FAITHS IN HARMONY
Our aim is to build understanding and respect among faiths in Harrow.
Harrow Interfaith (HIF) is a voluntary organisation established in 1984. HIF consists of individuals and representatives of faith groups who fulfil the requirements of the organisation.
HARROW INTERFAITH works with the Harrow Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) and contributes to religious education and collective worship in schools. HIF encourages young people in their youth organisations, faith communities, local colleges and universities to participate in interfaith activities. HIF works to solve problems experienced by local faith communities in the practice of their religion.
We welcome people of all faiths and none.
Tribute to Sister Georgina Long of the Brahma Kumaris
Sister Georgina Long was born in Kettering on 9 November 1946 and passed away suddenly on 3 February 2025 in London.
Georgina was the Interfaith Co-ordinator for the Brahma Kumaris UK for over 25 years developing links in the local and national interfaith community. She was a founding member of the Brent Multi Faith Forum, where she played "a significant role". She also played an important part in Harrow Interfaith, where she was our loved and respected friend, colleague and mentor.
"Through her wisdom and kindness, she brought people together, fostering understanding and unity among different faiths."
Faith communities are in a wider network of organisations involved in keeping people safe, such as local authorities, the police, the NHS and schools.
They are also part of a wider network of faith-based organisations, including those representing different religious communities.
We believe that faith communities need to look outwards and seek support and opportunities to learn from others.
Our aim is to:
Gopaljeet Bhachu, Chair of Harrow Interfaith, was invited by the Focolare Movement - which was founded in Italy in 1943 – to a four-day interreligious conference at the Mariapolis Centre in Castel Gandolfo, the traditional Papal summer residence in Rome. The theme was “One Human Family”. On Monday the 3rd June 150 of us at the Conference were invited to meet His Holiness, the Pope in the Clementin Hall at the Vatican. It was an honour to have the opportunity to personally meet and shake the hand of His Holiness Pope Francis, in my capacity not only as Chair of Harrow Interfaith but also as Ambassador and Advisor to City Sikhs in London. We spoke about my Interfaith work in Harrow and across London with City Sikhs and also about the work I do for Bereavement Care as their Chair of Trustees in Harrow and surrounding Boroughs.
Towards the end of his address to us, His Holiness Pope Francis said, and I quote:
“Dear friends, your witness is a source of joy and consolation, especially in this time of conflict, when religion is often misused in order to fuel division. Indeed, Interreligious dialogue "is a necessary condition for peace in the world, and so it is a duty for Christians as well as other communities." I encourage you, then, to move forward, always open and docile to the action of the Holy Spirit. I offer my heartfelt thanks for your visit! May the Gift of Peace bless you and may our Lady watch over you. Please do not forget to pray for me”.
Speaking at the
Holocaust Memorial Day event on 25 January 2024.
Chair of Harrow Interfaith, Gopaljeet S Bhachu with the Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Vikram Doraiswami. January 2024.
Chair of Harrow Interfaith - Gopal Bhachu- in conversation with the Archbishop of Cyprus - at the Greek Church in Harrow - during Interfaith Week November 2023.
This is the Prayers for Peace event by Harrow Interfaith on 16th October 2023. All faith leaders spoke at this event.
Chair of Harrow Interfaith, Gopal Bhachu, with the King's Deputy Lieutenant , Simon Ovens, at the Beacon Lighting ceremony on the day of the Royal Coronation.
Chair of Harrow Interfaith - Gopaljeet Bhachu - paying his respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City on 11th September 2022.
Chair of Harrow Interfaith - Gopaljeet Bhachu - promised to put Harrow Interfaith on the map - and here he is on the front cover of Harrow People - with our Mayor Janet Mote & the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London Craig Haslam in October 2022.
Harrow Interfaith,
The Lodge, 64 Pinner Road,
Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 4HZ