Contrary to many expectations Reading did not receive City Status, so it is appropriate now to congratulate the winners. We hope all new cities will continue as happy, peaceful and harmonious communities which can now build on this success. In these observations, it would seem the people of Chelmsford have been particularly blessed in having not only pinched our Bishop, but now a City too! Reading Interfaith Group has very happy memories of  working with Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell who was our patron and continues to be our friend.

Like many Reading people I am very proud of where I live. To me the town is full of bright colour and diversity, mixing together  just like the brick patterns on so many of our houses. Whenever I return from being away it is this colour against the backdrop of so many trees which impresses me. I am also passionate about our history, as those very patient friends who have ever put me on a soap box will know!.

 In our aspirations it would seem important to accept a difference between those opportunities we are able to earn and those which are a result of how we are seen by others.  Some humility is needed whenever you are hoping for or are in need of a gift. Some gifts are inappropriate, at times bought only for the packaging. They may show lack of understanding for the recipient, disappoint, even cause embarrassment, and are only fit to be recycled. Our town has often been given a choice between its sense of freedom to that of status. At Charles II's Restoration conscientious members of the Corporation (including the mayor) chose prison rather than to swear an Oath of Allegiance! A statue of Queen Victoria shows her turning her back on the town which by tradition is said to have been deliberate.

Recently it may have been overlooked that to give yourself status is comparable to boasting.There would seem little incentive for anyone (including the Queen) to give a present  to those who are stating at every possible opportunity that they have it already in everything by name.  Life is about choices which determine the kind of people we are. We might one day become a city but right now, I am just glad to be a part of this town. One day I might appreciate being taken on a Saga holiday but not yet!

Football promotion is quite different from Status because here we are not depending on a gift.  When managers give each other status its usually to gain some kind of psychological advantage. Even though the Madejski Stadium has been voted the best club in the country to visit by away supporters, winning matches is also not a matter of diplomacy. This is a competitive environment, which depends entirely on those circumstances which determine how well a team is able to play football.

Already there is talk not just of Reading being a Premiership club next season, but exactly how we wish to achieve this. From a programme-sellers perspective, and through having been quite ill first time around, getting a second chance to experience the Premiership would be quite special. The longer you wait for something however, the more special it becomes. I recall getting a complimentary programme for several members of our present team to share after half times during our time in the Premiership if ever there was one left over. These Academy players with nothing more to do on match-days than watch the success of others always used to thank me. There is so much joy in seeing football careers develop and now some lovely characters having the opportunity to sparkle in their own right about town.

In such hopes it does seem important not to become greedy or overlook previous efforts which brought us close. By not appreciating the past and those contributors to it, we can through ingratitude so easily undermine our foundations. Like the vast majority of Reading people I am not allergic to Wembley but have a wonderful memory of the play-off final last year. I remember feeling so proud of a team that already supported my community in many ways and through foot-balling ability had given us this quite unexpected opportunity to be there. Yes this did bankrupt most of the match day staff for the summer (!!!), but the investment was in going and being there in the first place. Since then everyone about the club has build on those foundations because we are all a part of the team. If they hadn't let us past the Wembley turnstiles that would have been a problem! There was absolutely no way any of us would miss it. That memory grounded on love for the club and the community it represents does not go away whatever the result this season.

Some of the things we do however are not dependant on approval or reward. Instead of remaining logical, caught up in self-preservation, or hoping for results, we are all capable of playing for a higher league. This resource acts like the mortar of a community, offering support, allowing others to fulfil their potential and holding us all together.Those familiar with the ruins of Reading Abbey will have observed that such building mortar may be composed of many different types of stone, held together by limestone that had been through fire. When mixed with water this combination becomes very strong, For much of the time it might very well be unseen.

Weathered, worn, and victim of different priorities, not much of Reading Abbey remains. A tiny plaque marks where a king who ruled the whole of England and most of France is thought to have been buried. Since the most decorated part of Reading Abbey have disappeared. its beauty now is entirely dependant on mortar.

Just as our brightly patterned town, represents the beauty and diversity of Reading, our next event on "Faith in Action" will demonstrate the depth, strength and potential of belief that can make us all better people. For this, I am very grateful to have the help of Jonathan Smith, from the Lokahi fountation

Besides his many other projects in support of interfaith and young people, we have worked together using money from the government PREVENT agenda to provide a framework for multi-faith chaplaincy at Reading College. These young people are our future- We may not be able to guarantee them status or promotion but as human beings, at times dependant on our support, there should always be a higher league to play for.

Last Wednesday's event was very much better attended than we expected. It was lovely to see the Meeting House hall full and then have the challenge of finding extra chairs. At the end of the evening it was agreed that I should take remaining cakes and biscuits to Reading College in search of hungry students. I am very much looking forward to doing this because little acts of kindness contribute to helping people of all ages and in all situations feel valued.

