Community leaders come together to discuss faith in Basingstoke

The conversation took place at the annual interfaith dinner on Thursday, November 17, and was part of Interfaith Awareness Week.

Taking place at the Fellowship Education Society, the dinner was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Paul Miller and Mrs Sandra Miller, as well as Chief Inspector Scott Johnson.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke and Deane attended the meal (credit: Basingstoke Interfaith Group) (Image: Basingstoke Interfaith Group)Other attendees included the Imam from Basingstoke mosque and members of the Muslim communities, representatives of different Christian churches and members of the Hindu and Sikh communities.

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Also present were representatives of Basingstoke’s chaplaincies, including the Hospital Chaplaincy, the Town Centre Chaplaincy, Street Pastors and the police chaplaincy.

The meal was provided by members of the Turkish community, with the theme of the meal being “Faith Awareness” in reference to the Basingstoke community.

In his welcome, the society’s research fellow spoke of the value to people like some of their members who were relatively new to the country, engaging with people in the community.

Meanwhile, a town chaplain talked about the importance of meeting and listening to people to engage with them wherever they are in life’s journey.

The chaplain also wanted to push the message that people of all faiths should respect each other.

Various religious leaders come to the meal (Credit: Basingstoke Interfaith Group) (Image: Basingstoke Interfaith Group)During the meal, there was an animated discussion about faith in the community and how each other practised and was treated because of their faith.

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Speaking after the meal, the mayor said: “It was a great pleasure for the Mayoress and me to attend the Interfaith Dinner, where we met old friends and met new ones too.

“During the evening, the speakers talked of community cohesion regardless of faith, and the importance of treating one another as equals with due respect; a message that is very much in line with my community engagement theme which has been running throughout my Mayoral year.

“Thank you to the members of the local Turkish community who provided the excellent food and to everyone involved in organising this important event.”