Local action challenges global leaders to address causes of poverty

April 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment

1000_DAYSGuru 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

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.

Filed Under: GNNSJ

Birmingham takes a front seat at the inauguration of Pope Francis

April 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Bhai Sahib Ji with Pope FrancisBirmingham 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

Filed Under: GNNSJ

Statement from the Nishkam Civic Association – Wisconsin Gurdwara shooting

August 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Wisconsin Gurdwara shooting – our thoughts and prayers

Two weeks ago we saw a tragic chapter unfold in the USA when, in Oak Creek Gurdwara, Wisconsin, an armed assailant opened fire on Sikh worshippers. This marked a low in community relations and cohesion; something many of us never want to see again. As Sikhs, like many faith-inspired people, we turn to our spirituality. We turn to God and we pray; we seek wisdom and strength to deal with unfolding events. No matter how devastating a situation – especially for those who we there and those who lost loved ones – Sikhs and people of faith deal with disaster with inner strength provided through spirituality.

 Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) and Nishkam Civic Association (NCA) are touched and honoured by the messages of condolence and wishes received from around the globe over the weeks. GNNSJ serves one of the largest gurdwaras in Europe, on one of the busiest roads in the city of Birmingham. It welcomes daily streams of Sikh devotees and non-Sikh visitors and serves an estimated 20,000 meals per week, free of charge from the langar or Guru’s kitchen, an institution integral to every gurdwara, founded on the principles of equality, generosity, humility and service to humanity.

At 5am on Friday 10th August 2012, an akhand paath was started here to honour the memory of the six victims of the Wisconsin attack and give thanks for the lives that were bestowed to them. An akhand paath is the continuous, non-stop recitation of the entire Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the volume of scripture which resides in the ‘guru-dwara’ or ‘Guru’s abode’. It is revered by Sikhs as their perpetual Guru, or spiritual enlightener, authority and guide, with verses including interfaith dialogue centred on humanity’s most noble, spiritual values which transcend all social divides. The 48-hour recitation concluded with a final service and supplication on Sunday 12th August at 5am – in the ambrosial hours of the morning.

A Sikh prays for the wellbeing of all humanity every day. It is inconceivable for a Sikh not to expect the welfare of all. As practitioners of a monotheistic faith that encourages those of other faiths to be reflective and robust in their own faith traditions, the Sikhs do not believe in exclusivity or hierarchy. The whole of humanity is one big family. As children of One Creator we have a moral duty to understand, support, help and be there for all our neighbours irrespective of religious, cultural or social background.

The world witnessed thousands of mourners gather on Friday 10th August 2012 in Wisconsin to pay their final respects to the six worshippers gunned down. A wake and visitation service at a school saw mourners from around the world, and also the US Attorney General, Eric Holder, in attendance. Gov. Scott Walker addressed the congregation, telling mourners how the Sikh community has shown others that the best way to respond to hate is with love. The service included commencement of an akhand paath, Sikh hymns and traditional hospitality.

As part of the global Sikh community, we thank Police Lt. Brian Murphy who risked his life in the line of duty to defend his fellow countrymen. We are pleased that he has been blessed with strength and is now in a satisfactory condition. He has demonstrated an important characteristic which we see as our moral duty; being prepared to sacrifice oneself to protect the rights and lives of others. We pray for those who have lost loved ones to be blessed with strength and solace in their bereavement, and offer our prayers in memory of those individuals below who departed this world:

  • Satwant Singh Kaleka (65)
  • Paramjit Kaur (41)
  • Ranjit Singh (49) and his brother
  • Sita Singh (41)
  • Suveg Singh Khattra (84)
  • Prakash Singh (39)

We learnt that President Barack Obama contacted the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, to express his condolences over the brutal shootings. The full statement released by the White House read: “President Obama spoke with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh this morning to express condolences for victims of the senseless attack at the gurdwara in Wisconsin, which took the lives of Indian nationals as well as Americans, and to convey the solidarity of the American people. President Obama reiterated that the Sikh community is an essential and vibrant part of the American family.

The President also underscored that the incident is particularly tragic because it took place in a house of worship. Prime Minister Singh expressed his gratitude for the many messages and gestures of support from the United States, and for the prompt reaction and heroism of the local police department. The two leaders re-affirmed their nations’ commitment to the shared values of pluralism, religious freedom, and freedom of worship.

