The Journey

In the past, interfaith would often mean faith leaders coming together in search of compromise. This process usually involved reaching out to faith groups that seemed most like your own. It was an arrangement based on trust in the religious leadership and their ability to implement reform.

Although one of the oldest groups of its kind in the country, Reading Interfaith Group was not an initiative of faith leaders. In 1985, a group of Reading teachers recognised the challenges and opportunities associated with living in an increasingly multicultural society, and began planning events to promote education, dialogue and friendship.

Since then, although the involvement and support of faith leaders is greatly welcomed, we have remained predominantly a grassroots organisation. This characteristic became more apparent through the introduction of Faith Forums. For many years, a group of faith leaders met socially to share priorities for Reading. We often worked in partnership with the Faith Forum and continue to appreciate the support and networking opportunities it provided.

My earliest encounters with Reading Interfaith Group were through attending their annual Autumn event at the Quaker Meeting House to mark United Nations Day. These events involved several readings, some music and ended with a quite remarkable bring and share tea. The giving and sharing of food continues to play a significant part in everything we do.

The hospitality of Reading’s faith groups was particularly apparent when, in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and subsequent invasion of Afghanistan, we organised a walk.  Each year, for just over a decade, hundreds of Reading people showed through the Friendship Walks that whatever else happened in the world, our community would remain united. For many Reading people, this was the first time they had visited a place of worship other than their own,

In the second year of our Friendship walks we adopted the slogan “every individual matters.” This commitment to be inclusive is now shown every year by inviting the serving mayor of Reading to be our patron.  The support of faith groups, and the continued generosity of many Reading people, enable us to continue welcoming the whole community in everything we do.

The diversity of Reading Interfaith Group supporters is often apparent at our events. Some of us are strongly committed to recognisable faith groups. Our visits and public events will often provide opportunities to learn from personal experiences of different religions. Others among our supporters might describe themselves as “seekers after truth” on a unique spiritual journey.  In recent years, we have also come to reflect a growing interest in spirituality.

Honesty about our identity, insights and experience has always seemed to me the best and surest foundation. In our hopes for the future, respect and appreciation for others enable us to be a good travelling companion. On our journey through life, as individuals and as a friend to others, we can remain open to new insights and the route before us

S.G