A multi-cultural evening took place in Londonderry on November 20 in connection with the exhibition "In Good Faith" which is being shown at various venues around the Province by Diversity 21. The exhibition shows something of the various religions represented in Northern Ireland and was prepared by the Northern Ireland Inter-Faith Forum. Edwin Graham was representing the Inter-Faith Forum and introduced the Exhibition, giving its history and purpose. Although never pushed forward, the Faith did feature significantly in the evening. The official Bahá'í contribution comprised a short introduction by Iain Palin followed by prayers from Zhenia Mahdi and Colin Palin, but in addition to that three speakers (Catholic, Chinese, and Sikh) mentioned it in their contributions and the closing prayer was sung in Chinese by Sarah Munro.
The meeting was recorded for BBC radio "Sunday Sequence" and excerpts, plus interviews with some participants, were broadcast the following Sunday morning, giving good coverage to the Faith.
The Derry Assembly wants all the Friends to know that the exhibition is well worth a visit if it comes to a venue near them.
The friends in the cluster based on Londonderry have settled on a name – the Hainsworth cluster. They are calling it after the distinguished veteran believer Philip Hainsworth, who was the first Baha'i known to have been living in the city and area, back in 1940. Philip is still as active as his health permits and when contacted about the proposed title was delighted, and sends his love to all the Friends.
(Note: Sadly, since this item appeared, we have heard of Philip’s pasing.)
A wonderful opportunity exists at the George Townshend School. It is an opportunity to offer service to the wider community. It is in the form of a class that provides spiritual and moral education. In an age of transition and uncertainty many parents are concerned and confused about how to best prepare their children for the world. The spiritual and moral education class provides children with a clear perspective on life. It teaches insights and skills, encouraging the children to be responsible and realise the importance of their contribution to society. So talk to your neighbours, friends and work colleagues and share this opportunity with them. If you have any questions contact:
Les Gornall - 02879 632615
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The Spiritual Assembly of Londonderry sends its very best wishes to David Palin and Eimear McKee, who were married on Saturday 3 November. As there is no Assembly established where they will be living they asked for David's old community to be responsible and the National Spiritual Assembly gave its permission. The Bahá’í ceremony was ably conducted by Michelle O'Mahony. |
Four times a year Pippa Cookson gets together a sheet or two consisting of quotations and interesting articles from Snippits, an official newsheet of the Sustainable Northern Ireland Programme.
Anyone interested in a copy should contact Pippa at 442 Springfield Road, Belfast BT12 7DW.
Indeed some communities or individuals may wish to involve themselves more in their activities. We hope to feature titbits from Snippits from time to time.