More than 100 faith leaders from communities across London gathered in solidarity at an event for the cause of social change and justice which aimed to “demonstrate unwavering faith and commitment to improving the lives of all Londoners”.
The “Unapologetically Faithful” event, which took place on 25 April, was organised by London Citizens of Citizens UK, a multi-faith coalition and alliance of local communities working together in England and Wales. It took place at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church in London and discussed methods of tackling injustice to build a fairer society inspired by the teachings of different faiths.
Cantor Zöe Jacobs, from Finchley Reform Synagogue, which has worked with London Citizens for over 10 years, said: “Never has there been a more important time for our religious leaders to stand together and declare that we refuse to be enemies.”
Leaders from Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities emphasised how their faith has motivated them to make changes to London. The Revd Dr Simon Woodman from Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church said: “At the heart of the Christian faith is a message of hope, that new life can break forth from situations of hopelessness.”
The event prepared people from various faith communities to participate in politics at the London Citizens Mayoral Accountability Assembly at Westminster Methodist Central Hall, which was attended by Sadiq Khan and 2,000 other Londoners.
London Citizens sought commitments from candidates running to be Mayor of London and discussed topical issues that affect our communities including housing, wages and ways to make London a more welcoming city.
Communities that took part in the event included St Martin-in-the-Fields, Iqra Primary School, Westminster Synagogue and the American International Church.
Daniel Mackintosh of Citizens UK said: “Our religious traditions courageously challenge us to build a just city. But it is hard to do across different religious traditions. Too often, leaders of faith retreat from the public sphere and we end up in talk shops. Yet, justice is realised only when we build relationships and act together across differences.”
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