The Sikh faith is the fifth largest in the world, with more than 30 million followers. It includes belief in one God and that the goal of life is to lead an exemplary existence. Sikhs are identified by their unique appearance, complimented by the dastaar (or turban) and beard, as well as their commitment to a unique spiritual lifestyle. This distinct identity separates Sikhs from others, holding them accountable to their spiritual values and commitments for the common good of others. Unfortunately, it has in the past – and now in the Wisconsin tragedy – made them a target for discrimination. The media informs us that the tragedy was a case of mistaken identity; the assailant thought these were Muslim people. Such a statement begs the question of why an impulse to target Muslim brothers and sisters might be deemed acceptable – or, for that matter, Jews, Africans Eastern Europeans, or those of any other identifiable community?

‘Mistaken identity’ is a glib term with an insidious subtext, suggesting something wrong with being a Muslim in America. The Wisconsin attack was an attack on humanity which cannot be condoned or excused, nor involve the belittling of any community.

At a vigil in Wisconsin many were struck by the Sikh community’s willingness to forgive the man who committed murder in their gurdwara, and to emphasize peace over vengeance. The town’s Police Chief, John Edwards, was quoted in The Guardian as saying: “In 28 years of law enforcement, I have seen a lot of hate. I have seen a lot of revenge. I’ve seen a lot of anger. What I saw, particularly from the Sikh community this week, was compassion, concern, support,” he told the vigil. “What I didn’t see was hate. Idid not see revenge. I didn’t see any of that. And in law enforcement that’s unusual to not see that reaction to something like this. I want you all to understand how unique that is.”

Echoed here is verse from Guru Granth Sahib Ji regularly recalled by the Chair of GNNSJ and NCA, Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh. Attributed to the north Indian saint, Kabir Ji, it ends with the message: “Where there is forgiveness, there is God himself.”

The silver lining to the Wisconsin cloud is that we see people around the world wondering, ‘Who are the Sikhs? What are their beliefs and the values they stand for?’ It has stimulated a desire to know more about this lesser known, diaspora people who, from its origins in the Punjab, as a minority in India, have over a century-long history of settlement in Europe, North America, East Africa and the Far East. We are also seeing people from all walks of life coming to stand together in solidarity, and hearing messages promoting unity, community cohesion, working and living together as one. We must nurture this in everyday, practical ways and move to act differently going forward.

As Sikhs we are called to be our “brother’s keeper” and this includes the whole of humanity. We want to extend an invitation to others to join us and take collective responsibility by promoting the values of compassion, mercy, forgiveness, truthfulness, selflessness, humility and, most of all, love. Our faith requires us to give utmost respect to all places of worship, and indeed, to see the whole of ‘mother earth’ as a sacred space which we are to look after with responsibility and care, cherishing its diversity.

In the wake of the Wisconsin attack, as we come to terms with sadness and loss and face the challenges of human ignorance, confusion and conflict, the Sikh principle of chardi kala or incessant positivity compels us to light a beacon of hope and determination to do all we can to build a peaceful and flourishing shared world.

                                                                                                                                                                               Ends

 For further information please contact:

Amrick Singh Ubhi,

Nishkam Civic Association,

The Nishkam Centre,

6 Soho Road, Handsworth,

Birmingham, B21 9BH.

Tel: 0121 525 4229

email: info@ncauk.org

www.ncauk.org

Notes for 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 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 Delhi/ Amritsar (India). Significant achievements have been made by GNNSJ in the conservation and restoration of historical Sikh shrines.

Chaired by Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh, who holds two honorary degrees from the city’s universities, 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 its visionary projects into a reality, including the Nishkam Civic Association (see below) which received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2010. Bhai Sahib was recently created a knight by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of his dedicated work for Roman Catholic / Sikh relations and for his enthusiastic commitment to working for peace among people of all faiths.

2. The Nishkam Civic Association (NCA) is the civic arm of GNNSJ. More details can be found at www.ncauk.org.

Filed Under: GNNSJ, Nishkam Centre

Birmingham Faith Leaders amongst hundreds welcoming HM The Queen

July 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

On Thursday 12th July 2012, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and Nishkam Civic Association was honoured to be part of the many hundreds of people who welcomed HM The Queen to Birmingham.

As a member of the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group, Bhai Sahib attended the open-air reception to honour the Queen. The Faith Leaders Group occupied a VIP area in Victoria Square, Birmingham along with other community members.  The other Faith Leaders present included Jonathan Gurling, Major Samuel Edgar, Rabbi Yossi Jacobs, Ravi Ladva, Andrew Smith and also Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop David Urquhart.

The Queen was visiting Birmingham as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour.  She arrived by train at Snow Hill Station and proceeded to Victoria Square for a walkabout to meet the waiting crowds. Hundreds of well-wishers turned out at Victoria Square to greet and cheer the Queen.  The crowds were entertained by an American Babershop Quartet with Chinese Dancers from Leeds.

