Interfaith Dialogue

The delegation of Religious Leaders of Europe at the NCA building in Birmingham, UK

An important Interfaith Conference was held recently at a Sikh Gurdwara in Birmingham, UK. The conference which was hosted by Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha was held over three days from 12 to 14 February 2007. At this prestigious meeting, discussions about delicate issues pertaining to the current volatile world environment took place. The assembly looked at the situation facing Muslims in Britain through four focused presentations; “Muslims in Britain, what’s the problem”, “terror and fear”, “religion and education” and “religion and the public sphere” – issues of major importance to Europeans and others all over the world.

Before the formalities began, nearly 30 prominent religious leaders from Europe toured the Gurdwara, first visiting the Darbar Hall where prayers were said for the success of the delegation's noble mission which was about to commence. Following this, the delegation, as per the custom in the house of Guru Nanak partook Langar, many for the first time. The council members were impressed with the warmth and hospitality of the Gurdwara Sevadars.

"Global religious tensions should be tackled at a local level", an MP said in Birmingham today. John Battle, the Prime Minister’s faith envoy, said that "the religious challenges facing the world were now evident in neighbourhoods across the UK." …Continued