• Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Chief Imam Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi visited Newham on Thursday,19 September 2024 to address social challenges and enhance community cohesion.
• The visit highlighted projects on homelessness, refugee support, human trafficking, and aiding exploited women, with visits to key community sites.
In a significant step towards fostering community relations and challenging hate in all its forms, Newham Council hosted an interfaith visit on Thursday, 19 September, that brought together prominent faith leaders and community representatives. The visit emphasises the Council's commitment to addressing critical social issues and enhancing community trust and confidence.
The interfaith visit included distinguished guests such as Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Imam Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi (Chief Imam of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society), Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, Maulana Syed Ali Raza Rizvi and Imam Qari Asim. Their presence highlighted crucial projects aimed at addressing homelessness, supporting refugees and asylum seekers, combating human trafficking, and aiding exploited women.
Joined by Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE and Councillors Ann Easter and Rohit K. Dasgupta, the faith leaders visited key sites in Newham, promoting community resilience and solidarity.
Councillor Ann Easter, Commissioner for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue said, "We were honoured to host Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Chief Imam Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi for this interfaith visit focused on dialogue and unity. This visit highlighted the crucial role of interfaith dialogue in fostering understanding, respect, and collaboration among diverse communities. By coming together, we are committed to tackling shared social challenges and creating a stronger, more resilient society."
Cardinal Vincent Nichols said, “If you look in any newspaper, you end up saturated with sadness. But that's not the whole story. We've seen the greater story this afternoon in Newham. People are good: this place is full of grace, it's full of courage. We thank God for it, each of us in our different ways."
Chief Imam Dr. Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, Chief Imam and Director General Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society said, "We are deeply grateful to the Mayor of Newham for her collaboration in organising such a productive day. The visit brought together senior Christian and Muslim faith leaders from across the UK, highlighting their collective unity. Under the current circumstances, particularly in light of the unrest witnessed on the streets of England last month, it is even more important for faith leaders to come together to reassure communities.
“Newham, as the most diverse borough in the country, stands as a testament to the Mayor's commitment to fostering community ties. Her openness in supporting faith leaders to jointly visit those seeking asylum and a local food bank demonstrates her dedication to working with all communities."
Councillor Rohit K. Dasgupta, Deputy Cabinet Member for Equalities, Social Justice and Culture said, "We’ve been at the forefront of developing programmes that enhance meaningful community relations and challenge hate in all its forms. Through the Council’s innovation over the last six years, we have significantly improved community trust and confidence, particularly in addressing racism, inequality, and disproportionality."
The itinerary included a visit to:
- Welcome Newham
- London Black Women’s Project (women’s refuge service)
- Your Place
