Chairman of Birmingham’s Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) and NCA, Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh was invited to the New North London Synagogue in Finchley to partake in a roundtable interfaith discussion. The event, which was about what we are doing here on earth, with four speakers renowned for their faith-inspired work, attracted enormous interest within the local Jewish community.

On Sunday 8^th September 2013, the New North London Synagogue in Finchley hosted an evening of interfaith reflections shared by four leading figures from the Jewish, Christian and Sikh faith traditions.  Invited to participate alongside Bhai Sahib were: Rabbi Shoshana Boyd-Gelfand, Director of JHub, supporting charities in the areas of social action and innovation, Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkins, 79^th Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and Terry Waite, former special envoy for the Church of England whose work in negotiating the release of hostages led to his own captivity in Beirut for over four years.

The event organised and led by Rabbi Jonathan Wittenburg, attracted a large audience of about 150-200 people, largely from the synagogue community.  Falling between the Jewish New Year and Day of Atonement and finishing with a Penitential Service, the discussion sought to draw out reflections from the panel on the ‘biggest and deepest questions’ of human existence and their journey of faith.  The speakers moved from sharing their experiences of childhood and considering the formative, grassroots factors which had inspired their life of faith, to discussing the transformative power and practical application of faith-based values.

Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkins recounted her inner calling to serve as a youngster in her early teens and as well as some of the challenges she has confronted as a female faith leader.  Born in Jamaica, she was raised without her mother but within a family setting.  Recalling these times she observed that her faith was not ‘learned’ as such through theological training, but inspired and absorbed through seeing it lived out through people around her as she grew up, for example, through their trust that ‘God would provide’ in times when food and money were scarce.

Bhai Sahib shared with the audience the loss of his own mother when he was a very young child, describing how this set him on a journey of inner questioning about the meaning and purpose of life, leading him to explore and practice the Sikh faith he was born into.  He described the link between the concepts of faith, trust and hope and stressed the Sikh teaching that compassion is the essential bedrock of faith.  Remarking that forgiveness is the action which emanates from compassion, he observed, to the positive murmurs of the audience, that only mothers seem to share with God the ability to absolutely forgive and that it is a phenomenon we should all learn from.  He explained that the Sikh word for faith – dharam – had the connotation of love and service, with a sense of responsibility to both God and all elements of creation, where our interconnectedness and interdependence is deeply valued and none is a stranger or foe.

Terry Waite reflected on the deep learning arising from his first-hand experiences, both in captivity itself and in his act of revisiting and engaging with his captors to secure the safety and freedom of others.  He described how the quiet application of faith-inspired values made the ultimate difference in drawing out another’s humanity.  He presented faith as a way of being that was internalised through the values by which one thinks and acts, reiterating the importance of a ‘living’ faith which is found beyond the ritual and dogma of religion.  The other speakers strongly resonated with this.

Rabbi Shoshana Boyd-Gelfand reflected on the creative, personal and social dimensions of faith practice and commitment.  She described how music and the natural world, beyond conventional prayer or places of worship, were important elements for her personally of faith practice.  She suggested the value of social projects that sets themselves in the far wider context of being ‘God-centred’ rather than centred in the individual alone.

Thanking Rabbi Jonathan Wittenburg for the kind invitation to participate in the event and praising the great work that was being undertaken by the Jewish community. Bhai Sahib said, “The solidarity of faith is crucial. We must all work together to solve the problems of the world together. We cannot afford to keep creating silos; these are not the answer. Faith communities are the answer to many of the world’s problems but we need unity. By promoting interfaith working and having more events like this we can break down preconceptions and misguided barriers.”

He went on, “My tradition informs me, Sach kaho sun leho sabai, jin prem kiyo tin hi prabh payo… Hear ye all this truth; only those exercising love towards all, will meet God. Furthermore, we must recognise all humanity as one – there should be no distinction between friend or foe”.

