Our most recent series of ‘Around Sacred Texts’ conversations came to an end in May. Here Poppi Toon, our Listening Spaces Project Manager, describes what this involved and their role in connecting different faith communities.
Our latest Around Sacred Texts series brought 25 people together for a three-part interfaith discussion exploring common themes in Christian, Muslim, and Jewish scriptures. By hosting each evening at a different place of worship, many participants experienced their first visits to a Mosque and a Synagogue, noting what “a real honour” it was to be welcomed into these spaces to learn about their history and traditions. Discussion groups remained consistent across the series, encouraging participants to build trust, form meaningful friendships, and take their conversations deeper each week.
The first evening was hosted at Easton Christian Family Centre, where we discussed how members of different faiths, as individuals, engage with sacred texts and how they affect our daily lives. This was an important place to start this journey, as using scripture as a basis for conversation naturally requires an introduction into how one reads and regards it. These conversations continued on other evenings too: throughout the series, participants “enjoyed hearing about how others interacted with the scripture and how they incorporated it into their lives”. When asked to reflect on a particular moment or insight that had stuck with them, one guest referred to learning about the interactive nature of Shabbat services when reading and studying scripture.
The second evening was hosted at Easton Jamia Mosque, with the topic of “Prophets & prophecy”. Imam Yasin recited the Quranic passages and talked through the history and elements of the Mosque. Participants were also invited to respectfully observe evening prayers, giving further insight into the Muslim faith, especially for those who had little to no knowledge of it beforehand. Each passage of text was shared alongside its original language to give the opportunity to open the discussion further.
We finished the series at Park Row Synagogue, which also included a fascinating tour of the space led by Clive Lawton. Our final topic was “Reconciliation with God (sacrifice, prayer & repentance)”, which made for much interesting conversation! Though finding common ground was encouraged, discussing and acknowledging differences between understandings and theologies was equally as important. Guests were “encouraged by how well people listened to others from different faiths” and by the “curiosity and generosity of the participants”.
The evenings of course came with their challenges, most notably lack of time and unequal representation between faiths – one easier to remedy than the other. Nevertheless, many reflected that they were hope filled gatherings; “helpful in bringing down divisions and fostering communities”. When prompted to reflect, many also found their understanding of their own beliefs were strengthened, but as one participant beautifully summarised:
“Ultimately it is my compassion and humanity that deepens.”
With special thanks to the hosts of Easton Christian Family Centre, Easton Jamia Mosque, and Park Row Synagogue. To the volunteers who guided the passage selections and shared the contexts of each text to aid conversation, and to volunteers who helped the practical running of the events. To the scriptural reasoning process and Rose Castle Foundation which inspired and resourced this interfaith engagement. And finally to the funders of the Listening Spaces project.