It has recently been suggested our group should set up interfaith guidelines to help other organisations. Although it saddens me whenever there is exclusion, misunderstanding or unhappy  debate,  this is not a complicated situation to put right. There are (as the song puts it!) just three steps to heaven.

An initial clue comes from the Abrahamic faiths. Since the prophet Jacob's vision of angels involved climbing up and down a ladder it suggests these steps to heaven are not going to a level route. However we might visualise the outcome, according to faith background or belief, steps to heaven require a sense of direction and are not always going to be easy.

Before beginning, it may be helpful to note how stairs are constructed. That crucial difference between each horizontal step and its vertical riser may refer to the actions we are take by ourselves contrasted to those of other people. Those individuals who rely upon approval for every step, do not place their feet firmly where it matters so not surprisingly at some point either stop in their tracks or fall off.

Step 1- You find a girl to love

Wisely, the song-writer approaches Heaven on an individual basis, otherwise it could so easily be mistaken for a chemical effect in our brain, state of health or simply from feeling happy. As this is Reading Interfaith Group with its commitment to inclusion, it may be helpful to specify that this search for Heaven involves everyone and our unsuspecting "girl" in the song could and should be anyone. Whereas finding someone to convince or overwhelm is the first step to power, finding something loveable in every human being involves humble commitment and you cannot find heaven without it.

Step 2- She falls in love with you

Here it is important to note that the songwriter has moved past the next step to describe the riser beyond. Before attracting it is necessary to first become attractive! Life is a journey of discovery. We should not try to avoid this challenge by wallowing in guilt, or consider ourselves exempt because all religions, beliefs and philosophies are available to make us better people. On an individual basis this process of becoming attractive will involve recognising our failings to modify our attitudes and behaviour. Humble honest scrutiny may also challenge organisations so preoccupied with their own interpretations of the truth as to forget  their true potential or how they relate to others.

Step 3

Part a- You kiss!

This instruction is all about communication and so providing proof that you really are both that attractive.  It is also about courage because at times there is a need for someone to make the first move in caring. At this point of giving, the world usually becomes a very much better place to be in!

Part b- and hold her tightly.

Three steps to Heaven do not just apply for the good times. Even in the best relationships there will be challenges and obstacles to work through. It can be very hard indeed to communicate with someone who is angry and apparently does not love you. This is the time when you become particularly aware of belief. It is like a creed in being a list of reminders. Our refusal to lose sight of the worth and potential in another human being allows us to forgive.

Any reward, including that of Heaven, reflects the degree of effort. It may not always feel good holding our enemies tightly through thoughts, prayers and practical assistance but for the needs and opportunities of our present world I honestly believe lt is the best and bravest thing to do.

A thawing of attitudes and the weather

From a very frosty spell in both weather and the football league,  I hope very much that an apology will lead to a thaw. Shaking hands may seem like a very small gesture but it is a form of communication none the less.  After all the recent debate on racism, it was very good to be at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, where there is a strong culture of support and inclusion.

As promised I spoke to Jem Karacan to tell him all about the Friendship Dialogue Society, how they were also of Turkish origin their work for peace and the  wonderful evening I had with them last week. Playing football does seem very much like creating a Noah's Pudding. Not surprisingly, it is just like the rest of life. There are so many different ingredients all coming together, complimenting each other in a way that tastes sweet and certainly does you good!

Jem passes on his very best wishes to the group, From his recent interviews, I think he would also like everyone reading this web page to know that he has been playing particularly well lately and Reading won their match that day!

Lately I have had the privilege of attending events in which a wide sector of the community was represented, At Holocaust memorial Day in particular, I noted a number of individuals who had come to my community as refugees but now have the opportunity to live safely among our happily very multi-cultural community and share their experiences. It stuck me then that we have to be be vigilant about any kind of discrimination and cannot take peace for granted. If you see any kind of injustice taking place, then perhaps you should take the risk and say something about it.

