Author: interfaithworcestershire

Yvonne Stollard receives Interfaith Award Certificate

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Congratulations to Yvonne who received the “Interfaith Award Certificate” from Birmingham Council of Faiths: “for taking outstanding initiatives to promote harmonious interfaith relations”. The award was presented in early September. We are proud of you, Yvonne! And privileged to have you with us in Worcester. You served us well as Chair, and continue to be an inspiration to all of us.

What an interesting summer! Visiting different places of worship, including the Orthodox Christians meeting monthly at a remote Anglican church, and Worcester mosque and their amazing building plans. July saw an event in the Guildhall “Remembering Srebrenica” – described by the United Nations as the worst crime on European soil since the second World War. The blue plaque remembering the medieval Jewish community in Worcester was finally unveiled. Then in September to a conference organised by “Parenting apart”.

“Parenting apart” is an organisation “supports parents who are going through conflict, divorce or separation where relationships have broken down”. The conference was exploring how faith communities can help with this. It is part of a growing appreciation of the role of faith communities working together with statutory bodies. Good news! The conference included a very moving video entitled “If you really love me…” and was children speaking out about how they feel. One strap line was “If you really love me, let me love you both”. A very powerful film.

WIFF is much more active than I ever realised: so many wonderful people of faith do things to make a difference in their communities; and government, both local & national, seem to have realised that not only can they work with faith communities, but they must work with faith communities. We have so much to offer – often first on the scene after a crisis and the last to leave; bringing people together. Our beloved Queen realised this and often spoke about it. And King Charles appears to be carrying on that tradition.

Let us be up to the challenge!

Jewish community of Worcester

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In July the plaque was unveiled commemorating the medieval Jewish community of
Worcester. Yvonne Stollard has written a super article about the event.

A talk on ‘The Worcester Jewry (c. 1158-1275): A Persecuted Community?’
By Yvonne Stollard
We only expected around 10-15 people to come to this talk, so were amazed when 75 people turned up.
We had to send for extra chairs! Most were local, but some had come from Birmingham, and one couple travelled from Wales. The impetus for this talk was the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate Worcester’s medieval Jewish community. The idea for the plaque came from Mark T. Jones, a local man who spent some time researching the history of this community. Sadly, he died last summer before his project came to fruition.

Little is known of the social history of this community as documentary evidence is scarce. There is no apparent physical indication of their presence either, and the report of a recent archaeological dig has yet to be published. It was thought that a talk prior to the unveiling would help to make people aware of the little-known history of this community, and medieval Jewish communities in England generally.

Our speaker, Dean Irwin, recently gained his PhD in Medieval Jewish History, and was recommended by the Jewish Historical Society of England. He hadn’t been to Worcester before, and knew little of its history, so he had to do some homework.
We do know a few things about Worcester and the Jews – Jews arrived in England with William the Conqueror, and gradually set up small communities in important towns, although London remained the main centre for Jewry. The Worcester community was established in 1158 and seems to have been an outpost of the Hereford community.


The 1240 Synod of Worcester required that, “When men and women magicians shall be found, and also such as consult Jews for the purpose of finding magic about their life or actions, they shall be brought before the bishop to be punished in accordance with his decision.” This probably had more to do with prejudice and superstition rather than witchcraft.
In 1241, a ‘Jewish Parliament’, aka the “Worcester Parliament’, was convened by King Henry III. He
summoned representatives from all the Jewish communities in England to Worcester, and 100 Jews attended. The purpose was not to give these communities a say in government, but to levy an even higher tallage. Although the Jewry was probably not large, it was important enough to have an ‘archa’, a chest where transactions with Jews were kept – Jewish moneylending had been regulated by the Crown since 1194, and this was a legal requirement.


Although the Worcester Jewry was sacked by the Earls of Leicester and Derby in 1263, Jews continued to live in Worcester until 1275 when Edward I expelled them from the city. The reason was that his mother, Eleanor of Provence, insisted on it. Dean posited that she did this not because of their religion, but because she wanted to do penance for having benefitted and profited from her dealings with Jews, and this was a way of achieving it. His question was, were the Jews expelled because of their religion, or was it usurers who were expelled for their moneylending, or was it because of Eleanor’s concern for her soul? I’m not sure the whys and wherefores matter that much when the fact is that Worcester’s Jewish community was expelled, whilst other groups were not.


