The symbolic and inspiring event provided a unique opportunity to come together, celebrate and showcase the profound desire of all Faith Leaders to enhance community cohesion and foster deeper dialogue between all people.

Faith Covenants were established in 2014 by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Faith and Society to end mistrust and encourage partnership working between local authorities and faith groups.

The Chair of Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith, Valerie Skottowe, said: ‘It was a truly wonderful way in which to mark the 20th year of Welwyn Hatfield Inter Faith. We look forward to working closer with the borough council in helping to build community cohesion and foster understanding and friendship between people of all faiths and none”.

The covenant commits faith groups and public services to a shared set of principles, and notes that ‘The voice, participation and solutions that faith communities bring are important. We intend that the active engagement of Faith Groups with our public services will benefit the wider community’.

Canon Norbert Fernandes, Parish priest of Catholic Churches in Welwyn Garden City added: “Each of us … signed the Faith Covenant and had two minutes to share a reflection. So everyone gathered watched and listened. There was respect and a breaking down of barriers. Conversation followed over tea and cake. We all have a part to play in enriching our community; our mutual cooperation is an essential tool. May God bless this undertaking!”

Local Councillor Michal Siewniak, who was part of the working group concluded: “I left the meeting feeling really empowered. The Faith Covenant was signed by 17 Leaders. The event demonstrated that unity in diversity is possible and we need to become beacons of hope amongst our communities. This journey starts here, today, with us. We all need to make a conscious choice of spreading the message of optimism, compassion and human kindness”.

M. Siewniak