People from 16 different places of worship, representing major faith groups, will be recognised by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Zafar Ali, in a presentation at City Hall.
The faith organisations have taken part in a twinning project, with the aim of bringing people together from different faiths and backgrounds to help build links and benefit communities.
The scheme has taken place in six areas of the Bradford district: West Bowling, Leeds Road, Manningham and Great Horton in Bradford, plus Keighley and Shipley.
Within each area, at least two places of worship have committed to meet regularly, work on a joint project, honour each other’s faiths and provide mutual support in times of need.
The establishments taking part include mosques (masjid), Church of England and Catholic churches, gurdwaras, Hindu temples and Buddhist centres.
The faith group representatives will be presented with a certificate of acknowledgment to show thanks for their commitment to creating faith links for the common good.
Steve Hartley, Bradford Council’s Strategic Director, Department of Place, said: “Bradford Council is committed to supporting community cohesion within our district. We already have strong links between our faith communities and this project builds on this foundation. Each twinning arrangement helps increase understanding and respect between different faith organisations, and leads to further joint work, for the benefit of local people living and working in those areas. I’d like to thank all the faith groups who have taken up the invitation to get involved.”
Saleem Hussain, of the Madni Masjid, West Bowling, said: “Madni Masjid BD5 and St Stephen’s Church have built up strong bonds of friendship through collaborative work over many years, which have contributed to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
“Our collaborative work started nine years ago working together on a drugs awareness project for parents and children. Each year Madni Masjid and St Stephen’s Church also collaborate on helping homeless people over the cold winter months – with St Stephen’s Church providing bed and warm shelter and Madni Masjid contributing towards food.
“Together we have undertaken bike rides to show unity and respect and raise money for Marie Curie Hospice, with routes around Bradford to further afield – Liverpool, Scarborough and Manchester.
“Some competition is always rewarding – with the Masjid and Church rising to the challenge on the Badminton court.
“We’ve also had open days and MP visits – where people were interested to see the collaborative work that helps to improves people lives. We hope to continue this good work between our faiths for many years into the future.”
Ravinder Dharni, of Bradford Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple, Leeds Road, said: “Our Temple / Mandir has been participating in the Faith Walk along Leeds Road for many years. This Faith walk takes place on the first Saturday of each month and links Places of Worship from four different faiths, namely a church, mosque, Hindu temple, Sikh gurdwara and a cathedral. Over the years, all the faiths have benefited from this partnership work and this has also led to other joint projects.
“All the people who attend this faith walk have positive views and a better understanding of the other faiths afterwards. Some people are so impressed that they have then revisited with friends, family or colleagues. My colleagues and I always look forward to new people coming to visit our temple.”
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