St Luke's Church Eccleshill - Articles from "The Link"

Making PEACE in Bradford

"Twinning" scheme to bridge gaps

As reported in the “Target”*, Bradford Council’s executive member for education is calling for a scheme to put people from diverse organisations in touch with each other. Just as our city has links with other towns and cities across the world, our local organisations could have links with others across the city.

PEACE - People Engaging Across Communities - follows the recommendations of the Ouseley report, which says we should try to think of ourselves as Bradfordians, rather than focus on our divisions on ethnic, cultural or religious lines.

“The scheme could mean methodists visiting mosques, youths visiting retirement homes and pupils spending time in twin schools” says the Target (9th August 2001).

I wonder how you react?

My reaction was to phone up the telephone enquiry number and ask for further details. I think it’s a good idea, and maybe we in the churches ought to take the lead as voluntary organisations. We have nothing to lose, and maybe a great deal to gain.

Councillor Ward is not suggesting that all religions are the same, or that we should worship together or pool our buildings. The scheme is not about anybody changing their opinions, and there would be no threat to anyone’s faith or way of life. But it would give us all the chance to meet people who live in other parts of the city, cook with their own recipes, and maybe hold different religious opinions.

What would be the advantages for us at St Luke’s if we took the plunge and registered for a visit to a mosque or a twinning arrangement with a gardening club in Lidget Green? Here are some:

1. We might meet some really nice people, make friends, and have a good time.

2. We might get to understand how some of the other people in Bradford feel about life.

3. We might be able to help to someone in a practical way, so they feel better about life in our city.

4. We might see more clearly the differences between what Jesus said and what other religious teachers say, and so appreciate parts of our own faith better.

5. We might be some help to someone else wondering about what to believe.

6. We might show that we’re not narrow-minded.

No-one would be forced to join in Councillor Ward’s scheme, but I think we’d have a lot to gain if we did.

John Hartley

* The Target is Bradford's local free newspaper.

	*St Luke's Church, Eccleshill - The Link* magazine** The Link is published monthly at 40p (Senior Citizens 35p), and we deliver free within the parish and post copies (at the reader's expense) to those who request it. Please contact us if you would like a free copy for a trial period. September 2001, Page 1.
Home Page. Index of articles. Vicar's Letters: index, World faith, General election. Joint services, Race & Faith, Twinning, Harvest. Race & Faiths: index, Multifaith, Racism, World faith, Riots, Twinning, Aire. In this issue: (September 2001) Vicar's Letter, Money, Question, Creed.	Making PEACE in Bradford "Twinning" scheme to bridge gaps As reported in the “Target”, Bradford Council’s executive member for education is calling for a scheme to put people from diverse organisations in touch with each other. Just as our city has links with other towns and cities across the world, our local organisations could have links with others across the city. PEACE* - People Engaging Across Communities - follows the recommendations of the Ouseley report, which says we should try to think of ourselves as Bradfordians, rather than focus on our divisions on ethnic, cultural or religious lines. “The scheme could mean methodists visiting mosques, youths visiting retirement homes and pupils spending time in twin schools” says the Target (9th August 2001). I wonder how you react? My reaction was to phone up the telephone enquiry number and ask for further details. I think it’s a good idea, and maybe we in the churches ought to take the lead as voluntary organisations. We have nothing to lose, and maybe a great deal to gain. Councillor Ward is not suggesting that all religions are the same, or that we should worship together or pool our buildings. The scheme is not about anybody changing their opinions, and there would be no threat to anyone’s faith or way of life. But it would give us all the chance to meet people who live in other parts of the city, cook with their own recipes, and maybe hold different religious opinions. What would be the advantages for us at St Luke’s if we took the plunge and registered for a visit to a mosque or a twinning arrangement with a gardening club in Lidget Green? Here are some: 1. We might meet some really nice people, make friends, and have a good time. 2. We might get to understand how some of the other people in Bradford feel about life. 3. We might be able to help to someone in a practical way, so they feel better about life in our city. 4. We might see more clearly the differences between what Jesus said and what other religious teachers say, and so appreciate parts of our own faith better. 5. We might be some help to someone else wondering about what to believe. 6. We might show that we’re not narrow-minded. No-one would be forced to join in Councillor Ward’s scheme, but I think we’d have a lot to gain if we did. John Hartley * The Target is Bradford's local free newspaper.
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