Join us as we mark Interfaith Week 2023, which runs from 12 – 19 November. Together we celebrate the positive contribution different faiths bring to our local community, increase our understanding of religious beliefs, as well as recognise all we have in common.
Interfaith flag raising event, Barking Town Hall, Monday 13 November from 12.30pm
Come along to our special flag raising event to mark the week, with speeches from our Deputy Leader councillor Saima Ashraf and performances from Gascoigne Primary School.
Faith venue open days
Drop into faith venue open days throughout the week! Faith venues are usually open spaces, with an open-door policy and accept visitors throughout the year. However, some venues are opening their doors on specific days during Interfaith Week to encourage people to visit and learn more about their faith building.
| Open Day Venue | Days/Times |
|---|---|
| Al Madina Mosque, Barking |
Wednesday 15 November, 10am – 4pm Saturday 18 November, 10am – 4pm |
| St Margarets Church, Barking |
Wednesday 15 November, 10am - 4pm (Please enter via the community café) |
| Barking Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Barking | Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm. Please call ahead of your visit to ensure a member of the committee can assist you on 0208 594 3940 |
Poems written by Gascoigne Primary School pupils
Treat people equal and fairly
People belong together to make a community
Even if people might be different religions or skin colour
You should still make them comfortable in every way
Respect, peace and make people welcome!
Deki
You belong to your country
But your heart is here
Never back down talking about it
You are what you are
Dear god, please give peace, love and blessings
Please encourage us to help each other
We belong to you no matter what.
Amaya
Be kind to others even with different religions
I love everyone
Obey people when they say something
Never disrespect or be rude to other people
Good attitudes to other people and with religions
In your community you are all special
No one should be treated disrespectfully
God will always respect you no matter
Charlie
Believe in yourself
Everyone is different
Love others equally
One person is not a same person to the other
Never make fun of anyone
God loves us
Inter Faith week is here
Not a single person is hated
Going to be forgiven for our actions
Pari
In this world we’re all different
Different races and all
We’re not all the same and that’s good
Because we all belong
The earth can be cruel sometimes
Racism and all
We’re all different and that’s okay
Either way, we all belong
This world is for everyone
Animals and all
We all have different religions
But, we all belong
Chidera
Heard of a get together, people having good time.
Let us do a prayer together, wishing that for mankind
I will bring my diya lamp, and you can bring your candle,
He will bring his prayer mat, and no one will manhandle
Let us pray for noble cause and not for perfecting flaws
Let us pray for melting alps and jungles that will withdraw
Let us have a proper word, with our creator.
I will talk to Krishna today and you can talk to Jesus.
They may wave their magic wand, and make us their minions
They will ignite love and peace, simply with our presence.
That will be a real Diwali, Eid' or a 'Christmas
That will be a perfect time, and we can get together.
Anonymous
Hey you! What you gonna do? I'm gonna say my prayers!
Hey you! What you gonna do? I'm gonna keep my faith.
Hey you! What you gonna do? l'm gonna light my diya lamp,
Hey you! What you gonna do? I'm gonna lay my prayer mat.
Hey you! What you gonna do? I'm gonna celebrate my festival,
Hey you! What you gonna do? I'm gonna wear my dress.
Hey you! What you gonna do? I'm gonna like and love you;
Hey you! What you gonna do? I'm gonna start 'anew'.
Hey you! What you gonna do? l'm gonna believe in Karmas,
Hey you! What you gonna do? l'm gonna enjoy love tune
Hey you! What you gonna do? I'm gonna respect everyone;
Hey you! What you gonna do? I'm gonna live in harmony.