Our diocesan Interfaith Adviser Revd Jenny Ramsden has been privileged to take part in important discussions at Buckingham Palace, hosted by His Majesty, the King.
Revd Jenny was with some 30 community and faith leaders brought together by King Charles to discuss the positives and challenges of interfaith and community cohesion, as well as come up with practical suggestions on how to work together moving forwards.
“It was a privilege to be invited to Buckingham Palace as one of a group of ten women and have such important conversations and with the King taking an active part,” Revd Jenny said.
“Our table of women were incredible - each from different faith backgrounds and all engaged in interfaith dialogue or community cohesion in various different ways.”
She said how King Charles joined each table to hear the conclusions of their discussions.
“He was very attentive, listened to our ideas and was encouraging and positive. At the very least, it was great to see people from different faiths gathered together at Buckingham Palace, wonderful to see women and young people given such prominence, and encouraging that we all felt heard.
“The King sat with us to listen to our discussions, which included our concerns about the Israel-Hamas conflict on communities here in the UK and practical solutions to bringing diverse communities together in meaningful ways.
“It was especially encouraging that the King wished to hear the voices of women - actively recognising our contribution to dialogue and peacemaking and we left excited by the possibilities for working together moving forwards. It was definitely a day to remember!” Revd Jenny said.