INTERFAITH WEEK

As part of Interfaith Week in November there were two events at St Philip's Church Hall organised by St Philip's Centre. The first was ‘Sports for Women' which was to give women of all faiths, ages or backgrounds the chance to take part in sports together. There had already been events for men such as Hindu- Christian, Muslim- Christian and interfaith football and cricket matches and now it was the women's turn. There were 50 at the event and they enjoyed salsa and armchair aerobics. Fitness and diet advice was also given.

The other was a Hindu-Christian meal with an introduction by Rev Alan Race and Rev Andrew Wingate, joint chairs. The Hindu-Christian Forum was set up after the London terrorist attack to foster human relations and friendship. Julian Harrison of Leicester County Council encouraged meetings between schools by bringing county schoolchildren to experience the Golden Mile. The children found they had one thing in common; they all enjoyed Weetabix for breakfast!

Manjula Sood spoke of the great contribution that Hindus made to the city and City Councillor, Rashmi Joshi, spoke of the need to engage more closely to explore where things were going wrong and that we should let divine light shine upon us. Bishop Tim Stephens agreed saying that there is no hostility in Leicester but bridges need to be built. There is a shared concern for the protection of the environment and the poorest communities.

The meal raised funds for prisoners and ex prisoners in South India where Rev Suresh Kumar, a local priest, was a former chaplain. He talked of his work there and the fact that they are often innocent and of low income. Photographs of this event can be viewed on the Echo's website.

There are other events and courses arranged by St Philip's Centre and the women's salsa sessions are every Monday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

Margaret Young