Successful Churches Trust ‘Celebrating Commonality’ finale

PICTURED ABOVE: Group pictured at the Churches Trust 'Celebrating Commonalities' finale event at the Waterfoot Hotel, Derry last week. Included second from left at front is Fiona Fagan, Chief Executive Officer, Churches Trust. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

The Churches Trust’s ‘Celebrating Commonality’ project held their final event of 2023 at the Waterfoot Hotel, Derry last week and those in attendance heard how the Trust were delighted to provide opportunities to explore and learn from all faiths and cultural backgrounds.

IN PICTURES: Derry finale of Churches Trust ‘Celebrating Commonality’ project

Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography

Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the project facilitated participants in exploring the many commonalities shared across the three dominant faiths found in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties.

Throughout the year, the group took part in lectures, workshops, and day trips that provided opportunities to explore Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

It was important to outline the aim of this project was rooted in community education and the content explored was delivered by key stakeholders from each faith who could speak directly about their lived experiences within our communities.

Sharing such rich and diverse experiences facilitated a profound level of understanding and learning that faith is something that is shared and cherished by so many, and a shared commonality is that of compassion for all, peace, and love.

The finale culminated with the Trust’s Support Worker Niamh Fox and Youth Development Manager Wendy McCloskey hosting a quiz on the three faiths which was enjoyed by all.

Speaking at the event, Fiona Fagan, CEO outlined on behalf of the Trust ‘That we were delighted to provide opportunities to explore and learn from all faiths and cultural backgrounds.’

Group pictured at the Churches Trust 'Celebrating Commonalities' finale event at the Waterfoot Hotel, Derry last week. Included second from left is Robert Hegarty, Eileen Parkhill, Tom Pickles, Ruby Finlay and Mervyn Finlay (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

She also described how the Trust now has friends across many faiths and all share a common vision for a shared society that is founded on the commonalities celebrated at the finale event.

Fiona also commended the work carried out by the team, particularly Niamh Fox and Wendy McCloskey for their collaborative approaches to ensure the annual project was a huge success.