25 Years Ago

On 11th September 2026 it will be 25 years since the tragedy of 9/11. This terrible event was to be followed by even more suffering through wars in many parts of the world and the continuing issue of terrorism.

In the aftermath of 9/11 it seemed to me that although the world was not within our control, we could still develop friendship with our neighbours. 

Although arriving in the Forbury Gardens with a homemade banner is probably the scariest thing I’ve done! I did not remain on my own for very long. Our Faith Communities took this opportunity to both welcome and feed several hundred people every year the Friendship Walk took place. People still tell me that the Friendship Walks were the first time they had visited a place of worship other than their own.

For our second Friendship Walk, we adopted the slogan “Everyone Human Being Matters” This commitment by Reading Interfaith Group to remain absolutely inclusive of the Reading community has remained with us ever since.  

Although this 9/11 anniversary provides an opportunity to remember a significant tragedy inflicted on others, it also allows us to reflect on what Reading people and their faith communities can do.

Sarah Griffin