Friendship walk proves fruitful

Published 17 Sep 2008 12:00 0 Comments

TEMPTING apples showering on walkers failed to deter them from completing an interfaith walk.

The fruit dropped onto the procession as the banner heading 200 marchers knocked against overhanging branches of laden trees along the route which took in different places of worship around Reading.

Sarah Griffin, secretary of Reading Interfaith Group, said: "It was a great day. There were Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, humanists, pagans, atheists - such a cross-

section of people. I can't think of a group that wasn't twhere.

"We had a fantastic welcome at the places of worship. Somebody from Reading Hindu Temple said to me it was a really moving experience when we appeared round the corner with our banners, all walking together."

The annual walk began as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York and the war in Afghanistan, to foster understanding between communities. Members of any faith or none were welcomed and the parade included the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Peter Beard, the High Sheriff of Berkshire, Dr Carol Boulter, Judge Zoe Smith from Reading Crown Court, the Bishop of Reading, the Right Rev Stephen Cottrell, and Orthodox Rabbi Zvi Soloman.

Mrs Griffin said: "It was good to have a mix of state, politics and religion."

Visit www.readinginterfaith.co.uk

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 17 Sep 08

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