Story: Nirmal Fernando
Photo: Rohan Francis
Sheffield’s celebrations for UK’s first ever interfaith week will be launched on Sunday, 15th November 2009 at Burngreave on the theme of ‘Faith, Work and Food in Fellowship’.
The day will commence at Burngreave Ashram on Spital Hill with outdoor faith reflections, followed by the planting of an ‘Interfaith Tree’ on Ellesmere Green. Lunch will be at the Al-Rahman Mosque, preceded by reflections from all faiths. Readings, talks, music and song from representatives of some seven faith communities will be hosted by the Pitsmoor Methodist Church in the afternoon. It is proposed to have interfaith displays on Burngreave’s streets over this period, sponsored by the churches, mosques and other faith centres in the area.
Burngreave has become a focus for interfaith activities for a number of years. One example is the Multifaith Chapel and Library, started a year ago at the Burngreave Ashram. Displayed with equal prominence, side by side on its walls, are harmonious depictions of seven major faiths. It is open to individuals and groups irrespective of identity with a faith or with none. Interfaith seminars on topical social issues are regularly held. Prayer, meditation, studies and discussion is also ongoing.
The interfaith launch event starts at 12 noon Sunday 15th November at Burngreave Ashram, Spital Hill. The Interfaith tree planting at Ellesmere starts at 1pm. To reserve a place for lunch contact: Nirmal Fernando; Burngreave Ashram, 84-86 Spital Hill, Sheffield S4 7LG, 270 0972 or 020 8961 5867 (answering machine) – curlsu@hotmail.com