Faith leaders gather in solidarity event for social justice

More than 150 leaders from faith communities across London gathered at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church as part of a powerful demonstration of unity and a shared commitment to social change 

The event on 25 April, organised by London Citizens, a chapter of Citizens UK, saw those present build relationships and share stories of how their faith tradition remains the bedrock of their motivation to address pressing issues facing the city and its diverse communities. 

It also aimed to prepare people from the faith communities 'to participate in politics for the common good to build a better, fairer society' at the London Citizens Mayoral Accountability Assembly later that evening at Methodist Central Hall. Here London Citizens sought commitments from candidates running to be Mayor of London around housing, work and wages and making London a welcoming city for all.

Communities participating included Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church,  St Martin in the Fields Anglican Church, Iqra Primary School, Finchley Reform Synagogue, The American International Church, Saint Barnabus Church Clapham Common, Kol Chai Reform Synagogue, St Anselms Church, Church of Scotland, Notre Dame de France, Queen Mary University, Al Noor School and Barnet Multi Faith Forum.



The Revd Dr Simon Woodman, minister of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, said, 'We are here today to demonstrate our unwavering faith and commitment to improving the lives of all Londoners. 

'At the heart of the Christian faith is a message of hope, that new life can break forth from situations of hopelessness. 

'Our city has many injustices, and people of faith in London must take action together to build hope: for refugees, those facing poverty, and those struggling to find decent housing. 

'This is why Christians, Muslims, and Jews work together through London Citizens, united in their common quest for justice and their belief that a better world is possible.'

In his introduction, he added, 'This event is a celebration of people of all faiths and an affirmation that we are unapologetically faithful. We are proud of our convictions and believe that they are a source of strength, not just for ourselves but for the communities we serve.

'None of us can ignore all that is happening in the world at the moment, with tensions both political and religious. 

'Sometimes these can overwhelm our sense of what’s happening on our own doorsteps, where people of Good Faith across diverse religious traditions are living in peace, and working together in harmony. 

'Today is our opportunity to demonstrate the respect we have for each other, and our commitment to work together for our mutual flourishing and for the good of the city to which we have been called.'

He later described the event as 'heart-warming, challenging, tear-inducing, and powerful'.

'From my point of view it was the most amazing event,' Simon said, 'an interfaith event drawing people from the Jewish, Muslim an Christian traditions together in solidarity, united by our desire to work for the common good of our city.' 

Humaira Saleem, headteacher at Iqra Primary School added, 'As a Muslim, I am honoured to stand alongside fellow people of faith as a part of London Citizens. In our collective journey towards justice, we recognise the profound significance of our faith traditions.'

Cantor Zöe Jacobs, from Finchley Reform Synagogue said, 'What a gift it is to stand besides our neighbours of faith in London and act on our shared prophetic tradition to create the world as it should be. Our ancient prophets saw humanity even in the most difficult situations, and so we, too, build together to make change where it is most needed in London.'