Thank God for the Thames

David Fudger writes:

Question... Where could you find the perfect venue for outside worship, fabulous weather, two bishops leading the worship and an opportunity to thank God for the River Thames and the gift of water?

Bishops John Sentamu & Hugh Montefiore with Chris Brice & Joy Gadsby and a member of the band

Answer... On Island Gardens (Isle of Dogs) on Sunday 14 July, a former Bishop of Birmingham and the next one shared the platform at an outdoor service organised by London SCARE. Bishop Hugh Montefiore preached on the gift of water (and the history of the Thames itself). John Sentamu, in one of his last engagements as Bishop of Stepney, led the worship. Students from Trinity College of Music pumped out new arrangements of old hymns while a gospel choir from Ascension, Blackheath sang. Chris Brice of London Diocese said "This is just the start - a small leap forward for outdoor worship. Years to come will see this as the precursor to even greater events".

South London Inter Faith Group (& friends) walk through Croydon

Eighty or more of us at times, carrying placards with the symbols of the different religions and the name of our group, evoked varying responses from onlookers.

"God bless you all! I wish I could join you" called out one shopkeeper. "Do you understand that you are trespassing" was a more hostile reaction, as we paused on a patch of grass alongside the pavement.

This was our sixth walk of what has become an annual 'pilgrimage', in a different location in south London each year. We started at 9.30am in the peace and quiet of the shrine at the Buddhist Centre in Croydon High Street. We were given an inspiring introduction to Western Buddhist beliefs and life style and their programme of meditation and yoga.

At the Salvation Army Citadel we were warmly welcomed with tea and cakes. We learned about their worship and their dedicated work with the most powerless and vulnerable people in the local community.

At the Mayday Hospital in the small chapel, the chaplain gave us thought-provoking insights into the challenge of using a Christian chapel (with Christian fittings and fixtures) for patients and relatives of different faiths.

Across the road in Croydon Mosque we were shown the prayer halls, areas for ablutions and teaching, a shop selling Islamic books and artefacts, a medical surgery and mortuary. After the midday prayers, our hosts provided fruit and drinks to supplement our sandwiches.

Rested and refreshed, we made our way to the Oshwal Jain Temple in a deconsecrated church nearby, where the leaders went to great trouble to introduce us to the Jain religion.

The home stretch through quiet back streets gave us an opportunity to talk and get to know our fellow pilgrims better. Extensive building works meant we were unable to go into the Sikh Gurdwara but a Sikh member of our group told us about their faith and lifestyle.

Our journey ended at 5.30pm at the Anglican Church of St Michael and All Angels. A long day, physically stretching with much to take in and reflect on. A localised glimpse of the very real meaning of the much used term 'our global world' with all its challenges and enrichment for our communities.

What next? If you live in Croydon, there is a move to begin a local inter faith group. Interested? Phone Elizabeth Birtles 020 8656 3006 or John & Tina Beckett 020 8654 2095. Sarah Thorley

This year Racial Justice Sunday falls on Sunday 8 September. The Churches Commission for Racial Justice have produced a pack full of ideas for worship to mark the event. Its use in churches will help everyone to reflect on what we might do as individuals and collectively to give meaning in our lives to St Paul's encouragement to us to love one another as sisters and brothers should, and have a profound respect for each other.

Racial Justice Sunday is an opportunity for all Christians in Britain and Ireland to join together in:

• thinking about racial justice issues
• thanksgiving for human diversity
• prayer for an end to misunderstanding, racism, and injustice
• action that truly makes a difference
• fundraising for national and local justice initiatives.

Examples of how it was celebrated last year include special services in churches (some attended by civic dignitaries), cultural events, and calls from church leaders for a welcome for asylum seekers. There is something everyone can do to make the day a success in your area.

Black and Minority Ethnic Forum Annual Conference

The Southwark Diocese Black and Minority Ethnic Forum will hold its eighth annual conference at St Mark's Church, Kennington, on Saturday 26 October.

The theme this year is "black and minority ethnic economic empowerment".

Keynote speaker will be Angela Sarkis, until recently Chief Executive of the Church Urban Fund. Rev Ron Nathan, Development in Diversity Officer for the Methodist Church in London, will also be a guest speaker. There will be workshops on setting up a business, creating a social enterprise, training opportunities, raising finance, and networking.

For further information, contact Delbert Sandiford on 020 7939 9418 or write to the Black and Minority Ethnic Forum at Trinity House, 4 Chapel Court, Borough High Street, London SE1 1HW.