The Women, Faith, and Family Annual Conference, hosted online by WFWP UK, brought together participants to discuss the theme of Family, Faith, and the Future. The event provided a platform for five guest speakers to share their unique perspectives and expertise, representing different faiths traditions, including Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Sikh. Françoise Murphy, our WFWP representative for Watford introduced the speakers and moderated the evening programme
Gill Barstow is Outreach Director of the Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints and an accomplished entrepreneur. She believes that as women we have been given stewardship over creation with a particular purpose; as peacemakers in the family and wider community we nurture, we harmonise, educate, mediate, and take care - of people and things! The choices we make substantially impact on our families and environment, often for many generations to come. We are empowered to bequeath values and wisdom and practises that are foundational for the wellbeing of the family and ultimately the health of the nation.
Kalpana Natarajan is president of the Wales Tamil Sangam and Hindu Cohesion Mandal. Her work and commitment are directed to offer help, support, and direction within the Hindu community in Wales. She states that within Hindu tradition the family is the cornerstone of a person's exist- ence, it provides the fabric of life, and a sense of belonging.
Nikhat Panjwani is a passionate advocate on religious education and a member of the Clifton Road Interfaith Group in Birmingham. The Islamic tradition emphasises the family being the epicentre of life, as determined by the Creator. Nikhat believes that in our spiritual journey together the need for education for spiritual values and virtues are of paramount importance; Nikhat quoted Mother Theresia saying '...if we have no peace, it is because we have for- gotten we belong to each other'
Ruth Jacob is a member of the Birmingham and West Mid- lands Jewish Community and has been engaging with several community-based organisations for many years, always being aware to live by her values according to Jewish tradition. In Jewish understanding again family and family rela- tionships are of greatest value and essential for future generations.
Balvir Kaur Dhillon is former Vice-Principle for Further Education and an Ambassador for the Global Poverty Project, with a genuine interest on closing the gap on child poverty, the human rights of women and disadvantaged groups, both local, national, and international. Her roots are in the Punjab, born into a Sikh farming family. Within Sikh tradition compassion, truth, contentment, selfless service and reverence of the family are central tenets. Social responsibility must be inclusive and serve the welfare of all.
The conference provided a platform for women of different faiths to come together and share their experiences, challenges, and successes in nurturing their families. One common theme among the speakers was the role of women as nurturers. Mothers were identified as key figures in shaping the character and values of their children. All speakers agreed about the need for character education in shaping future generations, including the creation of a more peaceful world, rooted in the culture of heart.
To conclude the programme Tina Coombs, former President of WFWP UK expressed heartfelt thanks to all participants for sharing their story, expertise, and insights. She described the vision of the founders of WFWP Rev Moon and Mother Moon as trailblazers for peace in our time, working together as a couple. The family, being the school of love, is where we learn through a set of family relationships different kinds of love, children's love, sibling's love, conjugal love, parental love. It is our grounding for interaction in our communities. Tina invited all to join the Global Women's Peace Network to collaborate in our wish for a peaceful world.
Written by Christa Rennie
To view the full recorded webinar please click here:
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