National Interfaith Week in Kirklees

A National Interfaith Week takes place across England and Wales every November to celebrate and strengthen good interfaith relationships.

The week-long festival in November 2011 began with our AGM and celebration evening. The evening was a testimony to how mutual engagement, a shared respect and understanding can build trust and confidence in communities.

People of faith and no faith from all over Kirklees and beyond came together to learn about and celebrate different faiths through a series of ‘hands-on-faith’ workshops. Pupils from Westborough High School and Spring Grove Primary were joined by community members to make Diwali lanterns, Hanukah candlesticks, and Muslim prayer books.

A faith ‘Question Time’ event took place at Huddersfield University, where representatives fromthe Jewish, Sikh, Muslim, Christian and Hindu faiths formed a panel to answer audience questions about consumerism, the environment, peace and other big question.

Meanwhile in North Kirklees, the Al Hikmah Centre hosted an exhibition and information event about Islam and the local Muslim community, and North Kirklees Interfaith Council held its Annual General Meeting at Trinity Church with members of the local Muslim and Christian communities.

The week culminated on Friday evening at an interfaith celebration event, with music, dancing and food from each of the major faiths in Huddersfield at the Sikh Leisure Centre in Huddersfield. On Saturday morning the final event of the week took place with some much needed relaxation and meditation at the Buddhist Centre in Birkby.

Hannah Taylor from Kirklees Faiths Forum said: “The week has certainly demonstrated the rich diversity the faith communities contribute to life in Kirklees. We had so many colourful, fun and exciting activities going on throughout the week, which many people from all faiths and none came and enjoyed immensely. Interfaith Week is an important opportunity for communities to come together for positive activity, and for people to learn more about faith, and why it is important in Kirklees. Ultimately, I believe, this open dialogue and interfaith cooperation is key to a safer, healthier and happier Kirklees for us all.”

Eric Pickles , Secretary of State for Communites,said: “Interfaith Week strengthens relations, increases awareness of our different faith communities and is a great opportunity to celebrate the remarkable practical contribution that faith groups make, inspiring great numbers of people to public service. We would be poorer by far without their contribution.”

Throughout the week people also raised money for local charities which help people in crisis by providing emergency accommodation and food parcels. Participants pledged a pound to give up a little luxury such as their mobile phone or central heating for a day. It’s not too late to take part – please click here for more information.

To look at photos from the week, visit our online photo album by clicking here