Festival Of Faiths

I was well rewarded in attending this 2 hour meeting of speakers for the multitude of religions watching having a 10 minute speech slot the themes:

“Religion and community: What my
faith group does for my community and how all faiths can work together for our community”.

It was led by an ex Sheriff of Nottingham and Sikhi (I think) supported by The Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire at Nottinghamshire County (Council) Hall.

The standout speakers for me were
 (1) Hindu - who did a lot for the local impoverished St Anns community; all faiths welcome: Free meals for those in need and the provision of free cremations
(2)Baha I - who have no places of worship, and a focus on just
 helping others
(3) Black Led Churches - who's talk included about the problems and hostility experienced by The Windrush generation hence the need to set up there own churches in England.

My Question
There were a lot of cross faith themes eg helping homeless, drug users, those with mental health issues,  helping the poor. I raised a question about whether more active / formal links should be made to non faith groups doing the same things. 

I was pleased that a few people commended me for raising it, including the woman pictured above who was a catholic and had been a Street Pastor in Retford for over 20 years and the first place in England after London to do this. She commented that it was bad that only people of a formal religion could become a Street Pastor. She would frequently be called out by the police, club doorman etc to go out and  help drunk young girls at 2 or 3 am.

Fabulous Indian food afterwards and a great networking opportunity.