Norwich InterFaith Link

Norwich InterFaith Link is a meeting point for people of diverse religions, cultures and communities, to share experiences and beliefs. In new friendships and shared concerns, bonds of trust are born. We meet monthly, for talks on challenging topics, discussions on issues of common concern, with occasional visits or other activities.

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URGENT

Please read the following urgent message from The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, regarding an appeal for support from across faith communities.

Best regards

David

Dear Friends

I have been working with Ben Margolis (Norwich Synagogue) and Ruth Stokes (Norfolk Community Advice Network) on a joint comment piece for the EDP next Saturday, which is the day of Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march in London. We want to portray a different future for our communities than his narrative of hostility and division.

I would be delighted if you as leaders of faith communities, would be co-signatories with me and other Christian leaders. I hope you will be able to support the text below.

If so, please could you send you title and role (eg The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich) to Sophie, my PA, sophie.bell@dioceseofnorwich.org 0900 on Tuesday so that the piece can be sent to the EDP by the deadline.

Thank you very much for sharing in building stronger communities.

As ever

+Graham

An invitation from faith leaders across Norwich and Norfolk to build hope-filled communities.

Most people want to live in strong, healthy, caring communities where everyone feels they belong. But at a time when people are struggling and feel fearful for the future, it can be easy for a story of decline and despair to set in. When that story goes unchallenged, it can become self-fulfilling, with people turning away from one another. 

There is no doubt that we have faced tensions recently and, let’s be clear, there are people trying to divide us rather than bring us together. We have to stand against that. We also believe that racism, antisemitism, and the scapegoating of groups of people is an evil in our society and we deplore whenever and wherever this happens.

As faith leaders, we are not politicians but we care about the common good, which means strong, connected communities, and the well-being of everyone. 

There is another story of Norfolk. We see it every day, in our churches, mosques and synagogues, in village halls and community centres. People working together to make things better. They volunteer at their local foodbank, they stop for a chat with someone who looks lonely, they coach their children’s football team, they look out for their neighbours, they bring their community together. Perhaps you are one of them?

When we do these things, we are not looking for thanks or recognition. We are not trying to score political points. We are simply doing what needs to be done. 

Too often, these everyday acts of generosity, kindness and hope go unnoticed, while stories of division are in the spotlight. We want to change that. 

That is why we are taking part in Hope Happens Here, a campaign that celebrates the everyday acts of kindness, care and connection happening across Norwich and Norfolk. Between 13 and 20 May, we will be helping to collect 1,000 Acts of Hope; simple, small acts of kindness or generosity that deserve to be seen and celebrated. 

These contributions will help to tell a story of Norfolk at its best; neighbours quietly going out of their way to make life a little bit better for one another.

Norfolk is not a perfect place, and from our place at the heart of our communities, we know the intense pressure people are under, with increasing hardship, inequality and isolation. But the challenges that we face are shared, and they are best met by standing together. 

As faith leaders, we know that there is far more that connects us than divides us. While the specifics of our individual faiths differ, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus  and people of many other traditions are choosing to stand together, and this unity is itself an act of hope. We believe our shared commitment to one another can shape the story of this place.

The 1,000 Acts of Hope gathered during this campaign will be shared as part of a public exhibition during Refugee Week in June, in Norwich. It will be a chance to see, all in one place, just how strong and connected Norfolk already is. 

You may feel that one small act can’t make much difference. But these stories, gathered together, have the power to change the narrative, and to remind both ourselves and others what Norfolk is truly made of.

We invite people of all faiths and none to take part – this is for everyone who calls Norfolk home. Share your Act of Hope online at https://linktr.ee/orangeheart or on an Orange Heart, which can be found in many faith spaces this week. Be part of a different story, and help inspire hope.

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News from Norwich Interfaith Link.
Follow for information and other events of interest. Compiled and edited by David Griffith, NIFL Chair

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Here is the date and topic for the next Norwich Interfaith Zoom meeting:

Wednesday May 20th

Pilgrimage

I invite any member who can contribute their experience, however defined, religious or other, to kindly offer to share their perspectives. Volunteers still welcome, Hajj, Compostella, Iona.
Time: May 20, 2026 07:00 PM 7.30 pm discussion.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84141065377?pwd=rsdsZnH7aR6ox9vjdTj6otOaH5kimQ.1

Meeting ID: 841 4106 5377
Passcode: 180973

Phone
+442034815240,84141065377#,,,,*180973# United Kingdom

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You can find a calendar of religious festivals for 2026 here – https://norwichinterfaithlink.wordpress.com/calendar-of-religious-festivals-2026/

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https://www.networknorwich.co.uk/Articles/734483/Network_Norwich_and_Norfolk/Events/Events/Norwich_InterFaith_Link_to_host_online_meetings.aspx

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The AGM is on Sunday June 14th. at 2pm to 4pm. Venue: Christian Methodist Church, Small Hall, Wessex Street, NR2 1SD. (Central Norwich, off Chapelfield Road, driving from St Stephen’s roundabout)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/NqbcmnXbQJqRbYi67?g_st=am

Reports. Elections. Speaker: Nikki McGee from the Inspiration Trust. What young people can learn from Religions today? What is your worldview?

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Norwich Interfaith Link Meetings

During the winter months many of our monthly meetings take place by Zoom video link with members on our mailing list given details and reminders by email. During the warmer months we look for opportunities to meet in person.
We welcome your suggestions for topics, places or events that may be of interest to our members. Please contact David, Chair to discuss your ideas

To be added to our email list, please complete the Mailing List form.

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