Westminster Interfaith 36th Annual Pilgrimage for Peace

Westminster Interfaith Walk

Source: Archbishops House

This summer, Westminster Interfaith went on their 36th Annual Pilgrimage for Peace. Each year since 1986 (with a short break during Covid), Westminster Interfaith have gathered together people of faith from across the Diocese, with this year's pilgrimage taking the group through Central London.

Beginning at the Westminster Quaker Meeting House in St Martin's Lane, those gathered heard about the origins and beliefs of Quakers, including their silent worship and tireless peace-building work.

From the quietness of the Meeting House, they walked down The Mall to the stillness of Westminster Cathedral. Greeted by Fr Hugh Mackenzie and Cathedral Guides, the group explored the stunning neo-Byzantine architecture and learnt about the theology imbued in the sacred design.

At lunch, the group were joined by Bishop Nicholas Hudson, who offered a prayer of blessing over their shared meal. Setting off with their final destination in mind, the group made their way to the London Peace Pagoda.

Back in 1986, Westminster Interfaith's first Pilgrimage for Peace finished at the newly built London Peace Pagoda. 39 years on, this pilgrimage finished at the Pagoda to participate in their 40th anniversary celebrations.

In many ways, this pilgrimage was a journey into hope. A hope that greater understanding, mutual respect and meaningful dialogue might lead to a more secure, harmonious and hope-filled future for everyone.

Marking 60 Years of Nostra Aetate

2025 has been a significant year for the Catholic Church, having marked the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, welcomed Pope Leo XIV and celebrated the Jubilee Year.

For Westminster Interfaith and all those engaging in the Church's interreligious work, 2025 is also significant, because it marks the 60th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the ground-breaking Second Vatican Council's document on interreligious relations.

To mark this anniversary, Westminster Interfaith have put together a series of events. The name of the series, A Journey into Hope, is evocative of both the theme of this Jubilee Year and of Westminster Interfaith's long history of interfaith pilgrimages.

These events are all free to attend and open to people of all faiths.

The first, Discovering Nostra Aetate, is a four-week course running on Tuesdays in October from 6-7.30pm in Vaughan House, the Diocesan Offices. The Reverend Professor Michael Barnes SJ will be leading attendees through the history and themes of Nostra Aetate, asking the question: if Nostra Aetate was being written today, what would it look like?

The second event occurs on the date of the anniversary itself. Celebrating Nostra Aetate takes place on Tuesday 28 October from 7-9pm in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street. This will be an evening of celebration and reflection, to which people of all faiths are invited.

For the third and final event, next year on Monday, 9 March, Westminster Interfaith are delighted to be working in partnership with St Mary's University, Twickenham, hosting a lecture by Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald M Afr OBE. In Examining Nostra Aetate, Cardinal Michael, former President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and former Apostolic Nuncio in Egypt, will be exploring Nostra Aetate's theology, impact and legacy, 60 years after its first proclamation.

To reserve your free tickets, visit: www.eventbrite.com/cc/a-journey-into-hope-4485243

For more information, email: westminsterinterfaith@rcdow.org.uk.

LINKS

Westminster Interfaith: https://rcdow.org.uk/interfaith/

Nostra Aetate: www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html

Discovering Nostra Aetate: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-journey-into-hope-discovering-nostra-aetate-tickets-1512575757809?aff=oddtdtcreator

Celebration Nostra Aetate: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-journey-into-hope-celebrating-nostra-aetate-tickets-1512586148889?aff=oddtdtcreator

Examining Nostra Aetate: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-journey-into-hope-examining-nostra-aetate-tickets-1513226123069?aff=oddtdtcreator