More than 200 people of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds walked together through Luton, UK, to mark the 30th anniversary of the town’s annual Peace Walk, offering a visible witness to unity at a time of growing division and intolerance.
Beginning at St Mary’s Church, the anniversary walk continued to Guru Nanak Gurdwara before concluding at Luton Central Mosque. Along the route, participants were welcomed by different faith communities and learned about their beliefs, traditions, and contributions to the wider community.
Organised by the Luton Council of Faiths, Grassroots, Near Neighbours Programme, local faith groups, and volunteers, the Peace Walk has spent three decades nurturing relationships across religious and cultural boundaries.
Prof. Zafar Khan, chair of the Luton Council of Faiths, encouraged participants to continue promoting unity, acceptance, and respect, particularly during difficult times.
At St Mary’s Church, Rev. Canon Mike Jones reflected on the Christian calling to reconciliation, saying the purpose of the Peace Walk was to make “our relationships bigger than our differences.”
He rejected interpretations of Christianity that seek to exclude or divide people, stressing that such approaches run contrary to Christ’s message of peace and reconciliation. He also affirmed the responsibility of faith communities to stand alongside people who feel vulnerable, threatened, or isolated because of their faith, ethnicity, skin colour, or cultural identity.
Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada described the 30th anniversary as a “pearl anniversary.” Just as pearls form gradually, layer upon layer, she said relationships, trust, and friendship have been patiently nurtured through the Peace Walk over three decades.
Luton Mayor Javed Hussain also commended the town’s voluntary and faith organisations for their continuing contribution to making Luton a welcoming, inclusive, and caring place to live.
The walk concluded at Luton Central Mosque, where Senior Imam Hafiz Ejaz Ahmed spoke about understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence.
Participants also heard contributions from local schoolchildren, Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard, and Bishop of Bedford Rt Rev. Richard Atkinson, who described the Peace Walk as a “pearl of great price” that continues to strengthen relationships across the community.
