FAITH leaders in Bradford have called for more cohesion following the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.
A Jubilee party was organised by the VIP (Volunteering Interfaith Partnership) and was held at Ramgarhia Gurdwara on Sunday.
In attendance were representatives from the Sikh, Muslim, Hindu and Christian communities, as well as non-religious people.
“Amongst the most significant changes to Britain over the past 50 years has been the growth of faith and cultural diversity”, said Dr Javed Bashir, Founder of the VIP.
“The Queen has reflected this over the years, and this event encouraged dialogue and showed we are all part of British society.”
Dr Manoj Joshi DL, MBE, from Bradford’s Hindu community, added: “It was useful to bring people together over what we share, rather than that what divides us”, while Dr Kuldip Kaur Bharj OBE, DL, of the Sikh community, also said: “The celebration brought people together and allowed everyone to talk honestly and sincerely.
“Focusing on differences can lead to hatred and intolerance - we wanted to channel difference positively.”
Najmuddin Master, of Anjuman-e-Jamali Adam Masjid in Girlington, added: “It’s important to be a loyal citizen of this country as we have been given the freedom to practice our religions.
“This was also my first visit to a gurdwara, and I learned a lot about Sikhism.”
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