Inter-faith Barge Trip 09

(words by Shabnum Bashir, Community Development Worker)

Aims:

• To bring together people from different faiths.

• To develop a better understanding of different faiths and to share common beliefs

• To increase awareness about environmental issues including recycling and water conservation.

A group of twenty participants from different faith backgrounds and age groups were invited to take part in a canal barge trip, along the Leeds and Liverpool canal and through the historic mile tunnel. Four participants from the Oman exchange programme were invited along with their counterparts from the U.K. We also welcomed six attendees from the United Reformed Church. Seven people from the Asian and White community also took part in the event.

A canal trip was chose as an ideal recreational activity as it provides a neutral setting and a chance for people to re-engage with the environment. This was also a good opportunity for the Omanian’s to have a glimpse of the not so hectic side of life for the people of England.

During the excursion members of the United Reform Church spoke about the up and coming celebration of Christmas and the Muslim participants delivered a short presentation about the Eid festival.

The day also involved an informal talk from the Omani counterparts about the culture and way of life in their country compared to that in the U.K. Others were able to ask questions about their culture which allowed everyone to engage in interfaith dialogue.

The group also took part in a workshop whereby, they explained in three words what their faith meant to them and what they think it would take to develop a more cohesive an peaceful community.

The feedback from the group was very positive and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was informative and educational and a real chance to develop a more defined understanding of faith, culture and environment.