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenburg presented Bhai Sahib with two books and a CD before they gave each other a hug as a token of warm mutual affection.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. More information on the New North London Synagogue (NNLS) and the thriving Masorti community in North-West London in Finchley please see http://www.nnls-masorti.org.uk

2. Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) is a multi-faceted, faith based organisation practicing and propagating the Sikh Dharam (faith) in the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539). It has been involved in selfless intra-faith work in Kenya and India informally since 1950, and formally in the UK since 1978 as a registered Charity through five centres for excellence in the inner-city area of Handsworth, Birmingham, where its Headquarters are based. GNNSJ also has sister organisations in Leeds and London (UK) and branches in Kericho (Kenya) and Amritsar (India). Significant achievements have been made by GNNSJ in the conservation and restoration of historical Sikh shrines.

Chaired by Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh it aims to serve and uplift society through the practice of core values – nishkamta, or the spirit of selflessness, being one of them. Inspired by Dharam (religion) GNNSJ has generated a flourishing culture of volunteering, which has contributed immensely to transforming visionary projects into reality.

For his services to religious faith propagation, community service, education and research, Bhai Sahib has been awarded two Honorary Doctorates from Birmingham’s Universities. He is passionate about values-based education and is the Patron of the Nishkam Education Trust which has set-up Nishkam Nursery (2009), Nishkam Primary Free School (2011), Nishkam Secondary School with 6^th Form (2012) and Nishkam School West London (2013).

For more information, visit http://www.nishkammediacentre.com

Following an invitation from His Eminence, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID) on behalf of the Holy Pope, Birmingham’s Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) embraced the opportunity to show faith solidarity and pray for peace in Syria, the Middle East and the whole world. 

7^th September 2013 was designated a Day of Prayer for Syria and the whole world. His Holiness the Pope was scheduled to have a vigil in St Peter’s Square from 7pm to 11pm. The Pope invited those of all faiths and none to join in the Day of Prayer in whatever way they could.

Professor Upkar Pardesi, Vice Chairman of the Nishkam Civic Association, said “A request was made to the congregation to attend Sukhmani Sahib Prayers for peace and order in Syria. A message went out that the whole world is apprehensive as leaders are planning to push it even deeper towards bitter war. This looming cloud of destruction over a lot of innocent people was a serious threat to all. In war, not only do the soldiers suffer but also the whole of humanity. A core principle for Sikhs is the lesson of interdependence, interconnectivity and cooperative relationships gifted to us by our Gurus. In this present situation we can only pray to the almighty God to bless us with peace. The important purpose of human life is to be helpful to others. The congregation was requested to participate in this prayer to implore almighty God for peace”.

Chairman of GNNSJ and NCA, Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh, repeated his message from the fourth bi-lateral Catholic-Sikh Dialogue held at the Nishkam Centre in June 2013, “Who doesn’t want peace? We all want peace, within ourselves, within the world around us; peace within families and within communities; national and international peace; global peace. All seven billion of us have a shared responsibility to chalk out pathways to peace.”

He went on to say that, “Humanity needs religious solidarity more than ever before. We are happy to participate in His Holiness Pope Francis’ call for a day of prayer. I am reminded of a verse from Guru Granth Sahib Ji by Guru Amar Das Ji the 3^rd Sikh Guru, the world is suffering, engulfed in the flames of mortal internal and external destructive forces. We plead to you God – through Your mercy please protect and save us all. No matter which door or sanctuary or place of worship we come from, take us in to Your refuge and rescue us”.

His Eminence, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, is no stranger to GNNSJ having visited the faith based organisation in June this year. His message from the Pope was embraced with the same love and affection that he and his prestigious delegation received at the centre. During their visit they were made aware of the bi-annual 11 day continuous prayers that are recited for the welfare of all and peace in the world. They also understood that the 26 million Sikhs in the world pray for the welfare of all each day they offer a supplication.