Such issues which lead to genocide and war begin gradually through lack of education and deliberate manipulation of the truth. Very soon it becomes acceptable to deprive certain individuals of human rights. For this reason I would challenge anyone claiming to tackle racism without truth as it foundation.

The search for truth involves humility. For very good reasons not everyone is trained as a lawyer. In these days of celebrity and social networking, it may be possible to overlook the many different ways in which a reputation may be established. Some are very good at kicking a football or noting an infringement. There may be hidden motives whilst those with the most followers may not necessarily have the most knowledge about every subject.

Access to the truth also relies upon evidence. For this reason we have a law by which anyone facing prosecution is considered innocent until it can be proved that they are guilty. This process needs to be undertaken in the right order. It is crucial that only those best qualified and with access to all the evidence should determine guilt or otherwise. Once sentence has been passed, it might well be appropriate for others such as employers to take action. Consequently, despite the severity of charges or the importance of his role in the community, the board of Tottenham Hotspur FC retained the services of a particularly capable manager, and are no doubt as delighted as I am by the outcome of that trial.

Lately there has been some talk of exceptions to this law. Holocaust begins by marking out individuals as being exempt, avoiding the main issues and so creating scapegoats. To me there is no compromise.  There is no such thing as a valid target. Every human being matters and consequently has a right to protection through law. Frankly I do not care how much professional footballers are paid, whether I should like the guy or what John Terry's past indiscretions might be.  It is up to the jury to determine guilt, not me.

In this case I cannot help noting an observation that we are dealing with an incident rather than a character reference. The captain of Chelsea FC would require his entire squad to feel motivated and involved so could not possibly be a racist. Any implication otherwise would suggest all this clubs trophies achieved through this leadership were gained solely by those of the same ethnicity as John Terry!  Considering the likes of Chelsea players that even I can name, this would surely be rather a racist observation.

I am full of admiration those individuals who have made considerable sacrifices so that right (and with this a right society) might eventually prevail. Telling the truth and standing up for what you believe is not the best way of gaining popularity among those seeking merely white-wash solutions. At times it can be very hard maintaining your belief in other people although I would guess this is one difference between being a manager and a player.

For those wishing to challenge racism in football  it may be helpful to hear the views of some students I was speaking to last week. This very mixed race group were insulted by strategies to portray them as being victims in need of some paternalistic support from bodies such as the FA. Most individuals are a great deal stronger than they seem. Racism is high on the political agenda right now although Football is also notorious for its views on homosexuality and the ways it can sometimes treat women. At times we need to be reminded of our strength and possibilities. The real victims in any kind of discriminatory situations are those who through lack of knowledge miss out on so much of the human race.

Ineffective shallow strategies grounded on lack of knowledge may result in simply switching targets. From attacking players on the basis of race, we are attacking a former England manager instead. To me this is not what representing England is about. I am proud of my identity, and resent seeing my national flag being used in so demeaning and derogatory way. Unlike any occupation I can think of, including that of Queen, there is an openly expressed view that the England manager now has to be English!

Through compromising the law and the truth, the English FA has made many individuals feel threatened, angry at an injustice, and unnerved by the lack of truth.  I think it would be helpful for those with the English FA to re-appraise the situation, note where mistakes have been made, show humility and seek advice.  Instead of reducing racism, by polarising both clubs and the communities they represent it does seem to me  they have managed to increase it .

Recently there has been a feature in the news about risk of vitamin D particularly during the cold weather when people are less inclined to go out and catch the sunshine. Although quite unable to comment about deficiency diseases, there would seem to be some additional benefits for those able to attend January meetings.

Lately, these have opportunities included a chance to thank Rajinder Sophal for his dedication and work with Reading Council for Racial Equality over many years besides his support for our group. For all our marketing, publicity and social networking, friendships such as those I was able to celebrate and renew that evening are undoubtedly our best resource. 

