Birmingham marked the launch of National Interfaith Week 2025 with a vibrant and inspiring event held at the Council House, Victoria Square.
The gathering brought together faith leaders, civic representatives, and community organisations to celebrate Birmingham’s rich diversity and shared commitment to peace, understanding and social justice. Hosted by the Birmingham Council of Faiths (BCF), the afternoon programme included readings, music, reflections, and a ceremonial lighting of candles and faith flags — symbolising unity across traditions.
During his opening address, the Chair of BCF, Jimmy Suratia, welcomed and acknowledged the presence of the Lord Mayor, the High Sheriff and Amrick Singh Ubhi DL. Opening the event, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, welcomed attendees and reflected on how Birmingham had always been a city of many faiths and cultures living side by side.
Interfaith Week reminds us of the power of understanding and dialogue in building a more cohesive, compassionate city. Amrick Singh Ubhi DL, Director of Civic Engagement & Partnerships at the Nishkam Group of Organisations, reflected on the event and commented: “Interfaith Week is about more than dialogue, it’s about shared action, respect and love.
“The presence of so many partners at the launch event demonstrates Birmingham’s ongoing commitment to unity in diversity and the belief that together, we can nurture peace and wellbeing for all.” Speakers at the launch event included Dr Peter Rookes of the Birmingham Council of Faiths, Deepak Naik MBE (Chair, United Religions Initiative UK), and Cllr Jamie Tennant, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities.
Cllr Tennant gave a very personal view of his own faith. His perspective on peace and the crucial element that faith has in the work bridging interfaith communities and those of no faith was eloquently made.
He also made it clear that the road ahead had challenges to come. The programme also featured a reading of Rumi’s ‘One Song’ by Shreen Mahmood, music by Emine Betul Kilinc, and reflections from Dr Andrew Goldstein on peace and hope.
There were many organisations in attendance including representatives from across the city’s faith and civic networks, including the Dialogue Society, Faith & Belief Forum, Near Neighbours, United Religions Initiative, City of Sanctuary, The Lunar Society, Church of England Birmingham, Nishkam Centre, Girlguiding Birmingham, Birmingham Scouts, Father Hudson’s Care, and NHS University Hospitals Birmingham, Mosques, Hindu Temples, Gurudwaras, faith groups.
The event highlighted how faith communities continue to play a vital role in promoting inclusion, service and wellbeing across Birmingham, a city proud of its interfaith heritage and leadership. The meeting ended with the lighting of a candle by Mr Goldstein, BCF, and a symbolic holding of a ring of flags each depicting a symbol from a different faith / religion.
