Interfaith Week brings communities together at St Albans Cathedral

Around 150 people gathered at St Albans Cathedral for the Diocese’s Interfaith Week 2025 event on Monday 17 November, which was attended by the Lord Lieutenants of both Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, along with the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Barnet, and mayors from across the region.

The gathering featured 18 stall holders representing a wide range of faith traditions. They showcased a wide variety of projects including those supporting children, eco initiatives, peace gardens, multi-faith art, work with refugees and the homeless, food banks, intercultural cooking classes and winter kits for those in need.

The annual Interfaith Week gathering is designed to promote understanding and respect between different beliefs, offering a welcoming space for people of all faiths—and none—to meet, share, and learn from one another. This year’s event went beyond dialogue: it celebrated diversity, challenged stereotypes, and strengthened community cohesion. In the words of the organisers:

“In times of rising populism, polarisation, and misinformation, events like this provide a positive counter-narrative of unity and mutual respect.”

Faiths represented included Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Bahá’í, reflecting the rich tapestry of traditions across the Diocese. The evening also highlighted how faith communities are serving local areas in practical ways, tackling poverty, supporting mental health, and addressing climate change. Dialogue and trust are at the heart of the organisers’ vision for collaboration that serves the wider community.

The Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral and host of the event, welcomed those present by recalling the Cathedral’s foundation story: Alban, Britain’s first Christian saint, who sheltered a persecuted priest and gave his life in an act of friendship and courage. This legacy of hospitality continues to make Cathedral a place of pilgrimage.

Organisers included David Jonathan (Johny), mission partner from Grassroots, Luton, and Diocesan Interfaith Advisers (DIFA): The Revd Dr Alec Corio (Rector of East Barnet) and Ulrike Hunt (from The Feast, Luton).

Alec, who has recently taken on the role of Diocesan Interfaith Adviser, told us:

“Our Christian faith compels us to share in the radical hospitality of the cross, by seeking to build relationships that honour the differences between world religions and celebrate what all people share, together.”

Bishop Jane shared:

“It was wonderful to be in a space where all were there willing and wanting to engage with one another across our different faith groups.  There was a palpable desire to search for what brings us together for the good of our neighbours and community and a desire to see everyone flourish.”

Stories of collaboration

During the evening, Adam, from the Jewish community, and Aktar, from the Muslim community, spoke about their joint work in schools. Their collaboration shows how interfaith partnerships can move beyond superficial encounters to meaningful engagement.

Ulrike shared:

“For me, interfaith work isn’t just about finding the lowest common denominator and creating a happy place for us to meet on a superficial level. It is also about meaningful interaction with one another where we can really learn to understand what life and faith looks like for someone from a different faith, including the challenges.”

Students and teachers from St Albans School performed a song and recited poetry. Dr Lesley Grey of St Albans School said:

“Events like tonight give me hope for a brighter future for my students. I see their tolerance and understanding expand, and their willingness to work with others is inspirational.”

Why it matters

Bishop Richard said of the evening:

“It was deeply moving to see so many people of different faiths come together at the Cathedral on Monday evening. Events like this strengthen the bonds of trust and respect across our communities, as a strong counter-narrative to those of division and extremism.”

Interfaith Week also provided opportunities to:

• Hear stories of service and compassion from different faiths
• Explore local cooperation that builds resilience despite global tensions
• Share ideas for new initiatives in parishes and communities.

Looking ahead

Attendees were encouraged to continue conversations in their local contexts. Interfaith advisors, Grassroots, and The Feast offered support, training where helpful, and ideas to help communities create spaces where people can meet, have fun, and meaningfully share with one another.

For any further conversation or support on interfaith matters within the Diocese, please contact DIFAs: Alec Corio and Ulrike Hunt.