Some of us were taken aback when Dean suggested the Jews of Worcester had not actually been
persecuted as no documentary evidence has been found. But what about the Synod of Worcester?
Although there was no social media as we know it today, word would have spread of the blood libels in, for example, Norwich, Lincoln, and York, accusations that had no basis in fact. They would probably have heard of the Crusaders ‘adventures’ provoking attacks on Jewish communities across Europe. Surely they would have heard of the blood libel concerning Harald of Gloucester (1168) – Gloucester being only 26 miles down the River Severn. It wouldn’t be beyond credibility that these stories would have spread like Chinese whispers and been embellished and exaggerated. Prejudice, repression, persecution, whether by Worcester’s leaders or the Crown at one time or another, was directed at Jewish communities.
Unfortunately, Dean didn’t delve into the Church’s teachings on Jews at the time. This was a pity as they will have had an impact on medieval society and the treatment of Jews at all levels.

The unveiling of the plaque took place by the entrance to Copenhagen Street Car Park on Friday 22nd July 2022 at 10.30am. The plaque is situated on the corner of HOW College.

Talk by Dr Dean Irwin

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On Thursday 19th May about 75 of us gathered in the Undercroft at Worcester cathedral for the first in-person meeting of WIFF for a long time. The occasion: to hear Dr Dean Irwin talk on “The Worcester Jewry (c 1158-1275): a persecuted community?” His talk was interesting and entertaining – much of it focussed on the ? in his title! His research has taken him on a fascinating journey into a much neglected part of Worcester’s history. Refreshments were enjoyed, including kosher biscuits and fruit juice.

This was the first of what we hope will be an ongoing collaboration between WIFF and the cathedral.

Interfaith Network Day March 2022

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“Faith communities are often the first to arrive after a disaster and the last to leave”

That was one of the lasting memories I have from the “Interfaith Network Day” in March. The theme was “Working in partnership for the common good”, and the whole day was excellent. That particular quote, and the one below, comes from the National Emergencies Trust – which I’d never heard of before.

“Churches, mosques and other faith buildings are often the focus of community support in emergencies”. After the Grenfell Tower disaster, no fewer than 10 agencies were involved, which inevitably led to confusion and delays.

Other highlights of the day included:

Interfaith Week always begins on Remembrance Sunday. We talked about how can other faiths be involved in Remembrance Day commemorations…

Faith-based charities and secular agencies. “Muslim Charities Forum” was highlighted – now a network of 300 charities, and growing. I loved its statement: “Support, connect, represent”

The workshop on business involvement was inspiring! Can we apply some of it here? It was mainly talking about diversity training in business environments. My experience is that some diversity training is excellent – but it tends to be weakest on religious diversity. One of the speakers was from the “Faith & Belief Forum”. They talked about the Charter for Faith & Belief Inclusion Network.

The National Emergencies Trust. Have you heard of it? I hadn’t. I may try to get a speaker to come and speak to WIFF. It was formed after the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. Formally launched in 2019, and COVID was the first emergency it had to deal with.

Stephen Timms, MP, spoke on “Keeping the faith”. He chaired the All Party Parliamentary Group on Faith & Society, which looked at how partnerships can be, and should be, formed between faith groups and local authorities, during and beyond the pandemic. Traditionally councils have been suspicious about faith groups – are they seeking to convert? If we involve one faith group, should we involve more? Read the full report here

Thank you, IFN, for an excellent day!

WIFF elects new chair

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Blog

At the AGM in February 2022 I was elected Chair of WIFF – an honour. There are wonderful people in Worcestershire, and it is hard to fill the shoes of my predecessors.

All our meetings recently have been online, and that looks like staying for a while. At our recent Scriptural Reasoning sessions we discussed this: we have yet to meet each other. We have offers of venues, but it is easier, quicker, cheaper, to “meet” while not going out. I do mine from my kitchen table.

