A group of south Shropshire faith leaders along with local school children, gathered at Craven Arms to plant a fruit tree, marking the start of Inter Faith Week 2023.
Mandy Thorn MBE DL, High Sherrif of Shropshire, was joined by pupils, Deputy Head Teacher of Stokesay Primary School, and some twenty members representing the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faith communities at The Discovery Centre in Craven Arms. The special event marked a ceremony to celebrate the start of Inter Faith Week 2023. The tree was planted to remind others of the group's work, seeking peace around the world and building community.
Fruit trees are symbolic in many of the world's faiths and references can be found in the Bible, Koran and Torah*. During the event, an ancient rabbinic story was read by Mark Michaels from the Talmud, representing the Jewish community.
Rev'd David Wiseman, chair of the South Shropshire Interfaith Group (SSIF) said: “Inter Faith Week highlights the activities of different faiths working together throughout the year. Our tree planting points to our common concern for the environment. Over many years South Shropshire Inter Faith Group has developed friendships, understanding and cooperation to bring people together for the good of our communities. We hope this tree serves as a reminder to future generations and bears fruits for our endeavours today.”
*The Torah is the compilation of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, namely the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. It is known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses by Christians