Faith

ST MARY'S Church in Harrow on the Hill has been voted to be featured in a celebratory set of 'London Landmark' 2012 Olympics pin badges.
Residents from across the capital participated in a web vote for which building they would like to represent their borough on the brooches.
The poll took place in September and the results were announced in the run up to the 1,000 days to go milestone on Saturday October 31.
Reverend Tim Gosden, the vicar of St Mary's Church in Church Hill, said: "I think it's wonderful news that the people of Harrow have voted for this church."
St Mary's Church beat off competition from Headstone Manor in Pinner View, Harrow, Harrow School, High Street, Harrow on the Hill and Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Harrow Weald.
In Brent, Neasden Temple in Neasden succeeded against the only other shortlisted location, the Grand Union Canal, which runs through the borough.

Fairtrade Fortnight is being celebrated at Harrow Baptist Church with coffee mornings next week.

Passers-by can pop in for a hot drink and a chat at the place of worship in College Road, Harrow, between 10am and 12noon on Tuesday, February 24, and Thursday, February 26.
There will also be a tradecraft stall set up in the lobby.

The national Fairtrade Fortnight aims to promote ethically-sourced goods such as drinks, chocolate and fruit.

People met at Harrow Civic Centre on Sunday to pray for peace.

Councillor Navin Shah, (Labour) member for Brent and Harrow, jointly organised the meeting with the Middlesex New Synagogue, Muslim Council of Britain and Harrow Interfaith Council.

They prayed for all those who had lost their lives or have suffered during recent conflicts in the Middle East. The climax of the meeting was the signing of a peace declaration by almost 100 people.

Mr Shah said: "The gathering was a true reflection of the unity and harmony enshrined in Harrow's diverse community".

Representatives from nine faiths including Hinduism, Judaism and Sikhism read prayers as well as committed to maintaining peace and harmony amongst Harrow's diverse communities.

The fire brigade and police commander for Harrow are also to sign the declaration. Mr Shah is hoping to conduct regular meetings to reflect upon global crisis.

When asked what was gained from the meeting he said: "At a local level we saw the will to continue working for piece and solidarity. It is great to see the desire to live in Harmony."

Harrow's Interfaith Council has led a multi-faith prayer vigil for the victims in Mumbai at Harrow Civic Centre.

A two-minute silence was held in the main council chamber as representatives of nine different religions gathered to pay their respects to those killed by terrorist attacks in India. At least 170 people were killed after terrorists attacked the Taj Mahal and Oberoi-Trident hotels in Mumbai and other locations last month.

Mary Hale, chairman of the Harrow Interfaith Council, who chaired the vigil said: "The fact that the nine faiths are able to work together is a visible sign of the good relationships of the faiths in Harrow".

The mayor's chaplain, Rev Tony Rablen, delivered the opening prayer.

Those offering faith prayers at the event were: Martha Besser (Bahai); Rev David Tuck (Christian); Bharat Maharaj (Hindu); Dr Vinod Kapashi (Jain); Arik Yacobi (Jewish); Imam Mohammed Akram (Muslim); Paramjit Singh-Kohli (Sikh); Phiroza Gan (Zoroastrian) and Mary Hale (Buddhist).

More than 80 people attended the event, including the mayor and mayoress Councillors John and Joyce Nickolay, local faith leaders, community group representatives and a cross-party group of councillors of whom Councillors Anjana Patel, Paul Scott, Navin Shah and Bill Stephenson made speeches.

Multi-faith prayers in condolence of the terrorists blasts which rocked India this past weekend are being organised in Harrow tonight (Monday).
The service will take place at the Sangat Centre, Sancroft Road, Harrow, at 7pm.
At least 49 people were killed when 16 explosions tore through the city of Ahmedabad, the capital of the western state of Guaraj, on Saturday.
A group calling itself the Indian Mujahideen claimed responsibility.
Harrow Labour councillor Navin Shah, who was born in a village on the outskirts of Ahmedabad and whose brother and family still live there, urged people from different religions to attend.
He said: "A lot of Harrow's community have origins in that part of India."