Interfaith conference attended by senior civic figures, police chiefs and religious leaders
STANFORD-le-Hope's Jamme Masjid mosque played host to the third annual Thurrock Interfaith Conference in Thurrock, organised by borough councillor Qaisar Abbas.
Among many guests it was attended by the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, the Chief Constable and officers from Essex Police, Thurrock Council's Chief Executive, leader, opposition leader and councillors of Thurrock Council plus representatives of Thurrock CVS, and Healthwatch Thurrock.
The conference (on Saturday, 16 November) in the former Stanford-le-Hope Methodist Church which closed in 2022, opened with a written message from King Charles III who sent his 'warmest good wishes to all those who were present at the event'.
Other messages came from the Rabbi of Southend & Westcliff Hebrew Congregation, the Chair of Home Office Islamic Network, and other invitees who were unable to attend.
Dr Siraj Ali, Chair of TMC, welcomed the guests and said: "We are pleased that Cllr Abbas has chosen our venue to host this conference.
"Our Centre is new in this area and our Mosque and Centre are open for school and community visits. We are keen to involve more in local activities and hope members of other communities and faiths will interact with us more."
Cllr Abbas, said: "Thurrock is a diverse place with lot of opportunities. When other areas were scarred with hatred and riots, we saw the best of Thurrock, the messages of support and togetherness.
"In wake of recent riots and the situation in Middle East, it is important to provide a platform for faith and community leaders to come together and share their experiences and views and to see what more can be done for better understanding between different faiths and communities and a peaceful and cohesive society.
"I am very grateful for everyone's attendance and thank our wonderful volunteers and Thurrock's Muslim comminity for their help and support in organising this conference."
Speakers touched on wide range of topics covering recent riots and its impact on members of different communities and faiths, the situation in Middle East and Ukraine, local issues, and importance of peace and community cohesion.
Faith leaders highlighted the importance of peace around the world, mutual understanding and continuation of interfaith dialogue. They also offered to open their spaces and share learning opportunities with others.
The Police officers and Council leadership noted the views and concerns of speakers and reaffirmed their commitment to support all communities and faiths.
The volunteers and staff from QAG's Foundation, Best British Centre, Thurrock Muslim Centre (TMC) and Rawal Veritas were presented certificate of appreciation for their help in organising the conference.
Among the attendees were representatives and leaders of more 35 different faiths and organisations attended, including Thurrock Muslim Centre, Methodist Church, United Benefice of Corringham & Fobbing, Grays Park Mosque, Taleem Mosque, Tilbury Mosque, NASFAT Thurrock, Thurrock Hindu Temple, Al-Hussania Thurrock, Thurrock Shia Community, Grays Gurdwara, St Clement's Church, House of Grays Church, Destiny Life Christian Ministries, RCCG Church, Grays Baptist Church, Romanian Orthodox Church, Minhaj Ul Quran, Noor Al Hurmain, Noor-E-Medina Foundation, Pakistani Community, Indian Community, Thurrock Nepalese Gurkha Community, Ex-British Gurkhas Veterans and Dependant Society, Thurrock Association of Forums, The Mosque and Islamic Centre of Brent, Thurrock Helping Hands, Thurrock Awareness Ride, Hope4Humanity, Sri Lankan Businesses, Tamil Community, Yazh Tamil School, BIOT Citizens, Essex Jamme Masjid Southend-on-Sea, Essex Bangladeshi Welfare Association, Happy Home Ministry, Centre for Policy Dimensions, and Sanatan Community Grays.
The conference was also attended by students and other community leaders.
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