Faith leaders unite
In a powerful display of interfaith unity, twenty-five faith leaders from Brighton & Hove came together for a unique Mitzvah Day event to support local people in need.
The gathering, which included an imam, four rabbis, a bishop, a monk, and three other Christian ministers, embodied the Mitzvah Day 2024 theme of 'Stronger Together'.
The event, held at the Brighton & Hove Jewish Community (BNJC) centre, began with an interfaith dinner and discussion at Novellino restaurant.
Following the meal, participants assembled care packs containing toiletries, facecloths, hygiene products, and treats for Safehaven weekly drop-ins run by St Peter's Brighton. These packs will be distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, loneliness, abuse, and addiction.
BNJC CEO Marc Sugarman welcomed guests, emphasizing the event's significance in demonstrating the impact of collective social action.
The event not only provided practical support to vulnerable community members but also served as a powerful example of interfaith harmony and collective action for the common good.
The Bishop of Lewes, Will Hazlewood, expressed the importance of diverse faith leaders uniting to serve those in need. He said: “It was wonderful to be in the presence of such a diverse group of faith leaders and to be reminded as we shared a meal together and packed bags of toiletries for the homeless of Brighton that we all share God’s call to serve.”
The gathering included representatives from various religious communities, including Christian denominations, Jewish congregations, Muslim groups, and Buddhist and Sikh organizations.
This diverse participation underscored the event's commitment to fostering unity and compassion across faith boundaries. Rik Childs, chair of Brighton & Hove Faith in Action, emphasized the group's dedication to bringing people of many faiths together for community service.
Rev'd Godfrey Kesari, Diocesan Interfaith Adviser, noted the significance of such cooperation in promoting peace and togetherness in a world often marked by religious conflicts. He said: “Working together beyond all faith boundaries is at the very core of a peaceful life of togetherness in our communities. Indeed, we are ‘Stronger Together’ when we come together from all faith backgrounds to build friendships.”
Mitzvah Day, scheduled for November 24, 2024, is the UK's largest faith-based day of social action. CEO Stuart Diamond highlighted how this event exemplifies the 'Stronger Together' spirit, showcasing the power of interfaith collaboration in community service.
Pictured: Reverend Ali Marshall (St Leonard's Hove Church) and Curate Emily Row (St Peter's Brighton) also attended the dinner and helped with the packing. (photos courtesy of Sophie Sheinwald)