Although the website has been quiet recently, the work of WIFF has continued.

The meeting in June was held at the Buddhist Temple in Malvern, and proved a good social occasion. The views over Worcestershire from the Temple are stunning. As well as the business part of the meeting, we had a quiz on how much we know about the different faiths represented. Can you identify all the religious symbols on our logo? And do you know where is the oldest Mormon chapel in the world? (Answers below…)

Many of us have been writing to our MPs to ask for the government to reconsider its decision to cease funding the (national) Interfaith Network (IFN). Members will be aware that some funding has been forthcoming, so the work for this year can be continued, but its future is in doubt, and it is looking to become sustainable with funding from elsewhere… In our view this is a crazy time to even consider stopping funding: the new king has made his interest & enthusiasm clear, the need for people of different faiths to communicate and work together is more important than ever. So there is limited good news on this, and we need to keep praying and working for the future.

And answers to the quiz: Most of us can probably identify the Christian cross; the Jewish Star of David; and the Muslim Star & Crescent. But did you get the Om or Aum – symbol of Hindu religion. It is a mantra, uttered by many Hindus at the start of every day, and commonly written in the head of letters. It consists of 3 Sanskrit letters, a, u, and m. The syllables come together to make the sound “Om”, meaning Brahman, the supreme God of Hinduism.   And what about the Khanda, symbol of Sikhism. The Khanda is made up of 3 important symbols: the double-edged sword, a circle (the Chakkar), and 2 crossed kirpans (curved swords).  Our group did better with the nine-pointed star, symbol of the Baha’i faith. The number 9 is very significant to Baha’is for numerous reasons ranging from numerology to patterns in their theology, and the architecture of their temples.  And let’s not forget The Wheel of Dharma, also called the Dharmachakra, a common symbol of Buddhism. The wheel can have 8, 24, or 31 spokes. The circle represents the perfection of the teaching of Dharma. The spokes represent different teachings, rules, or laws of Buddhism. The hub symbolises discipline, and the rim mindfulness, or Samadhi, which holds everything together.

And where is the oldest Mormon chapel in the world? Not only is it in the UK, it is actually in Worcestershire! Having discovered it at Gadfield Elm, not far from Pendock, and the M50 Junction 2, I went to visit. Originally built by the United Brethren in 1836, it served as a centre for the rapidly growing congregation of “Mormons” from 1840 to 1842. Among others who preached here was Brigham Young, later to become the second president of the Church. The new converts all emigrated to America, and the chapel fell into ruin. Over 150 years later, local church members purchased the chapel and restored it. Fascinating!