A letter to the community of Wolverhampton,
Since our inception, Interfaith Wolverhampton has promoted our mutual respect, understanding and social cohesion as a way to overcome the challenges we face. In these unprecedented times, our methods may be different, but the message remains the same.
Following the advice of the Government, we are not currently able to gather in our faith communities. For many of us, our faith is worked out socially, with others in community. While we mourn this loss, we must also look to common threads in our faith which promotes the sanctity of creation. Following Government guidance and sacrificing our social gatherings is in itself an act of love for our neighbours as we reduce the risk of the virus spreading and reducing the burden on the NHS and other agencies. If any of us develop symptoms or live with someone who has, we must follow Government guidelines so to protect others. In this we must not become complacent.
However, this does not mean that our faith is not active. We have seen different faiths in the community coming together to deliver food to our NHS staff, local businesses, and volunteer’s giving their time. Often as we turn our attention to helping others, we can overcome our fear. Perhaps we can’t help how we would most like to but we can seek other ways to help. Could we make financial donations to charities such as foodbanks, The Haven or the Refugee and Migrant Centre?
Whether we are in the position to practically help others or not, our faiths offer us a rich store of comfort and assurance. In our reading of our sacred texts and the prayers we offer, we find hope. I hope too that we can be united in our prayers for the key workers who, in their gargantuan efforts, are maintaining our essential services to keep us all safe and protected.
If you have some spare income, or some spare food, could you donate to your local food bank? If you would like to just talk or are anxious or worried or are alone, you can pick up the phone.
Ring us:
Cllr Jasbinder Dehar - 07958 561731
Jill Parker JP - 01902 700755
Revd Christopher Collins - 01902 687635
Yours faithfully
Cllr Jasbinder Dehar
Chair, Interfaith Wolverhampton
On this Vaisakhi when the whole world is suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic and the human race is under extreme danger let us thank the exceptional dedication and sacrifice of our NHS staff, police services, civil servants and the army of volunteers who have put their lives on the line to help those who are suffering from Covid-19.
We are also thankful to volunteers from the Gurdwaras in the UK and around the world who are also playing their part in helping, caring and feeding the elderly and needy in these tough times.
Let us pray that with the blessings of Guru Sahib it will be a year with new peace and happiness. Let us also wish for our Prime Minister Boris Johnson to have a speedy recovery.
May Guru Sahib bless you all throughout the coming season.
Management Committee
Trustees & Sangat
Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sedgley Street.