Interfaith Week Walk brings communities together across Woking
As part of Interfaith Week, Woking People of Faith organised a special community walk that brought together forty-seven people from Christian traditions including Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, Baptist and Methodist, alongside Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and those of no faith. Despite the cold morning, participants made a real effort to attend. As they walked from place to place, people naturally fell into conversation, getting to know one another and building understanding in a relaxed and genuine way.
EVENTS
Kawther Hashmi
11/25/20251 min read
The walk began at Knaphill Methodist Church, where Revd Paul Glass shared the church’s long history as a centre of community life. He spoke about its origins in the eighteen sixties, its early role as the first Methodist chapel in the Woking district, and its continuing commitment to service through projects such as Clothes 4 U and the Saturday coffee morning.
The group then visited the Wat Phra Dhammakaya Temple. Patrick Peht introduced the tradition, which has two hundred temples worldwide and seven in the United Kingdom. A resident monk explained that meditation is universal and open to all, not forced concentration but natural attention supported by relaxation and mindfulness. He highlighted scientific evidence showing its benefits for health, self awareness and relationships, before leading the group in a short meditation.
At Woodhill Church, John described how two former parishes combined into one community, supported by projects such as the community fridge, which distributes up to six hundred items on a Monday morning. He spoke about the warm atmosphere created through simple hospitality and conversation.
The final stop was St Hugh of Lincoln Catholic Church, where Mark Potter shared stories about Saint Hugh’s compassion, his links with Lincoln Cathedral and his role in caring for oppressed communities. Anne explained the history of St Hugh’s parish and its place in the wider Woking Catholic community. Inside the church, an interfaith market brought together stalls representing Islam, Quaker communities, Baha’i teachings and Hindu traditions, giving visitors the chance to ask questions and enjoy food, tea and cake together.
The walk made a strong impression on those who attended. The steady conversations along the route helped people see the humanity behind each tradition, replacing assumptions with real encounters. Many commented on how uplifting it felt to stand together, learn from each other and experience the welcome of different faith communities.
Events like this strengthen community cohesion by creating opportunities for trust, understanding and friendship.