March 2023 TCfR, LFC and the Multifaith Chaplaincy (University of Lincoln) held the Spring Faith Festival, over four days, with the theme Hope and Resilience in turbulent times. A Faith exhibition was held in the Waterside shopping centre over three days. There were stalls from numerous faiths, including Baha’i, Hinduism, Judaism, Eckankar, Paganism, Islam, Brahma Kumari, and Roman Catholicism, showcasing their faiths.
It was a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and educate others about different faiths. We also displayed the faith and diversity banner that had been created over the previous six months. Many deep and meaningful conversations were had between people of different faith backgrounds and sometimes no faith. It was wonderful to see the engagement and there was such a positive vibe that people from different faiths and cultures can come together, work together and so unity.
The Thursday we held a Festival Day in the Engine Shed. During the day the faith stalls were set up alongside different organisations including the Police Safer Together Team. There were opportunities to see rangoli being made, have your portrait drawn, have some henna applied, try on Arab dress, have your name written in Arabic calligraphy and enjoy Arabic tea. Mint Lane café served some wonderful food. Throughout the day there were performances of dance and music as well as talks.
The evening was more formal and had key speeches on the theme, a wonderful performance by the Lincoln Jewish Kelzmer Band, Simcha, and the evening finished with interfaith prayers.