Professor Upkar Pardesi, noted, “The Sikh-Catholic dialogue and the coming together to support a world prayer day further reinforces the continuing warm and open relationship between the Sikhs in Birmingham and the Catholic Church and I believe strengthens the infrastructure for engagement between Sikhs worldwide and the Holy See. We must continue to strengthen faith solidarity and bring communities together to stand up for those who are oppressed in the world”.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) is a multi-faceted, faith based organisation practicing and propagating the Sikh Dharam (faith) in the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539). It has been involved in selfless intra-faith work in Kenya and India informally since 1950, and formally in the UK since 1978 as a registered Charity through five centres for excellence in the inner-city area of Handsworth, Birmingham, where its Headquarters are based. GNNSJ also has sister organisations in Leeds and London (UK) and branches in Kericho (Kenya) and Amritsar (India). Significant achievements have been made by GNNSJ in the conservation and restoration of historical Sikh shrines.

Chaired by Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh it aims to serve and uplift society through the practice of core values – nishkamta, or the spirit of selflessness, being one of them. Inspired by Dharam (religion) GNNSJ has generated a flourishing culture of volunteering, which has contributed immensely to transforming visionary projects into reality.

For his services to religious faith propagation, community service, education and research, Bhai Sahib has been awarded two Honorary Doctorates from Birmingham’s Universities. He is passionate about values-based education and is the Patron of the Nishkam Education Trust which has set-up Nishkam Nursery (2009), Nishkam Primary Free School (2011), Nishkam Secondary School with 6^th Form (2012) and Nishkam School West London (Sept 2013).

Bhai Sahib, an international promoter of faith and service, was created a Knight last year by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of his dedicated commitment to working for peace among people of all faiths.

For more information:

Nishkam media Centre – http://www.nishkammediacentre.com

Nishkam School Trust –  http://www.nishkamschooltrust.org

2. Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh’s modest endevours strive to deliver the eight UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adding three more issues that humanity needs to work on, ie global extremism, global financial crisis and the global erosion of values. He also stressed the need for a new consciousness, new ethos and mind-set coupled with empowering people with values to live in the new global village

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development goals that were officially established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000, following the adoption of the United Nations Millennium Declaration. All 193 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve these goals by the year 2015.

Additional information about the Millennium Development Goals can be found at http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals

Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) and the Nishkam Centre, Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh was one of the many distinguished guests invited to a prestigious event at the Birmingham Buddhist Peace Pagoda.

The event was to mark the launch of a Buddhist Academy, the 15^th Anniversary of the Peace Pagoda and a Waso Robe Offering. Bhai Sahib was accompanied by Sewa Singh Mandla and Amrick Singh, Trustee of the Nishkam Centre and Centre Director respectively. The visit strengthened the on-going forging of relationships and demonstrated solidarity amongst the faith communities of Birmingham.

The Peace Pagoda which opened in 1998 stands proud in a residential neighbourhood where its grounds are peaceful and tranquil. Sayadaw Dr. Rewata Dhamma was Founder and Spiritual Director of the Birmingham Buddhist Vihara and Dhammatalaka Peace Pagoda. He passed away peacefully in 2004 and it is firmly believed that without him the Birmingham Buddhist Vihara and Dhammatalaka Peace Pagoda could not have been established.

On arrival the congregation warmly welcomed the Sikh guests and the program continued with an inspiring address by the Ven Dr Uttara Nyana. He spoke at length of how Buddha inspired love for all. He then led the chanting of prayers which was most uplifting and calming.

Bhai Sahib was honoured to be invited to the auspicious event and said, “There is some fantastic work going on here. The academy is much needed and any attempt to improve educational attainment is most welcome. We must work together as people of faith to ensure the wellbeing and success of all. We must impart values in all that we think and do, which is why we created the Nishkam Schools to impart values to children”.

Ven. Dr W Kassapa then spoke to the gathered guests about the great work the Pagoda was doing and went out of his way to thank John Beard, Chair of Birmingham Buddhist Vihara for all his hard work to sustain the centre. He then commented on the frightening matter of security of sacred places, “We must ensure that extremist thugs do not cause damage to our places of worship. It is important that we are guarded against such people. Unlike some traditions that may advocate fighting fire with fire, we are compelled to love all and show anger to none”.   