I am also very grateful to our speakers Rosalind Luper and Swami Ambikananda for their excellent contributions to the evening. It was lovely to have the contribution of our local Iman who came along in a spirit of friendship to present a Muslim perspective on the story of Hagar. We agreed on the likelihood of Ishmael and Isaac being friends, their families separated more by the arid climate and a practical need to find pasture for their flocks than any other reason. By the end of the evening different interpretations had given me a very much more vivid understanding of these characters than if I had merely restricted myself to reading the book of Genesis on my own.

During a very rushed chair's report I mentioned how this news page is used to describe not just the things we are doing, but also convey some of the reasons why we are doing them. This flexibility, now provides provides an opportunity to answer a question I have been asked quite a bit lately. In replying, the best I can offer is a perspective based on my own observations.

"What makes a good interfaith person?"

Honesty

At times people apologise for lack of belief (usually of God) as if this should in some way prevent them from belonging to the Reading Interfaith Group. To me this honesty represents a beginning. Interfaith requires a foundation of truth. We should be honest about what we believe, but equally just as honest when our knowledge, experience and our reasoning tells us what we do not. Whatever our beliefs or values, no human being ever quite manages to do them entirely. A culture of faith background may give individuals a head start in being thoughtful and accepting of other people but as with any inherited gift, interfaith is still something to be worked at. Every starting point is different and only the beginning of a journey.

Humility

At times there may be a temptation to treat a faith  background like a block of ice, believing it will only remain strong if kept in certain conditions. To me this undertaking to protect a set of beliefs shows a lack of respect which is not appropriate to the interfaith process. Those who choose to keep their religion out in the cold through a sense of their own importance are usually not being very accurate because at the same time they are making all its knowledge, inspiration and support irrelevant to others.

Pride tends to isolate both individuals and the groups they represent. Lack of appreciation for others also restricts your access to knowledge. We are all dummies really! Realising our limitations allows us to learn.

Trust

Human beings have been given a range of learning opportunities and a brain to process them for a reason. Blind obedience to any faith tradition is like being given an appliance as a gift, and then not bothering to turn it on. Any faith background is there to be used rather than taken merely as an ornament that apparently doesn't work when it is needed.

Loyalty

By following a faith entirely we increase our own sense of identity, motivation and are in a very much better position to communicate with others. For this reason Interfaith relies upon and supports those who are fully committed to what they believe. All religions, when followed honestly, can make us better at being human.

Generosity

At times I tell people that it is not necessary to believe in God or have a faith background to be a part of interfaith, but it is necessary to believe in and care about each other. The process of Interfaith is powered by love. You cannot create peace, justice or even fulfil just your own potential without it. 

Interfaith is not  a rather selfish quest for superiority and power through knowledge because making contact with others involves giving something of yourself in exchange.

Courage.

Knowledge is intended to challenge us. That interaction with our brains, and with our emotions is how it becomes relevant and remembered. At times this different perspective will be like a window, challenging us to explore. When it is like a mirror, reflecting what we already know, there is an opportunity to prioritise and be honest about our failings.

Leadership

A set of beliefs is worth more than an opinion because it involves action. Over the years I have met some incredible people through the Reading Interfaith Group and received a great deal of kindness. it would seem the kind of person a set of beliefs makes you is much more important that whether or not you happen to agree. We all tend to remember those individuals you can rely on. Someone who contributes to our group, to the community or to the wider community through generosity of time, resources, by listening and respecting the views of other people is still the best advertisement for a faith tradition that I know.

Perseverance

Interfaith is not like learning to type, so it would be misleading to imply that after a certain amount of practice you reach a point when doing so becomes instinctive. Instead I think it is more like climbing a mountain in which there are so many different routes, and each time you undertake that journey it becomes a little harder and a little higher. Instead of wondering and worrying about the summit of all knowledge, interfaith involves looking around to feel a sense of wonder. Here is an opportunity to be human, part of a team among all other human beings, to remember the journey travelled with all the different supports and learning experiences on the way, to celebrate that moment, that opportunity and  to really enjoy the view.

I

It probably goes without saying that I learn a great deal from days of looking after my granddaughter. The world from a very young child's perspective is so full of hope, the contentment that comes from taking tiny steps and such a privilege to be a part of.

Although it would be tempting to provide some very boring updates on the Five Pound Challenge, thoroughly abusing my few loyal Twitter followers in the process, it would seem more honest to describe an on-going learning process likely to impress no one!  Its good to have the freedom from marketing pressure and I have already noticed quite a bit of extra time saved by not shopping or browsing around for anything other than food.

Rabbi Zvi Solomons evidently read my last blog since he arrived that afternoon with a big smile and enticing bag of coffee beans as a present . In a rush of hyperactivity we enthused about Reading's history and recklessly committed ourselves to writing not one, but  three town trails. We also considered sending out a questionnaire to places of worship so that teachers would know about contact details, protocol and the most convenient times for planning school visits.

A history theme was evident again  on Friday when I was invited with several other guests to see a new museum display carefully arranged as a result of much local consultation to reflect our town's development over the past century. It all looked lovely although to my amusement gave no indication of the town's ethnic diversity. Since it was later explained that this misrepresentation was due a the lack of display objects, I hope very much that the pressing needs of  our Museum service will be remembered next time any ethnic minority loft is being sorted!

