Near Neighbours Luton

02/09/2026

Tribute to Revd Barbara Bond: A Faithful Servant and Community Champion

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/your-world/tribute-to-revd-barbara-bond-a-faithful-servant-and-community-champion-8946070

Revd Barbara Bond’s funeral and memorial service celebrated her life of Christian service, community engagement and unwavering commitment to the people of Luton.

Barbara moved to Luton in 1991 after the death of her mother, choosing to settle in Blenheim Crescent so she could both worship at Blenheim Baptist Church and continue using the Bengali language skills she had developed during many years of missionary service in Bangladesh as a Christian priest.

Speaking at the memorial service, Former community worker Mary Huffman and Revd Michael Anokye described Barbara as "a very practical theologian" who constantly encouraged others to think deeply about their faith, and was never afraid of challenging them.

Family member Peter Challis reflected on Barbara's lifelong commitment to serving others, noting her courage, determination and continuing interest in people throughout her life.

Elaine Sharpe, a longstanding church member, described Barbara as "a great asset to our fellowship", whose "faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour shone through in her wisdom, her commitment and her dedication."

At Blenheim Baptist Church, Barbara became a member, deacon, home group leader and regular preacher. Even into her nineties, she continued to lead worship, often giving uncomfortable sermon and challenge congregations with her thoughtful and topical reflections. She was also instrumental in establishing a lunch club, supporting parent and toddler activities, leading prayer meetings and helping shape the church's journey into the Olive Tree (Methodist & Baptist) Church partnership.

Beyond church life, Barbara’s Bengali language skills enabled her to support Bangladeshi families, accompany people to hospital appointments as a translator and support children in their education. She served as a governor at Beech Hill Primary School and maintained contact with many young people whose lives she influenced.

Barbara was active in inter-faith work across Luton. She supported the work of Grassroots Programme & Luton Council of Faiths. She supported Christian- Muslim dialogue, Christian Inter-faith Practitioners’ Association, Peace Walks, and other community projects promoting peace and reconciliation in Luton. She remained involved in the Churches Together in Luton and the Central Baptist Association too, and was a great supporter of Christian Aid and Youthscape – a Christian youth charity.

Elaine Sharpe concluded: "We know Jesus would have welcomed Barbara with the words, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant’.”

Tribute to Revd Barbara Bond: A faithful servant and community champion

26/08/2026

This week's Faith Matters Column (Luton News)

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/your-world/faith-matters-revd-dr-luke-larner-licensed-at-all-saints-with-st-peter-8937941

Revd Dr Luke Larner Licensed at All Saints' with St Peter

Revd Dr Luke Larner has been appointed Interim Priest-in-Charge of the Church of England Parish of All Saints' with St Peter, Luton, alongside his current role as Priest-in-Charge of St Andrew's Church in the Biscot area of Luton.
Speaking about his new appointment, Luke said, "All Saints' with St Peter's Parish covers most of the Bury Park area of Luton, with a population of around 25,000 people. Most importantly, it includes Kenilworth Road, the home of our beloved Luton Town Football Club which I first visited as a child. I am looking forward to continuing the important work that has been taking place there over the years. I remain grateful for all the hard work that my good friend, Revd Canon David Kesterton, put in as the previous incumbent."
The licensing service was led by the Venerable Dave Middlebrook, Archdeacon of Bedford. In his sermon, he reflected on Jesus standing among ordinary people, emphasising that Jesus chose to be present with people from all backgrounds, circumstances, and levels of faith. Rather than placing himself above others, Jesus identified with those around him and stood alongside them. The Archdeacon noted that this provides a strong model of ministry, not only for priests but for all who seek to follow Christ.
His message focused on Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, particularly the blessings pronounced on the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful, and the excluded. He explained that these teachings challenge worldly values by turning them upside down. While society often admires wealth, power, comfort, and popularity, Jesus highlights the spiritual value of humility, dependence upon God, compassion, and faithfulness.
Archdeacon Dave observed that those with less often demonstrate greater gratitude and generosity, whereas wealth & comfort can lead to complacency and a diminished sense of gratitude.
He encouraged Christians to seek justice, stand alongside those who are vulnerable, and place God and His Kingdom values before personal comfort and self-interest.
We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Revd Dr Luke Larner as he begins this new ministry. We also invite everyone to reflect on how they can stand alongside others wherever God has placed them, whether in their families, workplaces, schools, colleges, universities, churches, neighbourhoods, or communities, both locally and globally.