John Beard shared his heartfelt elation on Bhai Sahib’s presence at the event and commented, ”Both the Ven Dr Uttara Nyana and I were deeply honoured that Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, Sewa Singh Mandla and Amrick Singh, took time out of their very busy schedules to attend our event.  It was a great personal pleasure for me to have Bhai Sahib Ji, recognise our work at the Peace Pagoda as I consider Bhai Sahib Ji one of the major forces in the protection of faiths and community cohesion that I have ever met”.

Before departing the Pagoda Bhai Sahib thanked John Beard for organising and inviting him to mark a great landmark event. He also met with Ven Kassapa and discussed the sanctity of sacred places of worship and the need to respect and preserve each other’s places of worship. Bhai Sahib is working tirelessly to get the sanctity of all faith shrines protected and also to strengthen solidarity of faith communities.

ENDS

Released by: Nishkam Centre

Telephone: 0121 515 4229

Email: amrick.ubhi@ncauk.org

Bhai Sahib with Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran

A red carpet was rolled out to welcome His Eminence, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID) and advisor to the Holy Pope when he visited Birmingham’s Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), as part of his programme to help strengthen UK interfaith relations.

Accompanying the Cardinal was Chair of Episcopal Office for Relations with Other Religions, Archbishop Kevin McDonald, the Archbishop of Birmingham Archdiocese, Archbishop Bernard Longley, Father Santiago Michael of the PCID and esteemed delegates representing the Vatican.

The visit began with a humble presentation of bouquets by the guests to Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal Guru of the Sikhs and receiving Guru Ji’s blessings. This was then followed by a visit to the roof-top Guru Darbar (prayer court) where kirtan (hymn) was being performed. The guests proceeded to visit the Nishkam Centre for refreshments. Interfaith dialogue on the theme ‘Catholics and Sikhs: Service to humanity as a contribution to peace’ followed thereafter in the Conference Hall.

Chairman of GNNSJ, Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh, formally welcomed the esteemed delegation to the Nishkam Centre for the fourth bi-lateral Catholic-Sikh Dialogue. Bhai Sahib said: “Who doesn’t want peace? We all want peace: within ourselves, within the world around us; peace within families and within communities; national and international peace; global peace. All seven billion of us have a shared responsibility to chalk out pathways to peace.”

Bhai Sahib, an international promoter of faith and service, was created a Knight last year by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of his dedicated commitment to working for peace among people of all faiths. At the event he affirmed GNNSJ’s modest endevours to help deliver the eight UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adding three more issues that humanity needs to work on, which included, global extremism, global financial crisis and the global erosion of values.  Bhai Sahib also stressed the need for a new consciousness, new ethos and mind-set coupled with empowering people with values to live in the new global village.

Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran said: “I feel extremely happy to be here with you this day, in the course of my visit to the United Kingdom along with Father Santiago Michael of the PCID, aimed at promoting, through the local Church, “dialogue of friendship” between the Catholics and the Sikh Diaspora here.

His Eminence went on to say, ”Today’s seminar on – Catholics and Sikhs: Service to humanity as a contribution to peace – incidentally is taking place in the premises of an organisation whose very name speaks for the importance of ‘service’ in Sikhi. Nishkam Sewa, as I am given to understand, means ‘selfless service’, selfless service for altruistic purposes, for the betterment of the society.

“In your rich (Sikh) tradition, selfless service rendered for the benefit of others is a core concept. It is in fact one of the

A visit to the roof-top Guru Darbar

three fundamental principles of Sikhism (Naam Japna, Kirat Karo and Vand Chakko). A concrete and a pre-eminent sign of this spirit of seva is seen in the langar, the free kitchen open to all in the Gurdwaras where every man or woman can find a free meal irrespective of what religion he or she follows, what social status he or she belongs to and wherever they come from”.

Professor Gavin D’Costa shared personal reflections from his childhood. He went on to say, “There is a serious point embedded in these childhood memories. As the Guru Granth teaches, spiritual liberation is attained in the midst of laughing, playing, dressing up and eating. Traditional human activities of normal life are the pathway to God and through which God is seen. In Catholicism we too echo this remarkable insight: the everyday is the place of God’s grace. The history of Sikhism is replete with examples of service towards peace. Indeed, this particular Birmingham community has a distinguished history of peace making”.