It is a sad time: the war in Ukraine is all over our TV screens, and all our prayers are focussed on that part of the world, while not forgetting our brothers & sisters elsewhere: particularly remembering refugees coming to this country from other parts of the world, thinking of Afghanistan in particular, and other wars, including that in Yemen.

Let us all Pray for peace!

Minutes of meeting held on 19th September 2019

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WIFF meeting held on 19th September 2019 – minutes

Present: Yvonne Stollard (Chair), Malik Fayez, Ian Spencer, Pam Cuthbert, Jnanamati Williams,  Hansa Norman, John Norman, Helen Caine, Tom Piotrowski, Israel Selvanayagam, Leela Selvanayagam, Dayamay Dunsby Apologies: Sarah Cottrill, Mary Austin, Adam Thorne, Owain Bell, Doug Chaplin

1) The Chair thanked Revd Dr Israel Selvanayagam for hosting the meeting at the Methodist Church in Evesham

2) Apologies from those unable to attend were received. Pam Cuthbert gave us news on the health of Treasurer Adam Thorn and the meeting asked that a card be sent to him with our love and prayers. Action: Ian Spencer

3) Dr Selvanayagam led a short reflection from the Bhagavad Gita using the text “fix your mind on God, and do your duty without expecting a reward”.

Malik Fayez also asked us to pray for peace and have gratitude that we live in a peaceful country – at the time of the meeting Malik’s hometown in Pakistan was “locked-down” with no internet access and curfews in place.

4) The minutes of the meeting were accepted with no corrections needed

5) Matters arising and notification of Any Other Business

a) “Climate change – challenges for Faith” – Chair Yvonne explained the event happening on November 11th at Holland House. This will be our Faith and Public Policy event during National Interfaith week this year.

We’ve invited Dr Martin Hodson (a plant scientist and environmental biologist) to offer the keynote speech, to which members of Faith communities will give a short response (via Birmingham-based Footsteps – “faiths for a low carbon future”). The Meeting noted it would like someone to take notes, or ask for presenters’ notes, such that a summary of each Faith’s response could be recorded and perhaps used as part of WIFF’s statement on Climate Change. It was suggested that a video of the day could be made.  Action: Yvonne Stollard to ask Becky Davidge if someone from the university could video the day.

In the afternoon Katie Boom (Director of Sustainability at Worcester University) will offer a short talk on sustainability and practical actions, and then offer the meeting some questions for small break-out groups to consider.

Invitations to include County Council rep. and local MPs, Worcestershire Peoples Parliament.

Publicity suggestions – Radio H&W, local TV, local papers 

The Meeting agreed it would be good to formulate a statement on the subject of Climate Change after the Event, and promulgate it to Civic / Religious Leaders and appropriate Politicians. It was also agreed to put ‘sustainability’ as a standing item on the agenda.

b) Mitzvah Day, Alexandra Hospital Redditch, Sunday November 17th 2.00pm – 4.00pm.  Action: Yvonne to send a reminder email

c) Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27th 2020. Helen Caine confirmed everything was ready including the speaker,  Holocaust survivor Mindu Hornick. Preparations are being made to invite Civic Leaders. Action: Helen Caine

d) Interfaith – March event at Holland House. This event celebrates two festivals, one from each Faith Community. In 2020 Hansa will present the Hindu Festival of Holi. Jnanamati said he would find out if the Pureland Buddhists may be able to offer something in the afternoon.  It was noted we don’t have a date for this. Action: Ian Spencer to arrange date.

e) The Festival of Faiths (aka Interfaith Picnic) is scheduled for next year. It was noted no children came last year, and there was no-one from the Muslim or Sikh communities present. The Meeting decided it would make a special effort to invite families, and reach-out to the Muslim and Sikh communities in time for next years festival. It was also noted a date needed to be agreed.  Action: regarding the date, Ian Spencer.

f) Interfaith Calendar. It was noted that Mary Austin has created an Interfaith Calendar. All that was needed to complete the project was for Jatinder Loyal and Hansa Norman to check the Sikh and Hindu festival dates. Action: Everyone to check the dates pertaining to their faith and contact Mary with any amendments as soon as possible.