Faith Matters: Revd Dr Luke Larner Licensed at All Saints' with St Peter

20/08/2026

This week’s Luton News Faith Matters Column

Professor Jason Arday: A Call to Reflection

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/your-world/professor-jason-arday-a-call-for-reflection-8925060

The death of the University of Cambridge Professor Jason Arday is
deeply tragic and has prompted many of us to pause, grieve, and reflect. Arday became the youngest ever Black professor at the age of 38, but the tenure was tainted by media allegations of plagiarism in his PhD thesis, and a host of other allegations.

The United Reformed Church (URC) has rightly called for reflections stating this is not merely a moment of sadness but also a moment of honest self-examination. Professor Arday's life and his death raises difficult questions about race, public scrutiny, media culture, institutional responsibility, and how we treat those who find themselves at the centre of controversy.
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One of the most powerful questions raised by the URC is: "When does reasonable questioning become something brutal and cruel?" Academic work should always be open to scrutiny, challenge, and critical evaluation. However, there is an important distinction between accountability and relentless public hounding. When criticism expands beyond evidence-based inquiry and becomes a campaign that targets a person's identity, reputation, family, or humanity, we risk losing sight of the values of justice,
compassion, and dignity.

In the open resignation letter Prof Arday wrote what he experienced has "gone far beyond scholarly disagreement." He said “The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love.”

The discussion around Professor Arday's death highlights another
crucial issue: media literacy. We live in a time when opinions are often and too quickly formed through sensationalist headlines and emotionally charged, social media clips and algorithms designed to provoke outrage rather than understanding.

Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are essential in a
democratic society. Yet freedom also carries responsibility. There is a difference between informing the public and creating an environment of continuous personal intrusion.

As people of faith, we are called to resist the temptation to
reduce people to labels, categories, or headlines. Every person bears the image of God. That conviction should shape how we speak, how we disagree, how we judge, and how we respond when others fall short.

May we pray for Professor Arday's family and friends, for all who
are grieving, and for a society willing to undertake the difficult but
necessary reflection that this tragedy demands.

Professor Jason Arday: A call for reflection

14/08/2026

This week’s Luton News Faith Matters Column

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/your-world/building-safer-faith-communities-across-luton-8848194

Building Safer Faith Communities Across Luton

Faith leaders, community representatives, Luton Council, Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and AEGIS Security came together for a Faith Settings Security Guidance Workshop focused on strengthening the safety, preparedness, and resilience of places of worship across Luton.

The event brought together representatives from different faiths discuss practical steps that can help protect congregations, buildings, and communities from a range of risks, while maintaining the welcoming and inclusive nature of Luton’s faith settings.

The workshop follows ongoing discussions about community cohesion and the need to ensure faith institutions are prepared for emerging challenges. While there is no specific intelligence indicating an immediate threat to places of worship in Luton, partners emphasised that preparedness remains essential in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

Participants were introduced to a new security guidance resource developed through partnership working and informed by national best practice, government guidance, emergency services expertise, and contributions from faith organisations.

The guidance encourages faith settings to identify dedicated safety leads, strengthen relationships with local emergency services, review building security arrangements, develop emergency procedures, and undertake tailored risk assessments for their premises and events.

Speaking at the event, local faith leader Sujel Miah said: “The time to prepare is when you do not need it. Our faith communities play a vital role in the life of Luton, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the tools, knowledge and support needed to keep people safe. This is the beginning of an ongoing partnership, not a one-off conversation.”

Participants were reminded that mosques, churches, synagogues, temples, gurdwaras, and other faith settings all play a vital role in community life and deserve support in maintaining safe and welcoming environments.

Highlighting the importance of community resilience, Luton based AEGIS Security offered training opportunities to help Luton faith organisations understand risks and build effective response plans tailored to their own circumstances.

Another faith leader praised the collaborative approach, saying: “This workshop has brought together experience, expertise and practical action. By working together and sharing knowledge, we can better protect our congregations and ensure our places of worship remain safe and welcoming for everyone.”

Feedback gathered at this event will be used to refine the guidance, with further training, and potential site visits in the coming months.

06/08/2026

This week’s Luton News Faith Matters Column FYI

Faith, Friendship and Service: Farewell to Rev Patrick Kandeh

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/your-world/faith-matters-faith-friendship-and-service-farewell-to-rev-patrick-kandeh-8836102

Church leaders and congregations, community representatives, family, and friends gathered to celebrate the ministry of Rev Patrick Kandeh as he concluded five years of service as Superintendent Minister of the South Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit.

