February begins with World Interfaith Harmony week from 1st to 7th February.The World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, on October 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the UN and henceforth the first week of February will be observed as a World Interfaith Harmony Week. https://www.un.org/en/observances/interfaith-harmony-week
It also begins with our festival of Imbolc with a celebration of the first signs of spring and symbols of renewal and hope. (Hope is not fragile. It’s determined and resolute). While the cold weather lingers, the signs of hours of daylight increasing are becoming more obvious. We can reflect on that and potentially draw parallels with world events. It would not be a mistake to point out that dark and threatening times have been prominent in the world, recently. But there are indications that, despite some ongoing challenges, signs of hope and renewal are beginning to appear. Communities and nations are working together to present an alternative to the darkness. At grass roots local levels, people from different backgrounds continue to connect and work together to support one another and to help the vulnerable. At a national level, there are conversations and enquiries into what creates a sense of disunity and conflict, and what brings people together with a shared sense of belonging, unity and inclusion. As we might observe and connect to the changes that are happening in nature, so too are people observing and listening to what is happening in society to better connect with the varied challenges people experience and exploring ways to help people understand and meet those challenges together. Look for the symbolic emergence of snowdrops and for daffodil leaves and the parallels in society. The harsh winds and rain can drown out your awareness of renewal and hope. But renewal and hope are there if you look for them.
https://www.interfaithweek.org/resources/the-inter-faith-week-2025-podcast
https://www.livingwelltogether.org.uk/
Mike Stygal
Belief and Education Officer
Contact Mike here