Sacred Spaces

Our recent event on Sacred Spaces competed with Andy Murray for an audience but was well attended and a very happy evening. Ted Milligan and Anthea West's talks were most interesting, very well received. We were all very enthusiastic during the group discussion afterwards. This did seem to be one of our events that could have gone on all night!

For those committee members responsible for the publicity and organisation of such events it is always so rewarding to see so many different faith backgrounds getting together in a happy relaxed environment to share their ideas. Many thanks to everyone who came and supported this event.

 Reading Muslim Council AGM

More recently I was invited by Reading Muslim Council to attend their AGM last Thursday. This was a very interesting and friendly event during which there was an opportunity to hear something about this organisations very practical work in the community through education, women's activitivites, pastoral care, health and sport besides supporting events such as the Reading Children's Festival. 

Abu Muntasir (JIMAS) gave a talk on "Active Citizenship as Worship." It was helpful to hear how this particular faith group uses teaching contained in the Koran to explain practical worship in the shared responsibility to work for a better world. 

Although at times a religious message can get distorted, willfully misinterpreted or genuinely misunderstood, it would seem all faiths are a means whereby we can become more compassionate, peace-loving, forgiving and better human beings.