Category Archives: Uncategorized

Lionesses’ Success and Social Cohesion in Barnet

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A Barnet Multi Faith Forum (BMFF) Statement

The Lionesses have truly captured our imagination as their success has radiated well beyond stadiums, resonating deeply across communities where sport has become a powerful catalyst for social cohesion and may well act as a social glue. In Barnet, whose population is a mosaic of cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds, we have been inspired by their resilience, success, strength of character and fortitude.

The visibility of the Lionesses and Maro Itoje, the Saracens and British Lions Captain, have accelerated the breaking down of long-standing barriers, whereby old myths about gender, ethnicity and race are challenged and replaced with great stories of teamwork and mutual respect.

While the Lionesses’ success has been a catalyst for positive change, they also found the courage to stand firm and united not just against their opponents, but the irrational racial and verbal abuses they were exposed to on their triumphant European journey.

Barnet Multi Faith Forum (BMFF), with its partners, Barnet Council, Middlesex University, Blue Light Responders, Community Organisations and Asylum Groups, have all worked proactively to create safe spaces for dialogue and mutual support. Interfaith gatherings and events, peace walks and vigils, community forums and concerts, provide safe platforms for open conversation, emphasising empathy and a shared humanity above division.

The Borough's response during difficult times demonstrates how collective action and compassion can fortify communal bonds, ensuring that differences do not fracture the social fabric but rather enhance its resilience. The Lionesses’ achievements have turbocharged this spirit of connection, offering new role models to inspire solidarity and a shared purpose. They stood firm in calling out all forms of racism and hatred, we should denounce all those using racist rhetoric that seeks to divide us, welcome the stranger and advance honest dialogue.

The way forward is not an easy one, and barriers remain in access to quality facilities, lingering stereotypes, and funding disparities, but by working in partnerships together, we can build a society free from fear and deprivation, one that is fit for our returning heroes.

Signed on behalf of Barnet Multi Faith Forum (BMFF) Trustees and Executive

For further information contact

Esmond Rosen President BMFF 07977509643 esmondrosen@outlook.com

Barnet Faith and Peace Walk Quiz

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A big thank you to all who attended the Faith and Peace Walk.

If you took the quiz, you might want to know the answers! We have created a pdf that takes you through the questions and answers one at a time.

You go the next page by using the page turn arrows on the bottom left of the window.

Quiz answers FINAL 160625

Barnet Multi Faith Forum Statement on the Incident in Liverpool

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Barnet Multi Faith Forum expresses its deep sorrow and solidarity in response to the tragic incident that took place in Liverpool on Monday, 26 May 2025, during the city’s celebrations of Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory.

What should have been a joyful and unifying event turned into a moment of horror when a vehicle struck members of the crowd on Water Street, injuring dozens of people, including children. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected; the injured, their families, and the wider community left reeling from this distressing event.

We commend the swift and courageous response of the emergency services and those members of the public who stepped forward to help in the aftermath. Their compassion and bravery exemplify the values we hold dear across our faith communities.

At Barnet Multi Faith Forum, we are committed to promoting peace, mutual respect, and community cohesion. In times of tragedy, our strength lies in our unity. We stand in solidarity with the people of Liverpool and all those working to bring healing and comfort in the days ahead.

As people of many faiths and beliefs, we draw upon our shared commitment to care for one another and to work together for a more compassionate society. Let us all be reminded of the power of community, in Liverpool, in Barnet, and beyond.

You Never Walk Alone.

Barnet Multi Faith Forum
30 May 2025

We give thanks for Pope Francis, following his death

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Our thoughts and prayers are with our Roman Catholic friends following Pope Francis's death. We give thanks for his advocacy for peace, justice, and mercy. He worked tirelessly and quietly to support the poor and unrepresented and to work towards a more forgiving and compassionate world. May he rest in peace.

Survey launched on faith and belief in the NHS Staff

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Take part in this survey which is open to all NHS staff and help the NHS shape more inclusive and respectful workplaces.

NHS Employers is working with Dr Ying Fei Héliot of the University of Surrey to research the views and experiences of staff about religious expression in the workplace. As part of this primary research, we want to better understand the impact of faith and belief staff networks on staff wellbeing and access to quiet spaces.

  • The survey is open to anyone working in the NHS from any background, with or without a faith or belief.
  • We are particularly interested in increasing the number of responses from frontline staff, as response rates were lower from this group in phase one research conducted in 2023.
  • It’s important the survey results reflect the views of everyone who works in the NHS. Please encourage your staff to take part in this anonymous survey by 31 March 2025. We anticipate that the survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
  • If you completed this survey in 2023 there is no need to complete it again.