The farewell service, held at the Olive Tree Church, Luton was marked by thanksgiving, reflection, prayer and tributes recognising Rev Kandeh's leadership both within the Methodist Church and across the wider community.

The service included a challenging and encouraging sermon by Rev Michael Anokye highlighting the importance of faithful ministry, courage, perseverance and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.

Delivering a tribute on behalf of GRASSROOTS and the Luton Council of Faiths, Director David Jonathan praised Rev Kandeh's commitment to community engagement and inter-faith collaboration, and described Rev Kandeh as an "instant friend and a strong pillar of support" to both organisations, bringing warmth, wisdom, humour and a commitment to mutual respect, dialogue and social justice. He added, "Patrick demonstrated that faith is not contained within four walls, but is lived out where people meet, share, and collaborate."

Rev Kandeh's support during challenging times included his involvement in the launch of the PASS (Protecting All Sacred Scriptures) initiative, solidarity with Luton’s Jewish & Muslim communities following anti-Semitic and Islamophobic attacks, support for the Covid-19 Peace Garden Project and participation in charitable initiatives such as the Keech Hospice Hare & Tortoise Trail.

The Luton Council of Faiths Chair Prof Zafar Khan said, "Patrick has been truly respectful of the community cohesion spirit of Luton. Luton’s different faith leaders will always be proud of their association with him."

Responding to the many tributes, Rev Kandeh expressed his heartfelt thanks to church members, fellow ministers, Circuit Stewards, ecumenical partners, church & community leaders, and described his friends & family as an important source of strength throughout his ministry.

He reflected warmly on the friendships formed during his time in Luton and South Bedfordshire and spoke of the love, hospitality and support he had experienced across the Methodist Circuit.

Looking back, Rev Kandeh spoke of his desire to leave Luton and South Bedfordshire with gratitude, grace and reconciliation.

As he prepares to take up his new appointment in Croydon, he asked those gathered to continue praying for him and his family and assured them of his prayers in return.

03/08/2026

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29/07/2026

This week’s Luton News Faith Matters Column
https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/your-world/irelands-new-diaspora-strategy-launched-at-luton-irish-forum-8823331

We were honoured to join the Luton Irish Forum in welcoming Neale Richmond TD, Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Irish Diaspora, to Luton for the official launch of Ireland’s new Diaspora Strategy, marking a significant moment in strengthening ties between Ireland and Irish communities across the UK.

Welcoming guests, the Luton Irish Forum highlighted the town’s proud and longstanding Irish heritage. For generations, Irish families have made a significant contribution to Luton’s social, cultural and economic development, helping to shape the town into the vibrant and diverse community it is today. The Irish community in Luton is anchored by the Luton Irish Forum, local Catholic churches, and annual St Patrick’s cultural festival.

The Luton Irish Forum, which has been at the heart of the local Irish community for many years, was praised for its work in providing support, advocacy, cultural engagement and community development services, not only for the Irish community but for the wider population of Luton. It’s innovative and inclusive work, including initiatives supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and fostering cross-community engagement, was described as an example of the positive impact Irish community organisations can have in addressing social challenges while celebrating cultural identities.

Speaking at the event, Minister Richmond said that the commitments set out in this strategy come directly from the voices of Irish communities. He paid tribute to the volunteers, trustees and staff who support Irish organisations throughout Britain, recognising their vital role in keeping communities connected, supported and engaged.

During the event, community representatives welcomed the strategy’s strong alignment with work already taking place at grassroots level. Discussions held prior to the launch provided an opportunity for organisations to share their experiences and offer insights into how the strategy can continue to support Irish communities throughout the UK.

The Minister also highlighted the Irish Government’s continued commitment to supporting overseas Irish communities through its Emigrant Support Programme, which this year reached a record investment of over €8 million.

The event concluded with a musical tribute celebrating the experiences of Irish emigrants who settled in Britain during the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting on the resilience, contributions and cultural legacy of generations of Irish families who made their homes abroad.

