London United Against Extremism.
The Oxford Foundation, United for Peace.
On the 29thof April, Global Acts of Unity spoke at The Oxford Foundation’s United for Peace; London’s Communities United Against Extremism. The event took place at The Clothworkers Company in the magnificent Clothworkers Hall.
United for Peace is a national initiative that draws United Kingdom’s diverse communities together to affirm the values that unite us. The values of respect, love, peace, compassion, and understanding, as opposed to the narratives of extremists advocating the ugliness of division, hatred, and violence. We achieve this through a Service that incorporates readings from different faith (and non-faith) traditions affirming these values, interspersed with moments of silent reflection and beautiful music.
United for Peace has held similar events in different parts of the country. I was delighted to have accepted their invitation. Global Acts of Unity has supported the Oxford Foundation’s previous United for Peace events and were very pleased to have been able to support this event.
I spoke about how we need to celebrate our differences and be proud of our heritages whilst respecting other people’s cultures and heritages. My speech was very well received. Ahmad Nawaz, a friend from previous events spoke passionately about working with the youth of the UK and beyond and his experiences at the hands of terrorists. Robin Launder a new friend to GAU is Chair of the National Humanist Society. Robin’s speech very neatly fitted in with mine and the two speeches first and last complemented each other’s very well.
It was a night to catch up with old friends and meet new friends. A night of sharing that fight against extremism. A night of prayer and reflection, it was as is usual with United for Peace’s events a wonderful night.
Last Thoughts.
Global Acts of Unity would like to thank The Oxford Foundation for the immense amount of work that went into organising the event. It was an unmitigated success.