The Meeting thought around 100 calendars would be enough

g) WIFF website. Jnanamati asked members who haven’t already done so, to send him some text regarding their profile, and any events and associated dates. Jnanamati would be grateful if the text can be easily cut&pasted i.e. sent on a Word document or as part of the body of an email. Jatinder has suggested adding a digital calendar with dates of WIFF meetings and events.

6) Finance: As Adam Thorne is our treasurer is unwell, no accounts were presented at this meeting. It was noted that there were funds available thanks to generous donations by WIFF members, and that donations for some subsequent events (e.g. Festival of Faiths) could help build up the reserves. The Meeting asked for their love and best wishes to be sent to Adam and to the Baha’i community.

AOB

a) ROC – Helen introduced this event (Redeeming our communities), taking place at Bank House in Worcester on Tuesday evening 17th March 2020. Helen will send out invitations to WIFF members. The organisers (ROC.uk.com) are hoping for 400 people to attend.

b) St David’s Church Worcester are holding an Interfaith service at 4pm on 17th November.          Revd Sarah Cottrill sent word that all WIFF members were invited.

c) Worcester Hate Crime Forum: The WIFF representative on this is Mary Austin. At the recent meeting an incident was reported concerning an offensive homophobic flyer that had appeared. It purported to come from a faith base. Tom Piotrowski was also at the meeting. Action: Mary to compose a couple of sentences distancing WIFF from the hateful sentiments – to be put on the WIFF facebook page.

d) Trips during 2020 to Hindu temples are being organised by Hansa Norman, dates to be arranged. Action: Hansa.  Likewise a trip to a Gurdwara was being organised by Jatinder Loyal, dates to be arranged. Action: Jatinder.

e) Other events: 19th Oct. Rangoli with Hansa at Droitwich Library; Baha’i 200th anniversary celebration (dtba).

f) Medaille Trust – as we ran out of time, the email about this will be emailed to members for comment.

Date of next meeting: November 26th 2019. Venue to be announced.

Reflection – Pam Cuthbert

The meeting concluded at 7.35pm

Inter-faith Picnic Holland House 2nd July 2017

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Images and words from people attending the annual inter-faith picnic hosted by Holland House and organised by Rev’d Ian Spencer, the warden. Video created by Rev’d Doug Chaplin

2017 Interfaith Picnic from Diocese of Worcester on Vimeo.

In the words of Canon Owain Bell, Chair of WIFF:
“What a wonderful, wonderful afternoon!
We have received lovely tributes. Apparently the children from Clifton Road Mosque had such a marvellous time they are already asking when they can come again!!

Isn’t that something to gladden the heart?

As I wrote earlier to Ian, I don’t think I shall forget the sound of Klezmer in the garden, the sight of saffron robed figures drifting under the cedar trees, the food of course and the delight of children putting together the word…” FRIENDSHIP”. And seeing friendship growing among us.”

News Release – London Bridge Attack

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4 June 2017

Statement from the Co-Chairs of the Inter Faith Network for the UK and Moderators of the IFN Faith Communities Forum following the London Bridge Attack

We hold in our thoughts and prayers those who have lost their lives or been injured in the attacks at London Bridge, and also their families and friends.

We give thanks for the bravery and commitment of all who went to their assistance.

This was a further brutal attempt to undermine the stability of British society and to sow suspicion and fear – one that must be met by continuing to stand resolutely together as people of all faiths and none to uphold the values of an open democratic society.

We must continue to work together for a respectful and positive society where people feel valued and included and safe and where all can flourish free from fear.

Attacks such as these can bring scapegoating and acts of hatred in their wake. Let us work to try and prevent that and respond together to assist whenever necessary.

We know that, just as following the recent attack in Manchester, inter faith organisations in London will be playing an important role in the days and weeks to come. They are also in our thoughts at this time.

Two weekends from now the anniversary of the murder of the late Jo Cox MP by an extremist of a different kind will be marked by the Great Get Together. People around the UK will be coming together in their communities in a spirit of neighbourliness to highlight and celebrate what unites. Let us seize that moment to strengthen our bonds of friendship and create new relationships and to remember and affirm that we have, in her words, “far more in common with each other than things that divide us”.

IFN Co Chairs and Moderators of the IFN Faith Communities Forum