Much of this week has been spent organising our next event to mark the Jewish festival of Purim and the eve of International Women's Day. This theme of "Half the Human Race" seems particularly urgent. Perhaps you have also noticed a considerable number of very disturbing news reports this week of female infanticide, exploitation and abuse. 

Whilst not condoning such crime or misrepresentation of culture or religion in any way, the approach of Reading Interfaith Group is about belief in the potential of humanity. In addressing problems we look to identify and build upon positives. If you just confront people, it can so easily place them out of reach, defensive angry and feeling threatened. It would also be dishonest for us to imply that all issues of injustice have a simple answer, or that our group could have sufficient influence to change the way others choose to see things. What we can do however is remove the fear of truth by openly recognising that every individual circumstance is different. For some brought up through fear, lack of knowledge and low self-esteem, the challenges may very well be harder. Our role as a group is not I believe to judge or forcefully impose an opinion but to set an example of honesty, understanding and uncompromising love for humanity wherever that starting point in life might be.

On Monday I had a delightful morning out with some rather posh coffee by the Thames and the company of my very good friend Swami Ambikananda to discuss this next event.  To be honest I am really quite excited about the programme, so am particularity grateful to our membership secretary Bev Heslin for all the work she has done to tell people about it. Please can you let Bev know if you would like to be on our mailing list.

One evening this week was spent with someone whose views are at times very different from my own. We began in a local coffee shop, got politely kicked out at closing time an hour later, moved to a pub close by to continue our conversation, then talked all the way home. Inevitably we adopted the strategy of first finding common ground, then identified the problem which was then broken down into manageable potions. This process can at times require patience and perseverance. By the time England kicked off (unnoticed) for the second half of their International game, I was in so much a better position to work in partnership with other community organisations, identify realistic targets and look ahead to our programme for next year.. A thoroughly enjoyable evening proved also to be a reminder that we tend to learn best through respect and by listening to those who provide a different perspective.

This week I had the opportunity to promote two aspects of Reading Interfaith Group. The first  began through our friendship with the Christian Science Church, a faith community relatively new to our group who had marked the consecration of their new building by welcoming the Friendship Walk that year. Since then we regularly have church members attending and so contributing to our events.

 When a member of the congregation asked if it would be possible for them to contribute to our website I was delighted to use my imagination on the behalf!  When an article was put together by a group of its members with characteristic efficiency, I still had no idea how this could be included without daunting initiatives such as new navigation buttons. A ridiculously simple solution became evident this morning. That page entitled "About Us" instead of saying yet more about Reading Interfaith Group might just as easily be used by anyone working within the framework of our objectives. After about an hours work and the usually playing about with images through Flickr the results may now be seen here 

Readers may already know of my tendency to encourage unscrupulous competition (all in the search for peace!) I hope very much that rather than leave an impression Reading Interfaith Group consists entirely of Christian Scientists, others will feel encouraged to contribute. Ideally I would like to update this page regularly so that over time we can all experience the depth, diversity and potential of the community in which we live.

 A second undertaking began when I was asked to take a group of sixth-formers on a tour round Reading so that they could gain a better understanding of its history, faith traditions and diversity. Although this request was a little bit asking my dog if she would like a biscuit, days out to happily communicate some of my favourite subjects need to be carefully planned since finding enough time is a growing consideration for me.

As a courtesy I phoned up the chair of SACRE. Rabbi Zvi Solomons is a very good friend of the group so we naturally exchanged ideas on how this proposal could develop. From a SACRE  perspective much of the work has already been done. Despite the risk of exceptionally high caffeine intake (?), I'm looking forward to meeting with Rabbi Zvi ( 3pm today just confirmed!) so we can put all our ideas together, enthuse generally about a shared love of history, and then make more similar opportunities available for young people. Ideally I would very much like to include a guided tour on our website which anyone can download, although as my computer skills are very limited, would need to speak to our long-suffering web-master first.

In partnership with other groups including Reading Faith Forum, there would also seem an opportunity to include on our website details of visiting arrangements for different faith communities around Reading or else provide a link. It would also seem helpful to identify approved speakers who would be available to visit schools and talk about their religion. Besides helping to make all these opportunities easier, such information would show how generous with their time and resources so many of these faith communities already are. 

With just a week to plan, I am acutely aware on my dependency on friends and supporters of the Reading Interfaith Group who understand the way in which I work, how inconvenient this may be, but give and help out regardless. Through this generosity, next week I hope to be taking my group of sixth-formers to Reading Minster, the Workhouse Coffee shop, South Street Mosque and Reading Gurdwara.  Since this will be as much a learning experience for me as for the students in question, I will continue to keep you posted on the results of a magical mystery tour!.

 To conclude, I would like to wish members of Reading Hebrew Congregation a very happy birthday. I was so sorry to miss this event yesterday afternoon due to family commitments and hope very much that you all had a wonderful time.