The Jain Network celebrated the InterFaith Day on 21st of Nov at Jain Centre, 64-68 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5DR

Jain Faith's approach to interfaith relations is based on its teachings and traditions namely three main principles of: Ahimsa (nonviolence and reverence for all life), Aparigraha (non- attachment to material things) and Anekaantavada (multiple views or pluralism). Anekaantavada teaches Jains the acceptance of multiple views and qualifying dogmatic assertions (relative pluralism) to understand multiple facets of the truth. Other Jain teachings and traditions include friendship to all, forgiveness, reconciliation, peace and involvement in the welfare of others and care for the natural world including ecological concerns, equality and pluralism, and the life of equanimity and simplicity. Jainism is now recognised as one of the nine major faiths by the Interfaith Network and public institutions. The chair of Jain Network Dr Natubhai Shah, who is also a founder president of Jain Samaj of Europe takes active interest in InterFaith activities for more than 25 years.

Two sessions were organised as part of the celebration which mainly focussed on Jain Contribution in Public Life.

Session 1 (Ahimsa: Chair: Matthew Offord MP)

"Beyond Faith Boundaries: Respect for Life, The Basis of a cohesive community"

Focus: Understand concept of different faiths and practical ways of promotion within local communities in Barnet.

Timing Schedule followed:

10.30 am Prayer by Jains and Reflections by Sister Maureen

10-35 am Lightening the lamp by dignitaries

10.43 am Welcome address: Dr Natubhai Shah

10-50 am Launch of Interfaith Book on Marriage:

10.55 am Mayor of Harrow Cllr Ashad Omar

11.00 am Jain Perspective: Dr Vinod Kapashi

10.10 am Christian Perspective: Rev Robin Thompson

11.20 am Hindu Perspective: Mr Madhava Turmella

11.30 am Jewish Perspective: Mrs Leonie Lewis

11.40 am Speech by Mayor of Barnet Cllr Anthony Finn

11.50 am Conclusion by Dr Natubhai Shah and Matthew Offord MP

12.00 noon Workshops:

i) Respect for human dignity

ii) Gender equality

iii) Respect for natural world

iv) Respect for public property

12.30 pm Plenary session & Panel discussion

13.00 pm Lunch

Interfaith Book: “Marriage Reflections and Understandings from Nine Faiths in Britain”

It is perhaps the first publication that gives contextualised information about marriage beliefs and customs of nine major faiths practised in Britain namely, Baha'i, Buddhist, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism.

Mayors of Barnet and Harrow inaugrating the Book

Session 2 (Anekaantavada : Chair : Hon. Barney Leith)

“Meaningful Multifaith engagement: importance of pluralism”

Focus: To highlight the importance of Jain value of Anekaantavada (Pluralism) from presentations given by representatives of different faiths and importance of pluralism for multifaith engagement.

Timing Schedule followed:

14.00 pm Welcome by the Chair: Hon. Barney Leith

14.05 pm Jain Perspective: Rajeev Shah

14.15 pm Sikh Perspective: Prof Harbhajan Singh

14.25 pm Zoroastrian Perspective: Ms Sarosh Jehangir

14.35 pm Bahai Perspective: Hon. Barney Leith

14.45 pm Local Perspective: Cllr Zakia Zubairi

14.50 pm Barnet SACRE perspective: Anna Sallnow

14.55 pm Buddhist Perspective: Rev. Seela Wimala

15.05 pm Muslim Perspective: Lord Hameed

15.15 pm National Perspective: Harriet Crabtree & Warwick Hawkins

15.30 pm Tea & coffee

15.45 pm Workshops:

i) Meaning of Life

ii) Respect of places of worship

iii) Living together in diverse community

16.15 pm Plenary session & Panel discussion

16.50 pm Closing remarks by Dr Natubhai Shah.

Seminar Outcomes:

Revealed the Jain contribution to the public life.
Motivated the interest in interfaith work to the local communities.
Promoted good Interfaith and community relations and message for the respect of life of humans, natural world and environment.
Highlighted positive aspects of interfaith relations, meaningful multi-faith dialogues for tolerance, awareness (of teachings of other faiths) and respect (for other communities).

Reviews of Audience:

There is no dilution of own faith values in participating with Interfaith, on the contrary it enhances one’s own faith values.
Good experiences to hear representatives of different religions.
Lots of similarity in values of different faiths.
Learnt: Joint Action by different faiths is a necessity.
Many positive changes can be expected by such events.
Thought provoking ideas and inspirations.
Many such type of meetings should be held since it provides lots of knowledge about different faiths and promotes equality and respect for every faith.
Professionally organised event.