Dr Jagbir Jhutti-Johal articulated the importance of the Sikh ideology, of which Guru Granth Sahib is the embodiment and how Guru Ji encourages all good people of all beliefs to work together for a tolerant and just world order.

The Sikh-Catholic dialogue reinforced the continuing warm and open relationship between the Sikhs in Birmingham and the Catholic Church and strengthened the infrastructure for engagement between Sikhs worldwide and the Holy See.

Gifts were exchanged with the offering of ‘Robes of Honour’ and shawls to the visitors. The day ended with the sharing of Langar (blessed vegetarian food) from the Guru’s Kitchen, where over one million free vegetarian meals are prepared and served every year to visitors by volunteers.

Read Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh’s full statement here.

Read Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran’s full statement here.

Read Dr Jagbir Jhutti-Johal’s (University of Birmingham) full statement here.

ENDS

Released by: Nishkam Centre
T: 0121 515 4229
Email: amrick.ubhi@ncauk.org

 Notes to Editors:

1. Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) is a multi-faceted, faith based organisation practicing and propagating the Sikh Dharam (faith) in the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539). It has been involved in selfless intra-faith work in Kenya and India informally since 1950, and formally in the UK since 1978 as a registered Charity through five centres for excellence in the inner-city area of Handsworth, Birmingham, where its Headquarters are based. GNNSJ also has sister organisations in Leeds and London (UK) and branches in Kericho (Kenya) and Amritsar (India). Significant achievements have been made by GNNSJ in the conservation and restoration of historical Sikh shrines.

Chaired by Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh it aims to serve and uplift society through the practice of core values – nishkamta, or the spirit of selflessness, being one of them. Inspired by Dharam (religion) GNNSJ has generated a flourishing culture of volunteering, which has contributed immensely to transforming visionary projects into reality.

For his services to religious faith propagation, community service, education and research, Bhai Sahib has been awarded two Honorary Doctorates from Birmingham’s Universities. He is passionate about values-based education and is the Patron of the Nishkam Education Trust which has set-up Nishkam Nursery (2009), Nishkam Primary Free School (2011) and Nishkam Secondary School with 6^th Form (2012).

For more information, visit www.nishkammediacentre.com

2. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development goals that were officially established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000, following the adoption of the United Nations Millennium Declaration. All 193 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve these goals by the year 2015.

Additional information about the Millennium Development Goals can be found at http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals

Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), a multi-faceted Sikh faith organisation has joined religious leaders from across the G8 countries, to call for their Heads of Government to honor commitments in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The international campaign to call for Government action involves over 60 esteemed religious leaders from across the globe, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and Chairman of GNNSJ and the Nishkam Civic Association, Bhai Sahib (Dr) Mohinder Singh, who have joined forces to highlight that from Friday 5th April 2013, 1000 days remain until the 2015 deadline to achieve the MDGs.

With a focus on tax, trade and transparency, the religious leaders state, the UK Presidency of the G8 has the potential to advance the MDG agenda in ways that strike at the underlying causes of poverty, in particular by ensuring the wealth created by developing countries is not lost through unfair tax practices, a lack of transparency or a failure to secure the benefits of trade for developing countries.

 It is encouraging to report that by committing to the MDGs, Governments, international organisations and civil society groups around the world have helped more girls into education and reduce child mortality in areas of extreme poverty. However, the world needs to continue to fight killer diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS. There are 1,000 days to accelerate action on issues such as hunger, access to education, improved sanitation, maternal health and gender equality.

Bhai Sahib (Dr) Mohinder Singh said: “In the current 21st Century, we need a new human consciousness – a new human mind-set fired by values and virtues to actually do good for the benefit of all humankind. We have to be ‘Nishkam’ or selfless to address the challenges of delivering the MDGs. The empowerment of each individual within the chain of 7 billion people that make up humanity is necessary”.

