If there is one thing the media have told the nation (and sometimes the world) about this past year its that Luton is a town divided by race and by religion. We have our challenges but many here embrace with pride our colour and diversity.
Which is why on Friday the Luton Forum, representing Luton Borough Council elected members and officers, the public sector bodies (NHS, education, police, etc) and voluntary sector, thus as wide a section of society as you could get, launched Luton in Harmony.
And I am wearing my badge with pride! I wore it at church today and five people asked about it, and wanted to sign up.
The aim is simply to draw our communities together. We also wish to strengthen the message that we will challenge violent extremist ideology, wherever it comes from, and unite the town in supporting, giving voice to, and celebrating our diversity.
There is more here and and a message from Council Leader, Hazel Simmons, here.
What difference does a badge make? Is it all Spin? No, its based around a pledge that calls people to actively engage in working for a better future.
The Luton in Harmony pledge
Luton in Harmony is
about promoting understanding within our communities. We want to
celebrate our diversity and secure Luton a positive reputation on the
national and international stage.
I pledge to play my part in making Luton a town to be proud of.
Because prejudice and hatred harm us all:
- I will wear the Luton in Harmony badge with pride and tell people I meet what it means
- I will make friends with people from different backgrounds and life experiences and learn about their values
- I will promote my beliefs in a spirit of peace and harmony and encourage everyone I know to do the same
Lots of events in the next year will carry the message. I am already asking what I can do. Watch this space.
Oh yes, there is already a Luton in Harmony Facebook group set up.
Dear Mr Adams,
We think the idea of Luton in Harmony to be a step in the right direction and we hope it will work.
I represent a Group called Luton for Peace - we are a small band of peace people, who currently hold peace vigils every Saturday at 2pm near the Luton War Memorial for one hour. Shoppers seem to be quite supportive and some congratulate us on trying to bring a little peace to the streets of Luton.
A few years ago, as Luton For Peace we toured a number of places of worship throughout Luton with our messages of peace and we were welcomed by Muslims at their mosque, Hindus at their temple, Sikhs at the Dallow Road Gurdwara and Jews at their synagogue, but when we approached St Mary's Church in the Luton Town centre we were told to go away by the Reverend Bell.
When we tried to hand out leaflets to some of the churchgoers the Reverend Bell told them not to take any, but some did anyway.
We want to make peace with everyone, and we applaud anyone who tries to bring peace to Luton. But I can not reconcile what you say on this website with the active hostility of the Reverend Bell. Maybe you can please.
Peace with Justice
Peter Wakeham
07810 025818
Posted by: Peter Wakeham | February 09, 2010 at 10:06 PM