What a great time we had at the Baha'i event in Liverpool in February. Such charming people, and so welcoming on arrival. To see the tropical plants blooming in the conservatory was amazing especially after the freezing temperatures we have had. Isaac, who runs the Baha’i Centre is not just good with plants, but he cooked for us all a delicious meal. We began with the first course of our meal and this was followed by singing together as a group, led by Hayley who is a musician herself and performance artist and teacher. Hayley gave us some breathing exercises before our singing started and then we learned some lovely songs, singing in parts. One song was also a prayer from the Baha’i faith about hope.After this we had a delicious pudding and home made biscuits. During discussion we learned something of the current persecution of Baha’is in Iran. The evening was so rewarding, the sense of hospitality and love so indicative of the Baha’is was generously given and the singing was great fun.

During an inspirational visit to a synagogue recently, the speaker remarked that it’s important to know where you come from, to understand who you are. For people of faith, beyond human history – which explains so much of our current situation – lies our common origin, as children of God. When we’re “coming from” this understanding, religion has an obligation to unite and not divide.

When Jesus was questioned by Pilate, he explained his life’s purpose:” For this reason I was born and came into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth”. If we see our life-purpose as bearing witness to the truth of God’s goodness, power and unconditional love for all His creation, we’ll understand more of who we are – and who everyone else really is, too.

Irene Hall, Christian Science Committee on Publication for Merseyside

Tu B'Shevat Celebrations, Childwall Synagogue, Liverpool January 2011

Hazel & Avril welcomed around 12 women of different faiths to the Childwall Synagogue on a chilly January evening. Our warm welcome included an introduction to the customs and rituals practiced within the Synagogue, great humour and a sharing of the celebration of Tu B'Shevat, the New Year for Trees, with a feast of fruits, nuts and other good kosher food.