Herefordshire Inter Faith Group: HIFG
Hidden Treasure:
An Interfaith Music and Poetry Day Festival
Background
Herefordshire is very rural and not very diverse when it comes to world Faiths present amongst us. Two small groups – one in the North and one in the South run small projects to bring the different Faiths together and to share the richness of their Faiths with each other. All Faiths we believe are rich in literature art and poetry and so we aimed to reach out to those of all Faiths to come together to share, listen and enjoy the depth and colour of our Faith traditions in Poetry.
Overview
With the support of Westhill Endowment, HIFG organised a day when poetry and music from the different Faiths represented in the County and Diocese could be shared. Many of the world Faiths present in the County and Diocese came along to an historic 6th Century Church on the Welsh borders. Few people knew each other at first but soon the warmth and welcome ensured we were soon talking and sharing. Some people read their own incredibly sensitive and creative poetry or poetry from their Faith tradition - both contemporary and historic. Poetry from the local primary school too was read - an important part of the day bringing community involvement. Between the poetry readings were times of silence and music played in traditional instruments, by wonderfully talented musicians.
Activities included workshops for and people to choose from.
It was an exciting and enriching day – not least over the international vegetarian lunch which brought the whole day Festival attendees together again. We added new names to our group and felt that the day was a good start at bringing Herefordshire people of different World Faiths together.
And the future?
The Day Festival certainly encouraged the HIFG committee to do it again and build on what was achieved. We have things to learn - especially in marketing our events – but that was more down to time restraints on this occasion. Our next event will be in early autumn where we will be exploring Pilgrimage in our different Faiths.
For more information please see the Hereford Interfaith Group Website where you can also connect with them on social media.
