WHY do they hate us so much?

Immediately after the 9/11 bombing in 2001, that question was being asked sincerely in the western media. People were questioning themselves about ‘our’ behaviour as well as ‘their’ behaviour. A year later we were caught up in the ‘war on terror’ and the mood of public soul-searching seemed to have passed. But all religions have scriptures urging us to seek peace, and many people of faith were very unhappy that religions were seen as promoting violence. Faced with a distressing situation what do people of faith do? They get together and pray. Some people of various faiths in Bradford dared to hope that this could be done not only within faith communities but jointly. There was a multi-faith gathering on 11th September 2002, and there has been an interfaith meeting to pray for peace on the 11th of every month since then.

Currently the prayers are at 7pm at the Khidmat Centre, 36 Spencer Rd, BD7 2EU. We (not them and us!) gather round, usually with candles in the middle of the circle. After brief introductions there are readings in English related to peace from the holy books or respected writings of various faiths, each followed by a minute or two of silence. Then there is a chance for people to offer their own prayers or songs for peace in any language. After notices about local interfaith and peace events, and perhaps discussion, it is time for the vegetarian food which we have brought to share. We leave before 9pm.

Have we achieved anything? I think we open ourselves up to a little more truth. We can look at ‘them’ and at ourselves a little more honestly, with less blame and more empathy. For most of us, this is seeing ourselves more as God sees us. We can take that attitude into daily life: personally I think that is partly how prayer works. Of course we don’t all agree on everything, but we believe prayer can work for peace. All You are welcome to join us.

Heather Grinter

If you would like to contribute to this column, please contact Barbara Glasson or Jenny Ramsden at Touchstone: 01274 721626; or email: teamleader@touchstone-bradford.org.uk