Interfaith Group
Initially we are focussing on the other two Abrahamic faiths, the 'Faiths of the Book'.
In March, 21 of us were warmly received at the Kingston Mosque and, over a generous buffet lunch, given an explanation of the central tenets of the Muslim faith and of the position of this mosque in the local community, before witnessing the main Friday prayers.
This was followed by an inspiring Saturday morning meeting with Mr Rashid Laher, the Chairman of the Mosque, which is intended to lead to a developing relationship between our congregations.
Later in the year we plan to make a similar visit to a service at the Richmond Orthodox Synagogue (which is currently undergoing major repairs).
A programme of four evening lectures and discussions is planned for the Autumn. The first two are :
9 October - Yvonne Ridley, Political Editor of the Islam TV Channel, will speak on 'A Comedy of Errors ― what happened when the Taliban arrested a Western feminist'.
23 October - Rabbi Yossi Ives, of the Richmond Orthodox Synagogue, will speak on 'A Rabbi on Heaven and Hell (Jewish mysticism)'