Church and Mosque exchange visit helps connect people of different faiths

Abida Ashraf, Neeli Mosque and Rev Stephen Watkinson, St Luke’s and St Peter’s Churches with Church and Mosque members

As part of Inter-faith week exchange visits were arranged between members of Neeli Mosque and St Luke’s & St Peters Churches along with Mayor Muhammad Zaman, Councillor Sameena Zaheer, Abida Ashraf and Rev Stephen Watkinson on Tuesday 13 November.

The morning began with a visit and tour of Neeli Mosque followed by a visit to the St Luke’s Church. 

Rev Stephen Watkinson said: “Members of St Luke’s and St Peter’s Churches really enjoyed a day visiting Neeli Mosque and have a visit to St Luke’s from members of Neeli Mosque.

“We had good discussions, built good relationships and hope that we will be able to keep working on these good foundations for friendship.”

Abida Ashraf from Neeli Mosque said: “These visits were a great opportunity for us to discuss our faith and the similarities between them.

“We would like to thank St Luke’s for all their hospitality.”

The co-chairs of the Inter-Faith Network for the UK, which leads on the week, say: ‘Inter Faith Week is a tremendous opportunity to learn about the faith communities that make such an important contribution to our life in the UK. 

‘This year, as we mark the centenary of the Armistice, this will include learning about the profoundly important service of soldiers and civilians of different faiths and beliefs from Britain and from the now Commonwealth, as well as reflection on work for peace. 

‘At a time when prejudice and hate is so often in the news, Inter-faith week is also a time for reaching out and making new connections with people of different faiths and beliefs, it’s about how we can live well together, respecting difference but making common cause for the wellbeing of our local communities.’