Hackney faith and belief groups recognised for community work
Faith and belief groups from Hackney have been recognised for the contribution they make to their communities in the annual Faith and Belief Forum Community Awards.
The awards, which were hosted at the Royal Society of Medicine earlier this month, recognised London’s ‘unsung heroes’ and the work they do to bring people from different backgrounds together.
Two groups from Hackney won awards, which were presented by Dr David Dangoor DL, Chair of the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith, with a further seven from the borough receiving nominations.
The Muslim Jewish Forum of Stamford Hill were awarded in the Interfaith Relations category for their ground-breaking work to bring Muslims and Jews together, building mutual understanding, respect and intercommunal relationship.
The Forum was the first of its kind in the UK and has now inspired other groups across the country and internationally to work together on key issues that impact both communities. The award was collected on the night by Munaf Zeena and Rabbi Herschel Gluck.
Pray4Youth was awarded in the Inspiring Youth category for their work as an inter-denominational Christian prayer and pastoral initiative, leading a coordinated Church response to the increase in knife and violent crime among young people in London. The award was collected on the night by Pastor Junior Spence of Faith City Church in Hackney.
Dr Dangoor said: “The London Faith & Belief Community Awards is a wonderful demonstration of what people motivated by their faith or belief can achieve for this city. By shining a light on their work, this event promotes and connects the unsung heroes of London’s faith and belief communities. This event also gives them access to further support which may enhance their work and inspire others to take action.”
We’re incredibly proud of the work our faith groups do in their communities, and in bringing people from different backgrounds together. I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and nominees, whose work makes Hackney a richer pace.
Seven groups were also nominated for awards in recognition of their contribution to communities in Hackney:
Clapton Commons with Father William Taylor
Hackney Winter Night Shelter with Azizye Mosque, Musallaa-an-Noor and St Paul's West Hackney
The Listening Place at Stoke Newington Methodist Church in partnership with Hackney Salvation Army
New Unity
North London Muslim Community Centre
SINGA UK
Xenia