Lately I was delighted to meet up with our local Mormon Congregation again as guest at their Stakeholders conference. This very welcoming faith group which focuses so much on the family has a great deal to offer interfaith. We are particularly grateful for the structure of support behind Bev Heslin's role as membership secretary of our group.

Last week I had one of those "seventeenth century nun experiences." following a coffee morning with a friend. Those familiar with church and cathedral gift shops may know what I mean. A middle-aged woman living in a nunnery 400 years ago could evidently see the attraction of a quiet life!

"Lord, You know better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from the craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful, but not moody. Helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but You know, Lord, I want a few friends at the end.

Going home on the bus afterwards, I still felt somewhat guilty at getting so carried away in my enthusiasm. When I began work about half an hour later it was reassuring to pick up a letter from the organisers of this year's Holocaust Memorial Day.  Despite the risk to protocol and polite conversation, since the theme for 2012 was to be "Speak up, speak out." it seemed a little bit more useful to do what is needed .

The Holocaust Memorial Event in Reading Civic Centre proved a very useful and interesting occasion. Fred Knoller, a holocaust survivor and author is a very compelling speaker. As indicative of his character and strength, this very elderly gentleman provided his own illustrations using a computer, and made quite sure his views were conveyed.  To prove that Holocaust memorial day recognises a present need, HE Ernest Rwamucyo, High Commissioner for Rwanda also spoke very movingly about his country's suffering and challenges.  Our friend Marcia Perkin's presentation involving young people from local secondary schools who had been taken to see the death camps,demonstrated the importance of education to challenge prejudice and so provide hope for the future.

Last nights Reading Interfaith Group event on the subject of "How to work for peace" proved particularly good for both body and soul. I am so grateful for Rob Deeks and Peterson Sentenga for their generosity of time and wonderful contributions to this event. For me this was not just a learning opportunity but the beginnings of a friendship for our group with the Aik Saath organisation in Slough and the people of Rwanda.  Despite recent genocide in Rwanda there is still a commitment not to give up on each other, and show the courage to forgive. Peace-making very often involves taking risks.

During last night's meeting we were surrounded by the generosity of those who support us, through their thoughts, prayers, loaning us the room, attending despite the cold weather and also providing food.  Times like these I feel so honoured to chair this quite remarkable group. Despite very different backgrounds and perspectives in which our views are shared, we enjoy being with each other. Although it may not be possible to behave like a seventeenth century nun all the time, here in our own community of Reading there does seem to be both an opportunity and a need. Through our publicity, programme of events and support for others, we have an opportunity to listen, learn, share a spiritual journey, eat rather a lot of food and set an example for others. 

A timely winter break would seem to have been very much welcomed by the group. During this time I had surgery on my eyelid to help correct some of the effects of bell's palsy. I am very grateful to the John Radcliffe Hospital for their pioneering treatment, besides the patience of family and friends who have supported me. If at times my social networking comments seem a little self-indulgent I hope you will be patient. This is because there would seem a need generally to raise awareness of what it is like to have a sudden facial disfigurement (practical, psychological and with communication) whilst encouraging those affected not to feel ashamed of their disability or tempted to hide away.

The theme for our next event has been chosen in response to Holocaust commemorations taking place at this time. Our challenge of "How to work for peace?", is not just based on the painful memories of an older generation. For refugees, some living in our own community whose families are still torn apart by conflict, those motives behind the Holocaust are an all too present reality. In the work place, among faith groups, when friends and family fall out, for those marginalised by fear, ignorance, and discrimination there will always be a need for those capable of making a stand for peace.

Those familiar with this web page will already know about my grandfather who was a pacifist and conscientious objector. When the First World War broke out, he volunteered for the Army Medical Corps  to serve on the Western Front as a stretcher bearer. After the war he regularly attended meetings organised by the League of Nations. These local branches of an international organisation discussed current events whilst their resolutions were passed on to political leaders. Shocked by the trauma of the First World War its members actively promoted collective disarmament and peace through negotiations.