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty was welcomed by city dignitaries after which she met the waiting crowd. During her walk about she met various people including the many school children excited to be at the event.

Reflecting on the event, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh said, “The atmosphere was great, everyone was happy and really positive, above all the Lord blessed us with beautiful sunshine too. The Queen is a remarkable lady, she does us all proud by the sheer determination she demonstrates to meet and greet people.”

He went on to commend the people that had turned out to show their appreciation for the Queen. He also said, “By coming today the Faith Leaders have shown how closely we work together as different faith traditions. Birmingham is a diverse and beautiful collection of many different traditions and just as the Queen leads the Church of England, it was only befitting that the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group be part of the welcome”.

Amrick Singh, Director of the Nishkam Centre, was also present and reflected on the proceedings of the morning by saying, “Today was very touching, to see the Queen talk to the young children and spend time talking to the people as she walked past was, for many, a life-times dream come true. We saw young and old wanting to speak to the Queen; she is a source of inspiration, a role model, a faith person with an aura about her that uplifts people – it was a pleasure to have been present with the other distinguished VIPs”. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ENDS

Released by: Nishkam Centre

Telephone: 0121 515 4229

Email: info@ncauk.org

Notes for Editors

1. Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group

Area served: Birmingham and surrounding area

Main aims: To discuss issues of common concern

Year founded: 2001

Faiths and beliefs currently involved: Buddhist; Christian; Hindu; Jewish; Muslim; Sikh

Activities: Discussion meetings on religious topics; discussion meetings on social issues; promoting good community relations; making statements on current issues; joint fundraising for charity; providing advice to public bodies; acting as a consultative forum on local issues for local government.

Membership Policy: Membership comprises leaders from the principal faiths of Birmingham. Meetings are held at the request of the faiths involved and attendance is by invitation.

Contact details:

Mr Jonathan Gurling Secretary

Tel: 0121 608 1328

Filed Under: GNNSJ, Nishkam Centre

Queen defends the free practice of all faiths on her first public Diamond Jubilee engagement

April 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The first major public occasion of HER MAJESTY the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was an occasion celebrating the contribution of faith to our society, encouraging active co-operation for the common good by all faiths and none.

Building on the momentum of the UN’s declared annual World Interfaith week (1st–7th February), Her Majesty the Queen attended the multi-faith reception at Lambeth Palace, a historic London residence of Archbishops of Canterbury since the 13th Century. Hosted by Archbishop Rowan Williams, Her Majesty was greeted by representatives of the eight non-Christian religions, who gathered together to express their respect for Her Majesty as Monarch and affirm their commitment to one another in dialogue and to the service of the nation as a whole.

As part of her speech to the auspicious guests, HER MAJESTY the Queen commented: “Here at Lambeth Palace we should remind ourselves of the significant position of the Church of England in our nation’s life. The concept of our established Church is occasionally misunderstood and, I believe, commonly under-appreciated.”

She added: “Its role is not to defend Anglicanism to the exclusion of other religions.  Instead, the Church has a duty to protect the free practice of all faiths in this country.”

On the occasion, each group of faith leaders were gathered around a sacred object selected by them for display at the celebration as an object of particular significance to their faith. HER MAJESTY the Queen then had an opportunity to see and reflect on these, later describing the faiths as “sources of a rich cultural heritage and have given rise to beautiful sacred objects and holy texts, as we have seen today.”

Sikh guests presented a beautiful painting of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh Maharaja from1797-1839. During his reign all faiths were equally respected in Punjab, India. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the Sikh place of worship Harmander Sahib (Darbar Sahib) gold-gilded (between1803-1830), where the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib Ji was enthroned for eternity in 30th August 1604.

Reflecting on the event, Bhai Sahib Bhai (Dr) Mohinder Singh, Chairman of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) & Nishkam Centre commented that: ‘It cannot be denied that a renaissance of religious traditions is taking place virtually all over the globe. It was an honour and privilege to greet and speak to Her Majesty, who remembered the visit to Harmander Sahib in October 1997. GNNSJ had completed 65% of the gold-gilding of ‘Darbar Sahib’ 165 years after Maharaja Ranjit Singh carried out the regilding’.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ENDS

 

Released by: Nishkam Centre

Telephone: 0121 515 4229

Email: info@ncauk.org

 

Notes for Editors 

Photo caption – Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh displays the painting of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to her Majesty the Queen.

Filed Under: GNNSJ
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