Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF) is committed to encouraging and promoting tolerance, respect and mutual understanding among people of all faiths and cultures, both in Luton and beyond.
Over the years we have gained significant trust, confidence and credibility in Luton, and work alongside a diverse array of agencies, organisations and community groups in matters relating to community cohesion.
LCoF delivers a number of community events and initiatives including, but not exclusive to, the Annual Luton Peace Walk, musical concerts, public discussions, recreational sport projects, conservation work, public vigils and much much more. LCoF operates with four main aims:
1) To bring together members of the different faith communities in Luton for deeper dialogue and cooperation.
2) To increase understanding and trust between different faiths, building on common ground between them yet respecting the unique contribution which each brings.
3) To work towards greater social cohesion and community integration in Luton.
4) To see inter faith cooperation as linking into global cooperation between faiths and cultures for the creation of a better world.
6 GoodGymers have supported Luton Council of Faiths with 2 tasks.
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Previous sessions
Walking for Peace and Bananas in Luton
Saturday 21st September
Written by Rebecca (She/Her)
For this year's annual Peace Walk in Luton, we started at Zakariya Mosque, where young people from the church read passages from the Quran that they had memorised.
We then took a short walk to visit St Martin de Porrres. The Peace Banana in his car led our peace walk followed by the children from local schools. GoodGym ran back and forward to help everyone cross the roads safely. When we arrived, the priest explained the Catholic church hall and the artefacts they use.
Then we heard a beautiful classical piano piece and a rendition of ‘Lean on Me’ at St Hugh’s church.
St Hugh's had a 'Peace' sign outside for many years. It has started to get worn out and the local schools have designed and created a new one. Poignantly, Reverend Martyn Shea described this as a metaphor real peace in our society, so in our communities we also need to maintain and work on peace.
Finally, we had a group meal at St Hugh’s church where we could chat with old friends and new from many different communities and faiths in Luton.
Thank you to all of the organisers and we're already looking forward to supporting the Luton Peace Walk in 2025.
We’re Walking on Sunshine
Saturday 23rd September 2023
Written by Gill (She/her)
It was a beautifully sunny afternoon and a fabulous five GoodGymers assembled at The Church of Our Lady Help of Christians in London Road. Musa was first to arrive and soon got started on car park duty. He was joined by Gill who got stationed at the main entrance to direct cars into the car park and help people arriving on foot into the front entrance of the church. It wasn’t long before Rebecca and Charmaine arrived and we were really pleased to welcome Isaac, a GoodGymer from Lewisham. He was visiting Luton for the weekend and decided to sign up for our task before seeing his friends.
The task was to steward the walkers and to ensure that the adults and children would get safely across the roads and to the different venues .
The Peace Walk was organised by Luton Council of Faiths to bring people from all backgrounds together to develop fellowship and understanding of one another. Faith leaders were joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, MPs Sarah Owen and Rachel Hopkins and former MP Kelvin Hopkins, the Mayor - Councillor Mohammed Yaqub Hanif, Bishop Richard - Bishop of Bedford, children from Luton Schools and so many people from across the communities in Luton.
All were welcomed by Fr Brendan who was delighted that the walk was starting from this neo-gothic 19th century church, and that events like this would “help us grow in our understanding of one another.” Riyadh, one of the organisers, spoke about the people “coming together to walk side by side in peace and harmony.”
We then helped shepherd the gathered people along London Road to Luton Christian Fellowship where we were welcomed by Pastor Mike. LCF was built in 1896 and originally served the people of Chapel Langley as a Primitive Methodist Church but was then bought by Elim Pentecostal Church and transformed into the Luton Christian Fellowship. There were presentations from Chantry and Ramridge Primary Schools and from the young people involved with the Near Neighbours’ Catalyst Programme who spoke impressively of the impact of the programme and the people from across communities they had met through it.
From there we escorted the walkers the to Turkish Education Centre and Mosque. Imam Telfic spoke to us about Islam and the connections with other faiths through the prophets such as Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Abdul Latif gave a moving demonstration of the call to prayer, explaining its meaning and significance. Many of us had been totally unaware that there was a Turkish Center here and has been for 15 years. Sarah Owen MP spoke to the children about what a special place Luton is where people can celebrate and share their faith and no faith in peace with one another. As we left we were treated to some fresh Turkish delight.
And for the final venue we accompanied the walkers to the Shri Guru Ravidass gurudwara where they have recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. We gathered in front of Guru Granth Sahib and the first chapter was read out to us and it was explained how the Sikh faith was based on equality and respect for all. Rachel Hopkins MP spoke about “people’s shared values of tolerance and respect in all our diversity” before we were invited downstairs to the kitchen for a meal of pakora, samosas, fruit and biscuits with lots of time to talk with one another. It was a really joyous occasion, and we are hopeful that we can be involved next year.
