote this vision? We each must develop harmony, respect and compassion for the homeless, the poor and for children.

Following his address there were many questions and the discussion ranged far and wide, from suggesting projects we could all do together, comparisons between life here and in South Africa (the Dean’s original home), the problems of aging congregations in churches and the need to attract young people, the evils of terrorism and whether faith schools should be banned or not. The Dean stressed the importance of promoting the common good and good values, and how we must look to the future.

It was an excellent evening and we thank the Dean most sincerely for a truly uplifting and positive experience.

Carolyn Jones (Hon. Sec., Altrincham Interfaith Group)

https://youtu.be/USk2NvCWBFA

The “Young Voices” event proved to be one of the most inspiring and uplifting occasions ever hosted by Altrincham Interfaith Group. Screened via Zoom, a panel of six young people from a variety of faith groups (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Baha’i and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) each talked about an aspect of his or her faith that they particularly enjoyed and then answered questions put forward by those listening. Hosted by Ann Angel and Robert Shield from Menorah Synagogue, and with Rahma Anis as facilitator, the main theme that emerged was that all the panelists enjoyed being part of a community and that their main desire was to help others. Firstly Aisha, a Muslim, talked about the sense of community and family that Islam brought, as did Becca from the Jewish tradition. James, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints found his experience in the townships of South Africa very meaningful, whilst Josh, a Catholic, went to help the poor in Sierra Leone. Nabil, from the Baha’i faith, stressed the oneness of humanity and brotherhood of all people and his enjoyment in teaching children and watching them develop. Likewise Sharada, a Hindu, enjoyed teaching religion to children via VOICE (Vedic Organization for Indian Culture and Education) and visiting schools and colleges to talk about Hinduism. She also loved the colourful Hindu festivals and dances.

How these young people tackled questions showed how very articulate and thoughtful they all were. The question – What are some of the challenges and response to these challenges that your faith will face in the future – produced interesting answers. Aisha discussed the existence of preconceived ideas about Islam, and how the media cause a lack of understanding of the faith and even hostility, and how she tried to combat this by showing the true face of Islam. Joshua also said people had the idea that his Catholic church was closed when in reality it welcomed everyone, regardless of race or denomination, while Nabil (Baha’i) discussed the challenge of Coronavirus and the difficulty of engaging with and helping people during lockdown.

They were also asked – How important are the Holy books to you, when they were written so long ago? James told how the Book of Mormon and the Bible were still helpful even now, while Sharada said that core messages from the Hindu books could still be applied today. Becca had studied the Torah and found she could apply it to modern life.

Asked whether Science and Religion could co-exist produced some differing replies, with more conservative responses from James (LDS Church) and Aisha (Muslim), who believed in creation by God, while Nabil (Baha’i) believed in harmony between science and religion; science helping us to understand the world but religion providing a spiritual aspect.

When asked whether there is a balance in teaching about different faith groups, it transpired that it was mainly the Abrahamic faiths that were taught, with little focus on Hinduism. A question about discrimination produced some interesting responses, with James describing his fellow students as thinking him “weird” because he went to Church, while Nabil found he could practice his Baha’i faith freely in the UK, unlike other places in the world. He said we should celebrate other religion, as we are all really one. Becca had noticed a rise in anti-Semitism in the press but she herself had not experienced anything too extreme.

All the panelists agreed that youth was really important in religion, that it was their responsibility to present a more vibrant representation of their faiths. They all expressed a desire to contribute in a meaningful way to the world, which was very uplifting to hear.

Ann Angel thanked Rahma for her expert facilitation, the panelists for their sensitive and stimulating contributions and members of the committee for finding such amazing panel members. It really was a very uplifting event and with such young people in our communities it makes one very hopeful for the future of the world.

Register to join this unique event on Thursday, 10th September evening, where we get an opportunity to hear from a young speakers about “An aspect of their faith, religion or culture that they particularly enjoy” , followed by Q&A

On a windy June night 25 members of the AIG “Zoomed” in to in our biennial quiz night. Angela Fowler, our quiz-maker extraordinaire, devised and hosted a stimulating, witty and fast-paced series of rounds that kept us guessing to the end. Robert Shields, our tech wizard, ensured that we could listen, talk and laugh. He also contributed a creative round of picture riddles and musical conundrums. We congratulate the winners, Val and Peter Heywood on their great score.

A significant contribution of the Altrincham Interfaith Group is that it provides us with a way of meeting and making friends with people from different backgrounds. As a speaker from a previous shared meal once said “Learning about other faiths enables you to better understand your own”. This last year has provided us with many opportunities for making friends and for learning about the faith of others.

On 25^th June, we enjoyed a spirited Cultural Entertainment Evening when Ann Angel skilfully hosted contributions from the Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Jewish communities. We had bagpipes, singing accompanied by a guitar, Hindu dancing, Muslim story-telling and Jewish choir singing. There was frequent lively audience participation in the singing. A capacity audience of all ages thoroughly enjoyed the evening in All Saints Church Hall, Hale Barns.

On 11th July, there was an informative talk on “The Buddhist Path” by Ken Garrod at Westleigh, St Vincents Church. About 40 people attended this fascinating talk. The speaker answered questions readily and helpfully.

Altrincham Interfaith Group members supported the November Remembrance Day events locally, laying wreaths at the cenotaphs.

On November 21^st Rev Bruce Thompson gave the Alf Keeling Memorial Lecture at St Ambrose Preparatory School, Hale Barns. His title was “The Responsibility of Faith in an Age of Impunity – how we might challenge the irresponsible words and actions that are disfiguring society”. It was lively and very relevant coming three weeks before the General Election. The audience of about fifty responded to his call to tackle the innuendo and hate messages on social media and in society. There was a thoughtful question and answer session afterwards.

Representatives of AIG have attended wider Interfaith occasions, including the Mayor of Trafford’s meeting on Community Cohesion; the unveiling of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Manchester Cathedral; and two very moving Holocaust occasions, a Study Day at Menorah Synagogue and the Trafford Commemoration at the Waterside Plaza, Sale.

On February 15^th we held the Shared Meal at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys. The Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Rob Chilton, attended together with 160 guests. After opening prayers by Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim representatives, we enjoyed a delicious meal provided by members show-casing their unique styles of cooking. The address was given by a member of the Hindu Community, Ghanshyam Nabar, who spoke interestingly and personally about his Hindu faith. Everyone who was there felt the friendship and warmth of the occasion and the way people from different communities mixed together.

Since mid-March we have not been able to meet due to the coronavirus lockdown but electronic communication has taken place. On April 16^th seven of us had a social Zoom meeting. We were able to share the ways different communities are keeping in touch with each other, practising their faith and carrying out social service during these unusual times.

I’d like to thank the committee for their support during the year. We are so fortunate in the services of our superlative secretary, Carolyn Jones. She keeps us in touch and co-ordinates our activities with skill and good humour – even when the computer lets her down! We are also grateful for the accountancy skills of our treasurer Gordon Levy. This year he successfully managed to secure a grant from Trafford Council which covered the hiring charge of the hall for our shared meal. Ann has ably facilitated the work of the Social Committee – on which more other members would be most welcome. Our Facebook page is kept up to date by Azhar Rasul, Cedric Knipe, Kaushik Chakraborty and Carolyn. Cedric regularly sends our contributions to the Messenger newspaper.

I hope this report gives a flavour of some of our activities this year. Thank you all for your support.

Mrs Ruth Neal (Chairman AIG)