On National Interfaith Week, Watford Interfaith Faith Association hosted its annual Interfaith Pilgrimage visiting 6 places of worship around Watford. It was an inspiring and uplifting event inviting Watford residents on a journey of discovery of the different faith communities of our town. I thought it would be a good idea on this occasion to invite our young missionaries to take part in the pilgrimage and give them this unique experience.
Our interfaith Pilgrimage started mid-day on Sunday 16th November. Watford is such a town that in one afternoon you can have a glimpse at some of the major faiths in our world just by visiting their worship places reachable at walking distance. Around 60 members of the public participated in the pilgrimage. We started at the Friends Meeting House with warm drinks and refreshments followed by an introduction to Quakerism. We then stopped by the Watford & District Synagogue, walk through the town to the Al Zahra Centre, the meeting place of the Watford Shi’a Muslim community and then to the Watford Central Mosque (the Sunni Mosque) where after their presentation we enjoyed some delicious samosas and pakoras. Holy Rood Roman Catholic Church was our next stop before we concluded our pilgrimage at St Mary’s Church of England around 5.30pm.
In each place we visited we spent around 30 minutes listening to an introduction to the faith of their communities. Lots of questions were raised and friendly conversations followed. We learned a lot about each other, overcame some misconceptions and develop greater understanding and respect for each other. The Watford Elected Mayor as well as the Deputy Mayor and some councillors participated in the Pilgrimage. The mayor thanked the organizers for this valuable annual interfaith Pilgrimage which brings our town together making Watford a most welcoming place for all.
The success of the Pilgrimage was reported in our local newspaper and on the website of Watford Football Club and other media. A few days later we were contacted by the BBC for an interview.
For more information about our Pilgrimage, please visit our Watford Interfaith Association website: https://www.wifa.org.uk/pilgrimage
Meeting with the missionaries afterwards, I asked them about their experiences and reflections on the day. This is what they wrote:
‘I participated in the interfaith event this time and it was a wonderful experience, allowing me to learn about many different religions. I would also like to visit churches not only in Watford but in other areas as well. Thank you very much.’
From Seirei.
‘I was truly grateful to be able to attend this interfaith event. Visiting churches, mosques, and cathedrals of different religions gave me a wonderful opportunity to see with my own eyes what I had previously studied and learned. It was also a blessing to hear directly from those who serve in these places. Their faith and values were beautiful and sacred. If I have the chance, I would love to participate again.’
From Munhee.
‘I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn about so many different religions for the first time. It has truly been a meaningful and inspiring experience for me. Especially in the European cultural environment, I was moved to see how people honour God, cherish their own faith traditions, and, through the interfaith community, even embrace and understand those from other religions. Witnessing this, I felt I could learn, even just a little, what genuine interreligious harmony and peace for humanity look like—something I had rarely encountered in Korea. Many participants showed warm curiosity toward us, and their kindness touched my heart. If the opportunity arises, I would love to join again. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the staff for their dedication and support. Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful experience.’
From Inseong.
‘This pilgrimage was a really great opportunity for me, as I was able to visit a Muslim mosque and a Jewish synagogue for the first time. Until now, I had only learned about the culture and theology of the Family Federation, so I had never really thought about interfaith harmony, understanding, or peace. Thanks to this experience, I was able to deeply reflect on how we can achieve peace among different religions!’
From Lisa.
Written by Françoise M.
