This celebration marks the 50th anniversary of the award of the Templeton Prize for progress in religion to Chiara Lubich (founder and first President of the Focolare Movement) at the Guildhall, London in April 1977.
Chiara Lubich, both in her life and in her acceptance speech upon receiving the award, emphasised the presence of Love in all religions, and that the practice of mutual love can lead to the unity and harmony of all peoples.
The first people to congratulate her there were members of the Sikh, Buddhist, Jewish and Hindu communities. This led her and the entire Focolare Movement to a new understanding that the spirituality of unity was made for people of all beliefs. Over the years, thanks to the commitment of Focolare members in many countries, deep relationships have developed with believers of many faiths.
The programme will acknowledge the challenges of life in a multi-faith and multi-cultural world.
It will celebrate how both our commonalities and differences contribute to genuine unity between us all. It will reflect upon the reality of the one world in which we live and how we care for that one home and for one another. It will also look at some of our current micro-actions for peace in Great Britain and around Europe
We invite people from all social, cultural, political and religious backgrounds, and of different beliefs and philosophies, to share in our celebration, and so contribute towards building a more united world together.
The Venue
Teaching & Learning Building,
Birmingham University,
Edgbaston Campus,
Birmingham B15 2TT
Sun 25 July 2027
Arrival: 9.15 Programme: 10.00 – 17.00
Free parking is available at Birmingham University at weekends. The university is well served by public transport. University station is close to the venue (trains from Birmingham New Street).
The programme will include refreshments and a buffet lunch for all participants. There will be a separate range of activities for children.
We do not wish anyone to be excluded from this event because of financial reasons: there is no specific charge for entry – where possible, we ask for a minimum contribution of £20 approx per person to help meet the costs.
You can download a pdf version of this invitation here: Templeton A4 online 5.
