August Update

As the Olympic torch passed by St George the Martyr Church, Borough High Street, on 26th July, people from many different faiths gathered to celebrate and to make a pledge to seek the wellbeing of the city and to work together for the good of all who live there. The words of the pledge were inspired by the teaching of the faiths and can be seen here. You are invited to use the pledge in your locality. This was a Near Neighbours event, attended by The Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Woolwich, and Baroness Hanham, Communities Mininster.

Other News
The Directory of Social Change is inviting nominations for 2012 Social Change Awards. These are designed to recognise those "working to achieve apositive change in society", and they are open to individuals, charities, community groups, funders, companies and public bodies. you can nominate yourself/organisation - deadline 9th September, or recommend others for nomination - deadline 2nd September. The public will vote in October. See www.socialchangeawards.co.uk.
From Near Neighbours two training opportunities for talented young adults in eastern London. The first for 18-25 years olds from any faith is a four day non residential scheme run by Catalyst in two London venues 17th,18th, 30th 31st Ocotober. The training is free but participants must be sponsored by their Priest, Pastor, Imam, Rabbi. If you would like to nominate someone contact Tim Clapton nearneighbours@theology-centre.org The second is a day event, on 3rd November, for 18-30 year olds from Christian of Hindu communities in the East End of London. Application to Tim Clapton (see above) by 24th September.

Events
Monday 1st October a training day for anyone planning a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. 10.30 am - 4.30 pm at Lambeth Palace. Deadline for applications is Tuesday 4th September. See here for details.
Monday 8th September Redbridge Faith Forum Interfaith Buffet Dinner at Kaftan Restaurant, 253 High Road ilford IG1 1NE 6pm until late. All dietry requirements will be catered for. £10 in advance or £12.50 on teh door (children under 3 free, 4-13yrs £5.00) Book with Shamshia Ali or Saira Yakub faith.forum@redbridge.gov.uk or 0208 708 2478/2445

New Courses for Autumn
The St Paul's Forum kicks off a new season of Public Conersations with the theme The Case for God. Speakers include Francis Spufford, Karen Armstrong, David Bentley Hart, Timothy Radcliffe OP and BrianMcLaren. These are evenings 6.30 - 8.00pm starting on Monday 17th September. For details of these, the Sunday Forum events, reflection days and retereat email forum@stpaulscathedral.org.uk or 0207 236 3553
The London Spirituality Centre has published its 2012/13 programme. The centre is based in The Church of St Edmund the King Lombard Stree EC3V 9EA see www.spiritualitycentre.org for all that the centre has to offer.

Advance Notice
At Heythrop College Thursday 15th November 3.00 - 5.30pm, his Eminence Cardinal Angelo Scola, Archbishop of Milan will speak on The Religions, Plurality and the Common God: The Proposal of the Oasis Foundation. Contact Annabel Clarkson a.clarkson@heythrop.ac.uk, 0207 795 4203 or see www.oasiscenter.eu/en