Bhai Sahib at G8 Religious Leaders Summit

The financial crisis may be a reason but is not an excuse for hesitation or deferral. In a letter published in the Financial Times, G8 religious leaders stated:

“Reaching a purposeful consensus on these areas won’t be easy. But, if the political will and moral leadership is forthcoming, this year’s G8 could help to create an environment that encourages the conditions for inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic growth – conditions that are desperately needed if we are to realise the MDGs and even greater things beyond.”

The Nishkam Centre will continue to use all means possible including social media to support the MDG initiative and encourage all twitter users to use #1000DaysToGo. The hope is a wider appeal by the public will encourage governments not to waiver and understand the groundswell of support. It is important everyone shows their support by joining in how they can.
                                                                                                                                                                                                               ENDS

Released by: Nishkam Centre
T: 0121 515 4229
Email: amrick.ubhi@ncauk.org

Notes to editors
1. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development goals that were officially established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000, following the adoption of the United Nations Millennium Declaration. All 193 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve these goals by the year 2015. Additional information about the Millennium Development Goals can be found at http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals
2. Signatories to the letter will be tweeting throughout the day to help raise awareness of the G8 religious leaders’ letter and its central message, namely, that we have a moral responsibility to deliver on the MDGs and that the right decisions taken at the G8 Summit in June 2013 can accelerate that process. You can follow the twitter conversation at #1000DaysToGo
3. The full text of the letter can be read on-line at http://www.ft.com/comment/letters and at http://www.nishkammediacentre.com
4. For further information regarding this letter or to arrange an interview please contact Mr Amrick Singh Ubhi on 0121 515 4229 or email amrick.ubhi@ncauk.org
5. Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) is a multi-faceted, faith based organisation practicing and propagating the Sikh Dharam (faith) in the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539). It has been involved in selfless intra-faith work in Kenya and India informally since 1950, and formally in the UK since 1978 as a registered Charity through five centres for excellence in the inner-city depressed area of Handsworth, Birmingham, where its Headquarters are based. GNNSJ also has sister organisations in Leeds and London (UK); as well as in Kericho (Kenya) and Amritsar (India). Significant achievements have been made by GNNSJ in the conservation and restoration of historical Sikh shrines.
Chaired by Bhai Sahib (Dr) Mohinder Singh it aims to serve and uplift society through the practice of core values – nishkamta, or the spirit of selflessness, being one of them. Inspired by spirituality, GNNSJ has generated a flourishing culture of volunteering, which has contributed immensely to transform visionary projects into reality.
For his services to religious faith propagation, community service, education and research, Bhai Sahib has been awarded two Honorary Doctorates from Birmingham’s Universities. He is passionate about values-based education and is the Patron of the Nishkam Education Trust.
Bhai Sahib (Dr) Mohinder Singh’s roles in other organisations:
• Trustee of Anandpur Sahib Foundation.
• Chairman, since 2002, of the British Sikh Consultative Forum (BSCF) representing some 80 Gurudwaras and Sikh Organisations in the UK, striving for intra-faith and interfaith community cohesion and engagement with the UK Government’s Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
• Chairman of Sangat Trust.
• International Trustee of Religions for Peace the largest international coalition of representatives from the world’s religions dedicated to promoting peace in more than 70 countries
• Member of the Elijah Board of World’s Religious Leaders (EBRL). Hosted conference in 2007 in Amritsar, India.
• Member of the European Council of Religious Leaders (ECRL). Hosted conference in 2007 at Nishkam Centre.
• Member of Fetzer Institute’s Advisory Council on World Religious and Spiritualties.
• Member of Tony Blair Faith Foundation’s Religious Advisory Council.
• Executive Member of Religions for Peace (UK).
• Supporter of United Religions Initiative (UK).
• Trustee and Chair of the Museum of World Religions (MWR (UK)) working group.
• Supporter of the Council for Parliament of the World’s Religions (CPWR), Chicago, USA.
• Supporter of Globalisation for the Common Good, promoting an ethical, moral and spiritual vision of globalisation. Hosted conference in 2005 in Kericho, Kenya.
• Supporter of the Goldin Institute, working towards building grassroots partnerships for global change. Hosted Conference in 2005 in Amritsar, India.
• Member of Department for International Development (DfID) Faith Working Group.
• Supporter of Jubilee Debt Campaign since its inception.
• Participant in Shared Act of Reflection and Commitment by the faith communities of the UK, 2000 and participant in World Peace Prayer, Assisi, 2002 upon the invitation of His Holiness the late John Paul II.
• Patron of Divine Onkar Mission, UK, a charity reaching out to people in some of the most remote parts of India.
• Trustee of Birmingham Citizens, a social action organisation.
• Patron of Sikh Mental Health and Wellbeing Trust.
• Executive member of West Midlands Faith Forum.
• Member of Birmingham Faith Leaders Group since its inception in 2002.

