INTER FAITH WEEK 2010: DAY 1

Alastair, Gracie and I bring the exhibition materials down from Pilgrim House to Highcross, leaving there just before 1030. All the banners fit into two “drum stands” which have wheels on the bottom and just about everything else can be carried in one big shopping bag. The three of us trundle down Gallowtree Gate and into Highcross through the entrance on Church Street. Having used the exhibition (in whole or in part) several times over the last year, it takes next to no time for me to assemble it now. And it’s worn very well! Some of the bags that the banners go in have suffered a bit, but on the whole, the exhibition itself looks as good now as when we first used it for this event last year. However, there’s a gaping hole where one of the banners should be – one that I’d taken out to show to members of Christians Aware when I visited their meeting in Christchurch on Monday and I hadn’t put it back with the others. So I have to ask Alastair to jump in a taxi back to the house, pick up the banner from there and dash back here with it. Despite this setback, we’re fully operational by 11:15.

There are some young Israeli people running a promotional stall near our display, selling skincare products based on Dead Sea minerals. One of them comes to us to ask about contacting the local Jewish community. On our display right then is Tony Nelson, Vice Chair of the Council of Faiths, on which he represents the Leicester Hebrew Congregation, so they came at just the right time.

Later in the day, Gursharan Thandi, of the Sikh Cultural and Welfare Society, spends some considerable time speaking with a group of young Christian women, who invite her to their church (that's them in the photos). Today is the celebration of the Birthday of Guru Nanak. I appreciate the fact that Gursharan has come here to help out on the exhibition at a time when celebrations of this holy day are in full swing at the city’s gurdwaras.

The last shift of the day comprises a Christian, a Muslim and someone whose religion I don’t know – don’t even know if she has one. But she’s a person interested in community cohesion and is more than willing to play a full part in the event. After giving them the briefest of briefings, I’m off for the day. but not before potting football commentary legend Ray Stubbs pass by the exhibition. I won't say he stopped and looked - but I'd like to think he notices it.

Following on from last year’s practice, we’re keeping a reflective journal and asking those who volunteer their services on the exhibition to leave a few comments. Here are some of the things that people helping out today had to say:

“A couple of schoolchildren recognised some of the religious symbols on display so I gave them a keyring and leaflet.”

“Religion is like a garden and all the different faiths are like flowers in that garden, No one flower is better than any other” (quote from a passer-by)

“Had some discussion with people about what religion means to them. Learnt a lot too! Interesting to see so many people Christmas shopping and lovely to see so many people of different faith, race etc. – brings the spirit of One Leicester.”