Prompted in part by my grand-parents enthusiasm for peace, it was arranged that my father should spend some time living with my grandmother's German friend and her family. For several months my father was very well cared for and happy. This nine year old boy probably enjoyed the adventure, to experience a different culture and learn a new language. As part of this hospitality  my father went to school with German children and almost certainly encountered social activities provided by the Hitler Youth Movement.

At the time it was thought better to concentrate on a more positive portrayal of Nazism as being an understandable response to defeat, economic hardship and expression of national identity. Any violence was considered incidental and that a problem ignored would eventually go aware.

On my father's return to England, his suitcase was discovered to be full of leaflets. No body knew how they got there but they were immediately destroyed. Confronted by the Nazi propaganda machine in a child's luggage, my shocked grandparents may have regretted a missed opportunity to educate the German people by sending some leaflets of their own. Within a few months the government's policy for appeasing Nazi Germany and its allies was in tatters, the cruelty and deceit of Hitler had become fully evident, and my grandfather's beloved League of Nations was in tatters.

The day war broke out my grandma took a half cooked chicken from the oven of their Croyden home and drove to Reading. Having survived the risk of food poisoning and to avoid the risk of living next to an aerodrome, they rented a vacant missionary's house in Eastern Avenue. My father and his brother attended school at Leighton Park where the pacifism of his parents could be respected and understood. Such sensitivities were not reflected by all his relatives. Adults can at times be a little embarrassing. When  a visiting uncle arrived in uniform and parked his armoured car on the Leighton Park playing fields it caused a bit of a sensation!

During school holidays my father helped out on a farm near Newbury. Since pilots stationed at the Greenham Common air base were regularly invited to join them for Sunday dinner, there was much sadness whenever one of their former guests went missing. It was evident then as it is now that those prepared to make huge sacrifices to protect their values, country and those that they love will always be deserving of support. Those who decided to be a conscientious objectors also showed considerable courage. Some worked in a medical capacity, organised humanitarian relief or diffused bombs because a value is not the same as apathy or cowardice. This can never be justified as an excuse to do nothing.

From time spent in Germany before the war my father also knew that war affects both sides. Other individuals, families and communities were also suffering loss. Through understanding of a shared tragedy, the friendship between my Grandmother and her German friend continued to survive the war.

As a regular attender at Reading Quaker Meeting, my grandma almost certainly knew Phoebe Cusden. In 1947 this Quaker mayor of Reading witnessed first hand the suffering in Germany and organised charitable collections. The Reading Dusseldorf Association was established through humanitarian concern and a renewed commitment for peace. It remains one of the oldest partnerships between towns in the world. Thanks to the commitment and support of volunteers, the Reading Dusseldorf Association continues to hold meetings to inform people about Düsseldorf, raise funds, and provide social educational and cultural opportunities. On February 10th there will be an opportunity to find out more about the work of this organisation set up by a former Reading mayor, which brings communities together.

Thanks to generosity of time and considerable expertise, Reading Interfaith Group also continues to work for peace. Our leaflets advertising events of education, reconciliation and support for others are now ready for distribution. Poster illustrating this process of reaching out are based on the arches of Reading Abbey ruins. They have been designed by a kind volunteer networking through the Facebook site.

Initially our literature will be sent to libraries community and arts centres through the support of Reading Borough Council.Through the kindness of our membership and perhaps a little postage, we also hope posters can be displayed by faith groups and at other appropriate venues.  Do please get in touch with us if you would be able to help.  As with all our activities, this challenge of reaching out to promote peace through knowledge and understanding is a responsibility to share. 

Those elements for goodness and reconciliation have to be pro-active or else the message and the opportunity will be lost.  Peace continues as a work in progress.  as we in turn build a world fit for our own children and grandchildren of justice, safety, opportunity and peace.