Faith News: Including multi-faith discussions at religious event

Representatives of many faiths gathered at Adeyfield Community Centre

Come, all ye faithful!

People of a range of different faiths joined together for discussion at Adeyfield Community Centre.

Around 70 people took part in the day, including many who had never attended an interfaith event.

Representatives of many faiths gathered at Adeyfield Community Centre on Sunday. MP Mike Penning chatting with Ajahn Sundara of the Great Gaddesden Bhuddist temple

A total of 12 different faith speakers gave talks and many were women, showing how this was a real people’s event– not just for clergy and clerics. The event was really well attended and welcomed a very civilised level of discussion.

Believers and non-believers were welcome to to explore what different faiths have to offer – and the Quaker, Muslim, Christian, Catholic, Jew, Hindu, Jain, Christian Science, Bah’ai, Sikh, Druid and 7th Day Adventist beliefs were all represented.

The event was organised by the Dacorum Interfaith Network, which meets monthly at the town centre’s Civic Centre, with the support of Dacorum Borough Council, and was run as part of the annual National Interfaith Week.

Anglican priest and chairman of the network David Lawson said: “The representatives of various faiths take part willingly and confidently. At heart we all know that what we have to offer society is the same - compassion for fellow beings and a rejection of growing materialism.

“We have deepened our knowledge and respect for each others’ faiths through our monthly meetings and discussions where we talk about every aspect of faith and how it affects our lives.”

The event was opened by Dacorum Mayor Allan Lawson and attended by Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning.

Nativity Crib Festival in Leverstock Green

Holy Trinity Church in Leverstock Green held its Nativity Crib Festival this Friday to Sunday, December 5 to 7. There were around 100 Nativity Cribs on display all with their own little bit of history written about them.

Many were family heirlooms and several will be handmade and donated by local businesses using the materials they work with.

There were adult and children’s choirs singing carols, activities for children of all ages, light lunches, tea, coffee and cakes available all day and a Christmas Traidcraft stall.

The theme this year was Eastern, and featured a stunning display for all the family to enjoy and a lovely start to the festive season.

The festival is still running today, Sunday, from 11.30am to 4pm.

Christmas Tree Festival at St Benedicts

St Benedicts in Bennetts End also held its annual Christmas Tree Festival this weekend, with visitors enjoying a festive display along with mulled wine and refreshments. Lime Walk School choir entertained the crowds yesterday, and an adult singing group will be performing today, Sunday, at 3pm.  This festival is a wonderful occasion and a chance for everyone to come into church and see the trees decorated and lit up at the beginning of the festive season. Entrance costs £2 at the door for adults and children go free. The festival continues today from 10am to 4pm.