In a powerful address at the National Cohesion Conference in London, Faith Minister Wajid Khan underscored the indispensable role of faith communities in fostering harmony and healing societal divides. Organized in response to the devastating August riots following the tragic deaths of three children in Southport, the conference united experts and practitioners to confront the root causes of violence and build pathways to peace. Minister Khan, a Labour peer who took up his role in July, emphasized the collective responsibility of communities to address pressing issues, stating, “Faith communities are vital. They address immediate needs and foster harmony through long-term work.”
The conference, hosted by organizations including Belong, British Futures, and Together, explored themes of racism, prejudice, and the amplifying effects of social media on conflict. Participants called for a cohesive national strategy to bridge divisions, highlighting the urgent need for resources at the local level. The closure of the UK’s Inter Faith Network in April, following the withdrawal of government funding, was lamented as a critical gap in fostering interfaith dialogue. Paul Parker, representing Quakers in Britain, offered a poignant reflection: “When we collectively fail to treat each other equally and without violence, we all suffer.”
This gathering served as a reminder of the shared humanity at the heart of every faith tradition. Through their ability to unite diverse communities, address social injustices, and inspire hope, faith groups remain a cornerstone of societal resilience. Minister Khan’s call for collaboration signals a renewed commitment to nurturing a society where diversity is celebrated and harmony is not merely an ideal but a lived reality.
