Worshippers from a wide range of faiths gathered in a town square to join hands and celebrate their common ground at an interfaith event.
The fourth annual Waltham Forest Faith Fayre took place in Walthamstow Town Square on Saturday August 12.
The theme of the event hosted by Waltham Forest Faith Communities Forum was ‘one community’.
Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Yemi Osho, second from right, with participants of Waltham Forest Faith Fayre 2017.
Volunteers from Christian Kitchen, a charity that provides hot meals to the homeless in Walthamstow all year round, turned up in their van to serve drinks and refreshments. Lunch was provided by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.
Caroline Williams of the Apostolic Church in Walthamstow said: “Today was an epic day seeing all the faiths coming together in love, peace and respect.”
Organisers used the event to encourage people to sign up for activities for Hate Crime Awareness Week in October and Interfaith Week in November.
Wendy Smith, communications officer for the forum, said the event was a chance to celebrate the contribution people from all different faiths and backgrounds have made to the local community.
She said: “Our aim was to create an opportunity for people to communicate with each other and to raise awareness of the religious beliefs and practices of others.
“We promoted the importance of interfaith dialogue and encouraged participation in Interfaith Week.
“Hate Crime is not acceptable in our community and we need to work together to tackle this by raising awareness, encouraging reporting and supporting those affected by it.”
Representatives from the borough’s Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh and Hindu communities were among those in attendance.
Tara Khare of Whipps Cross Hindu Temple in Leytonstone said: “The faith fayre was a fantastic event, friendly and inspiring.
“Our Hindu friends enjoyed singing, dancing and making friends in the community. A lovely day.”
Iqbal Mehtar of Queens Road Mosque in Walthamstow said: “Whatever our beliefs and religion, we are all united as one community.
“Our aims and goals are the same - to live and work in harmony and make the world a better, safer place for everyone.
“The event provided a brilliant opportunity to learn, be inspired and connect with others in this wonderful community of ours.”
Chairman of Christian Kitchen, Norman Coe, second from left, with Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Yemi Osho.
Norman Coe, chairman of Christian Kitchen, said: “Good to see our community getting together to build bridges - so much energy displayed.”
Hate Crime Awareness Week will run from October 14 to 21 and Interfaith Week will run from November 12 to 19.
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