19/10/2026
The Role of Faith in Promoting Non-Violence, Peace and Harmony | Houses of Parliament 🇬🇧
It was a privilege to attend Ahimsa Day 2026 this evening at the Houses of Parliament, alongside Matt Turmaine MP (Watford) and Gareth Thomas MP (Harrow West).
Organised by the Institute of Jainology and the Jain All Party Parliamentary Group, this special occasion celebrated the principles of Ahimsa — non-violence, compassion, peace and harmony.
It was a particular honour to meet His Eminence Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue at the Vatican, alongside senior clergy from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
It was equally inspiring to meet faith leaders from different religious traditions and reflect on the important role faith plays in promoting non-violence, building bridges between communities and encouraging mutual understanding.
Our conversations also highlighted the vital contribution of faith communities to health, wellbeing, tackling health inequalities and strengthening social cohesion.
Through our work at One Vision Charity and the Hertfordshire Faith and Health Network, we continue to demonstrate that faith communities are not hard to reach. They are visible, trusted and essential partners in building healthier, safer and more inclusive communities.
Faith should never be a reason for division. It should be a force for peace, compassion and unity.
Regardless of our religious beliefs or backgrounds, we share a common responsibility to uphold human dignity, reject violence and stand together for the wellbeing of others.
Different faiths. Shared values. One humanity.
My sincere thanks to the Institute of Jainology and the Jain All Party Parliamentary Group for bringing people together around these important values.
