The Sultan and the Saint  

To encourage peace and harmony 100 Peterborough citizens from all faiths and none celebrated the 800th anniversary of the famous meeting between St Francis and the Sultan Al Kamir that happened in the middle of the 5th Crusade.

The film “The Sultan and the Saint” was shown In the John Clare Theatre and a lively and helpful debate followed on how to maintain and enhance peace and harmony in Peterborough, led by Brother Sam of the Franciscans and Mr Choudhary of the Medina Mosque. The whole event was supported by Peterborough Inter Faith Council, Churches Together in Central Peterborough, Medina Mosque and Near Neighbours kindly gave financial support.

A joint pilgrimage of the faiths, joined by the Mayor and Mayoress, followed the showing of the film to All Souls RC church where the Canticle of the Creatures by St Francis was read by Brian Keegan of All Souls.

The pilgrimage then went to Park Road Baptist Church for the first course of a ‘safari’ meal where we were joined by The High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire as well as The Mayor and Mayoress. This encouraged Muslims and Christians to mingle and have good dialogue.



Following this course of the meal the joint pilgrimage continued to the Medina Mosque for dessert, coffee and tea. A stimulating and engaging event which has aided understanding and harmony.