Deputy PFCC attends Inter Faith Conference in Stanford-Le-Hope during Inter Faith Week

Jane Gardner, Deputy PFCC Essex, attended the 4th Annual Essex Inter Faith Conference in Stanford-Le-Hope yesterday.

Hosted by Cllr Qaisar Abbas of Thurrock Council, the conference aims to promote co-operation and community cohesion between all faiths in Essex, marking national Inter Faith Week.

The event was attended by a wide range of faith and community leaders, including His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, the Mayor of Thurrock, Buddhist monks, Punjab Police officers and a former Punjab Assembly member.

Jane Gardner, Deputy PFCC, said: “Essex is a vibrant, diverse county and Inter Faith support and collaboration is so important in our communities. I’m very pleased to support the values of collaborative working and mutual Inter Faith support, it was a very positive event, which really brought people together with the aim of creating safer communities.”

Community elders of all faiths were in attendance along with university and school students.

Inter Faith Week is an annual initiative dedicated to strengthening interfaith relations, fostering mutual understanding, and showcasing the invaluable contributions of faith communities.

Inter Faith Week 2025 is taking place from Sunday, November 9 to Sunday, November 16. This year's theme is Community: Together We Serve focusing on strengthening interfaith relations, building community, and encouraging acts of service across different faith and belief communities.