Norwood hosted the Wokingham Interfaith Forum on Monday 24
September where guest speaker, Rabbi Lister, rabbi of Edgware Synagogue, addressed more than 50 local multi-faith representatives from churches, mosques, temples and community organisations. The Interfaith Forum aims to bridge boundaries within the local community and ensure that local community organisations work together towards achieving integration. The event was held at Ravenswood Village, Norwood’s residential community for people with learning disabilities in Berkshire.
Rabbi Lister, speaking on behalf of the Chief Rabbi, gave a Jewish perspective on interfaith relations. He has worked closely with Ravenswood Village for several years and was previously the Rabbi of Reading Synagogue.
He said:“Interfaith dialogue is very important. The world has as 
many fault lines as it’s ever had. At times when the Government is encouraging grassroots cohesion, this kind of work is so important to build mutual trust and understanding and reach out to people from different faith communities and cultures and not give in to xenophobia and suspicion.”
Marianne Lowe, Chair of the Wokingham Interfaith Forum said: “This was our third major event since our launch in April this year and the attendees represented Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, Mormon and Ba’Hai faiths, as well as representatives from the public, voluntary and community sectors. It really was a splendid occasion resulting in even greater interest in interfaith partnership work.”
Michael Levin, Norwood's Cultural Advisor, represents Ravenswood Village at the Interfaith Forum. His involvement helps to build bridges and increase understanding between residents with a learning disability and the local community organisations who provide services to them.
For further information please contact Naomi Creeger, Public Relations Manager at Norwood on 020 8420 6900 or email naomi.creeger@norwood.org.uk