Ireland’s new diaspora strategy launched at Luton Irish Forum

24/07/2026

This week's Faith Matters Column

Luton Catholics Unite for Corpus Christi Celebration
https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/your-world/luton-catholics-unite-for-corpus-christi-celebration-8810172

A Corpus Christi procession is a vibrant public Catholic ritual in which the consecrated sacraments of Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper, the central Christian rite instituted by Jesus Christ) are carried through the streets in a vessel called monstrance. The Eucharist represents the spiritual nourishment of believers and the memorial of Christ’s sacrifice, death, and resurrection. The procession serves as a visible expression of devotees’ faith and adoration.

This year, the Luton & Dunstable Catholic Corpus Christi procession was held at Holy Ghost Catholic Parish Church. More than 200 people took part in honour of the feast day. They walked from Westbourne Road to Dunstable Road, along Conway Road, and back to the church on Westbourne Road.

Monsignor Kevin McGinnell VF, Holy Ghost Church Parish Priest said, “The procession moves between different Catholic parishes each year, and we were pleased to host it this time. What was particularly special was the involvement of the two Indian Rite Catholic communities: Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara.”

The Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Churches are two distinct Eastern Catholic traditions rooted in Kerala, in southern India. Both trace their origins to the ancient Saint Thomas Christians, though they differ in liturgy, historical development, and spiritual customs.

Mgr Kevin explained further, “The Catholic Church comprises of 24 churches. The Latin Church is by far the largest, representing the majority of Catholics worldwide and using the Latin liturgical rite. The remaining 23 are Eastern Catholic Churches, which are self-governing bodies rooted in the traditions and cultures of regions such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, North Africa, and India. While they have their own hierarchies, canon laws, and forms of worship, they share exactly the same core doctrines and sacraments as the Latin Church.”

He added, “Since both Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara communities are based here at Holy Ghost Church, it was especially meaningful to come together for the Corpus Christi procession.”

Reflecting on the meaning of these events, Pope Leo has said: “The procession signifies that Jesus Christ is not confined to the church, but comes out to meet us. Jesus travels the streets, crosses the squares, and visits our neighbourhoods, dwelling within the settings of our daily lives.” The Luton procession was held very much in this spirit.

Luton Catholics unite for Corpus Christi celebration

15/07/2026

This week’s Luton News Faith Matters Column
https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/your-world/celebrating-heritage-legacy-and-the-voices-of-windrush-generation-8792815

The multi-agency Windrush Awards Fundraiser event by the Heritage Associates brought together poetry, storytelling, music to celebrate and honour the heritage, resilience, and the lasting legacy of the Windrush generation.

A poet, coach and author Hanifa Muhammad reflected on her African and Caribbean heritage, and shared two of her original poems. In Africa, My Africa, she explored the enduring connection between Africa and its descendants across the world, describing the continent as her "one true love" and emphasising the unbreakable bonds forged through ancestral history and sacrifice.

Her second poem, Just for Today, invited audiences to imagine a world free from war, poverty and discrimination. She called for unity, equality and peace, encouraging people to hold onto hope and collective responsibility for a fairer world for all.

Later, ‘Unbroken & Outspoken’, a creative writing collective of Black women, performed their group poem, ‘The Longer We Live’. The performance celebrated the ageing, wisdom and resilience of the elder Black women and the important role they play as matriarchs, storytellers, caregivers and community leaders. Audience members were particularly struck by the one memorable line describing the elder Black women as "superheroes... saving the world in slow motion."

The evening also recognised the contributions of Windrush advocates, including the Luton community champion Bob Baker, whose dedication was warmly applauded.

There was also an Afro-Caribbean fashion parade led by community members including faith leaders The Revd Dr Trevor Adams, who is also a Coach & Mentor, and Rose Forde, the founding director of Street Fathers Luton, a volunteer-led community initiative.

There were melodious songs sung by many reputed singers including the local Lutonian and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist, Yvonne Michele.

Mariam Daniel a local activist, poet, and musician who leads the Love Music Hate Racism Luton (LMHR) chapter paid tribute to her father, Jamada Dean Daniel, from the Windrush generation who came to rebuild Britain after the Second World War and devoted his life to supporting young people in Luton. Describing his legacy as her inspiration, Mariam reminded the audience that "We must recognise our right to be here, because this is our Britain too." She said, "Never forget those who came before us. Everything we do, we must do to honour them."

Celebrating Heritage, Legacy and the Voices of Windrush Generation

08/07/2026

Luton News Faith Matters Column 8th Jul'26

Masjid-e-Ali Hosts Historic Inter-faith Commemoration of Imam Hussain in Luton

Masjid-e-Ali Hosts Historic Inter-faith Commemoration of Imam Hussain in Luton