Birmingham was honored to have a front row seat at Pope Francis’ inauguration ceremony with Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) and Nishkam Civic Association witnessing the grand ceremony.

Tens of thousands turned out in St Peter’s Square to create a sea of flags and banners for the new Pontiff’s inauguration mass and the ceremony saw faith leaders from all denominations present to witness and celebrate the historic occasion. This included Handsworth’s very own, Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh, who has had long standing relations with the Catholic Church in promoting peace for people of all faiths and none.

Pope Francis received the symbols of the Papacy and in a homily delivered entirely in Italian, the 76-year-old Pontiff invoked Francis of Assisi, urging pilgrims and rulers alike to protect ‘each of God’s creatures’ and to respect the environment they live in. The message resonated with millions of people worldwide who witnessed the event.

Reflecting on the Pope’s message, Bhai Sahib Ji said: “It was a moving message that recognised the importance of all humanity. All religious traditions and faiths are based on the foundations of compassion, mercy and forgiveness. When you talk about ‘justice’, it must be within the context of practising compassion, mercy and forgiveness; you cannot let go of these virtues and values for a second, otherwise the structure (religion) will collapse – we welcome Pope Francis’ inspiring speech.

“We commit ourselves as people of many faiths to work together for the common good, uniting to build a better society grounded in the values and ideals we share. These include community, personal integrity, a sense of right and wrong, learning, wisdom and love and truth, care and compassion, justice and peace, respect for one another, for the earth and its creatures. We commit ourselves to spiritual friendship and cooperation to work together alongside all who share our values and ideals, to help bring about a better world.”

Bhai Sahib is no stranger to seeing the Pope; his first audience with the Pontiff was during the Christian ‘Year of Jubilation’ in May 2000, where he met with His Holiness, Late Pope John II and presented him with a Sri Sahib (Sword of Peace).

In March 2002, a ‘Day for Prayer’ was held in Assisi, Italy, where Bhai Sahib attended a religious gathering at the invite of the Pope. In April 2002, Bhai Sahib was privileged to pay his respects at the funeral of His Holiness, Pope John II, who had contributed immensely to building bridges of friendship across religious boundaries and promote peace in the world.

September 2006 saw Bhai Sahib’s first audience with His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI in Basilica. This second Sikh-Catholic dialogue renewed the warm and open relationships between the Sikhs in Birmingham and the Catholic Church and set up a permanent structure for engagement between Sikhs worldwide and the Holy See. Many events continued to follow which further strengthened the bond that has grown as a shining example of interfaith dialogue.

Bhai Sahib, an internationally renowned ambassador for faith and service, was created a Knight last year by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, in recognition of his dedicated work for Roman Catholic-Sikh relations and undeterred commitment to working for peace among people of all faiths.

Bhai Sahib added: “More than being ‘fairness-orientated’, we must be ‘action orientated’. Guru Nanak Dev Ji [the First Guru of the Sikhs] insisted that ‘truth is high, but higher still is truthful living’. Such a life begins through transforming our consciousness and internal chemistry, to become instruments of change, initiating change in our immediate surroundings and contexts whilst working to serve the wider wellbeing of all. The Pope can be a great positive force for change by addressing social justice to bring about peace in the world around us.

