Nearly 150 guests were hosted at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport for an interfaith evening of celebration of Unity and Peace on 7th March 2024. At the invitation of the High Sheriff of Gwent, Prof. Simon Gibson, CBE, DL, to the Interfaith Council of Wales to hold the event, including a delicious buffet, in the beautiful Woodland Suite, members of the Interfaith Council considered how they might best reach out to people who may never have experienced such a meeting before.
Three Newport schools accepted the invitation to give a presentation around the theme in whatever creative ways they wished. Maindee Primary School children presented a deeply moving Unity dance and their school song which included the use of sign language. Maindee school is accredited with the Peace Mala award and also works with the Onyx Link Foundation to bring people of faith and belief into the school to learn about their beliefs.
St Joseph’s RC High School presented inspiring poetry readings, written and read by the pupils themselves. The school has pupils from 42 ethnic backgrounds and 52 languages are spoken.
St Woolos Primary School sang four delightful songs that were important to them including ‘Shalom’ and ‘Calon Lan’. 32 children represented the school,also accompanied by fifteen parents.
In between the presentations guests heard ‘Sabbath Prayer’ played by Ponthir Recorder Harmonies and representatives from eight world faiths read short passages from each of their scriptures on ‘the Golden Rule’ a theme that runs throughout each faith – to treat others as you would like to be treated.
Amongst the guests were Trevor Watkins, Mayor of Newport, HM the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent Robert Aitkin, CBE, former Judge, Her Honour Helen Mifflin, DL,the High Sheriff of Gwent in nomination for 2024-2025 and Chief Inspector of Blaenau Gwent Amanda Thomas.
The High Sheriff welcomed everyone to the Celtic Manor saying that one of the duties of the Sheriff was to encourage interfaith activity. It is one of the key objectives of the role to promote understanding, cooperation and good relations between organisations and people of different faiths, strongly encouraging acts of kindness, compassion and public service across all religious communities. Empowerment of young people is another priority objective and this event certainly contributed towards both of these.
The Interfaith Council for Wales thanks the High Sheriff for his generous offer to host the event which it feels will have contributed to opening up opportunities for people to get to know one another and have a greater understanding, love and respect for others.