Barking and Dagenham is set to celebrate Inter Faith Week 2023 with a range of faith venue open days and a special flag raising event scheduled to take place in the borough.
The week, which runs from Sunday 12 to Sunday 19 November, focuses on strengthening faith relations, the positive contributions faiths bring to the local community, increasing awareness of religions and celebrating diversity.
A number of the borough’s faith groups will welcome visitors into their places of worship as part of the week.
Faith venues are usually open spaces, with an open-door policy and accept visitors throughout the year. However, Al Madina Mosque, Barking Singh Saba Gurwara, and St Margaret's Church are opening their doors on specific days during the week to encourage people to visit and learn more about their faith and building.
The Council is also inviting residents to a special flag raising event outside Barking Town Hall on Monday 13 November, from 12.30pm. The event will include a speech from Deputy Leader Councillor Saima Ashraf and performances from Gascoigne Primary School pupils.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement said: “Inter Faith week is all about celebrating the vast contributions made by faith groups right across Barking and Dagenham.
“Diversity, neighbourliness and strong community relationships are real strengths in our borough, and this week offers our residents the chance to get to get to know each other that bit more.
“Please do drop into the faith venue open days throughout the week and we hope you can join us for our special flag raising event.”
Faith open days will take place at the following locations:
- Al Madina Mosque, Barking: Wednesday 15 November, 10am to 4pm and Saturday 18 November, 10am to 4pm
- St Margaret's Church, Barking: Wednesday 15 November, 10am to 4pm (enter via the community café)
- Barking Singh Sabha Gurdwara: Monday – Friday, 10am to 4pm (please call ahead of your visit on 0208 594 3940 to ensure a member of the committee can be on hand to assist you).
You can find out more information at www.lbbd.gov.uk/interfaith-week-2023