“The Pontiff is a role model for the change that we are all seeking. For Sikhs, spiritual and social consciousness goes hand in hand. As humans, we walk upon the same earth, breathe the same air, share the same basic hopes and joys, whilst enduring the same suffering and pain. This acknowledgement demands a responsibility to share. More than searching for meaning in life, Sikhs are called to live a purposeful life, serving and contributing to ‘sarbat da bhalla’, or the welfare of all, out of love for the Creator. We must now see more unity, more solidarity and great collaboration across all faiths and none.”

ENDS

Released by: Nishkam Centre T: 0121 515 4229

Email: amrick.ubhi@ncauk.org

Notes to Editor

1. Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) is a multi-faceted, faith based organisation practising and propagating the Sikh Dharam (faith) in the name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539). It has been involved in selfless intra-faith work in Kenya and India informally since 1950, and formally in the UK since 1978 as a registered Charity through five centres for excellence in the inner-city depressed area of Handsworth, Birmingham, where its Headquarters are based. GNNSJ also has sister organisations in Leeds and London (UK); as well as in Kericho (Kenya) and Amritsar (India). Significant achievements have been made by GNNSJ in the conservation and restoration of historical Sikh shrines.

Chaired by Bhai Sahib (Dr) Mohinder Singh it aims to serve and uplift society through the practice of core values – nishkamta, or the spirit of selflessness, being one of them. Inspired by spirituality, GNNSJ has generated a flourishing culture of volunteering, which has contributed immensely to transform visionary projects into reality.

For his services to religious faith propagation, community service, education and research, Bhai Sahib has been awarded two Honorary Doctorates from Birmingham’s Universities. He is passionate about values-based education and is the Patron of the Nishkam Education Trust.

Bhai Sahib (Dr) Mohinder Singh’s roles in other organisations:

· Trustee of Anandpur Sahib Foundation. · Chairman, since 2002, of the British Sikh Consultative Forum (BSCF) representing some 80 Gurudwaras and Sikh Organisations in the UK, striving for intra-faith and interfaith community cohesion and engagement with the UK Government’s Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). · Chairman of Sangat Trust. · International Trustee of Religions for Peace the largest international coalition of representatives from the world’s religions dedicated to promoting peace in more than 70 countries. · Member of the Elijah Board of World’s Religious Leaders (EBRL). Hosted conference in 2007 in Amritsar, India. · Member of the European Council of Religious Leaders (ECRL). Hosted conference in 2007 at Nishkam Centre. · Member of Fetzer Institute’s Advisory Council on World Religious and Spiritualties. · Member of Tony Blair Faith Foundation’s Religious Advisory Council. · Executive Member of Religions for Peace (UK). · Supporter of United Religions Initiative (UK). · Trustee and Chair of the Museum of World Religions (MWR (UK)) working group. · Supporter of the Council for Parliament of the World’s Religions (CPWR), Chicago, USA. · Supporter of Globalisation for the Common Good, promoting an ethical, moral and spiritual vision of globalisation. Hosted conference in 2005 in Kericho, Kenya. · Supporter of the Goldin Institute, working towards building grassroots partnerships for global change. Hosted conference in 2005 in Amritsar, India. · Member of Department for International Development (DfID) Faith Working Group. · Supporter of Jubilee Debt Campaign since its inception. · Participant in Shared Act of Reflection and Commitment by the faith communities of the UK, 2000 and participant in World Peace Prayer, Assisi, 2002 upon the invitation of His Holiness the late John Paul II. · Patron of Divine Onkar Mission, UK, a charity reaching out to people in some of the most remote parts of India. · Trustee of Birmingham Citizens, a social action organisation. · Patron of Sikh Mental Health and Wellbeing Trust. · Executive member of West Midlands Faith Forum. · Member of Birmingham Faith Leaders Group since its inception in 2002.

2. Museum of World Religions http://www.mowr.org 3. The 24 Dispositions http://faithmakesadifference.co.uk/landing#node-66 4. Nishkam Civic Association http://www.ncauk.org