UPF / WFWP Birmingham, UK's Al Mahdi Institute National Interfaith Week Event

Universal Peace Federation and Women’s Federation for World Peace Birmingham hosted an extraordinary joint event to mark the UK ‘National Interfaith Week’ at the Al Mahdi Institute in Birmingham. This inspiring gathering brought together a diverse array of faith and community leaders, fostering unity, understanding, and a shared commitment to peace. The event embodied the spirit of “One Family of Humanity,” showcasing how interfaith dialogue can bridge divides and inspire collective action.

Highlights of the Event:

Diverse Representation:

Participants included six Christian ministers representing various denominations (Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, and Pentecostal), six Imams from different Mosques, representatives from the Bahá’í and Zoroastrian faiths, and a Tibetan monk. This broad spectrum of faith traditions underscored a genuine commitment to inclusivity.

Leadership and Civic Engagement:

Notable figures included a city councillor and former Lord Mayor, the former Co-chair of the UK Interfaith Network, the Chair and Secretary of the Birmingham Council of Faiths, the co-founder of the UK’s first Council of Faiths in Wolverhampton, and the Chair of the Faith and Belief Forum in Birmingham. Their presence lent gravitas and historical significance to the proceedings.

Focus on Peace and Humanity:

Under the theme “Towards One Family of Humanity,” the program featured talks by Sheikh Arif (Director of the Al Mahdi Institute), Maureen Foxhall (Methodist preacher and former hospital chaplain), Preetpal Channa (co-presenter of a faith-based TV station), Machmooda Qureshi (Faith and Belief Forum), Bogdan Pammer (Youth and Students for Peace), and David Earle (Universal Peace Federation). Prayers and readings from seven faith traditions highlighted shared values, while Peace Awards recognized outstanding contributions to interfaith harmony.

Charitable Impact:

A collection raised approximately £400 for relief efforts in Lebanon, demonstrating how faith communities can unite for global good.

Community Spirit:

The event concluded with shared food and lively conversations, fostering a warm and familial atmosphere. Attendees socialized into the afternoon, embodying the unity the event sought to promote.

Around 150 people gathered for this meaningful occasion. The event’s success serves as a powerful model for fostering peace, understanding, and practical action in diverse communities.