We’ve sourced these dates from the Interfaith Network, the UN, and other trusted listings. If a day is missing, please know it’s not intentional. We aim to be as inclusive as possible, but sometimes things are missed. Find more dates here.
onespirit connects newsletter
Each month, we come together to share updates on our offerings, whether it’s our enriching paid courses or the free programmes available on our website. But this newsletter is about more than just what’s coming up… it’s a space where we highlight news from our vibrant community and pass along information, events, and opportunities from those who call OneSpirit home. We want this to be a place for everyone, students, faculty, ministers, and friends of OneSpirit, to share, learn, connect, and stay inspired.
We’re glad to have you here with us, where connection, collaboration, and engagement are at the heart of what we do. Read below to see all the updates and opportunities that bring us closer together!
“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.”
Ram Dass
Table of Contents
Professional & Personal Development Offerings
🌸 A Glimpse into the Cherry Tree Pathway
At OneSpirit, the classroom is more than a place. It is a living, evolving space where deep listening, spiritual exploration, and human connection unfold side by side.
Our two-year Spiritual Development and Ministry Training offers just that: a spacious and supportive learning environment where students grow not only in knowledge, but in presence, purpose, and practice.
Rooted in nearly 30 years of experience, the training invites you to explore six interwoven strands that bring together ceremony, inner work, service, and sacred dialogue. Whether you feel drawn to personal growth, to ministry, or to something still taking shape, this pathway meets you where you are and offers tools to help you flourish. In every session, the classroom becomes a sanctuary. A place to question, to reconnect, and to become.
Enrolment is open until the 30th of September. If you’re feeling curious, or inspired, you can explore the full pathway and training themes, here!
I have become more aware of myself in different ways. I am seeing the importance of daily practices and prayer. My self-worth has increased. My understanding of the divine has shifted from being all light to incorporating the dark moments too. I have more in my toolkit for dealing with adversity. There is more compassion for self and others. I realised how my neurodiversity and past wounds drive some of my responses to the world and others. – Samantha, 2024 Graduate
Intro Days & Taster Sessions
Just one left this year!
If you’ve been curious about OneSpirit’s training, this is your final opportunity in 2025 to come along and get a feel for what we offer. Our Intro Days and Taster Sessions have welcomed over 50 people already this year, each bringing their own questions, hopes, and openness to explore something new. These gatherings are open, welcoming, and completely free. Whether you’re at the very beginning of your journey or feeling the call to deepen, each session offers something unique. There is no pressure and no expectation, just a gentle invitation to connect, reflect, and discover more. We would love to welcome you!
- Thursday 11 September – Sharing Circle (7.00 to 8.30pm): Join us for our final session of the year: a safe and supportive online space to reconnect with community. Together, we will reflect on the journeys that bring us to ministry, honour each individual’s path, and listen with compassion and curiosity.
We would love to see you there! You can learn more about our Intro Days and Taster Sessions here.
We’ve completely revisioned our Intro Day programme for this year! Inspired by our attendees of the past, we have found that everyone has a different reason for signing up to an Intro Day. So, instead of trying to be too many things in one space, we have curated an offer we feel will appeal to the different needs of our audience. We are really excited to be offering these different spaces, and we can’t wait to meet you there! – Maddy, OneSpirit’s Learning Design Specialist
Community Offerings, Announcements, Thoughts
A Joyful Welcome to Our New Ministers: Honouring the Ordination and Graduation of Sylvan Class of 2025
With hearts full of joy and gratitude, we are so pleased to share that the Sylvan Class of 2025 has now completed their Ordination and Graduation!
On Friday 19 July, we gathered in person among trees and community to witness this sacred threshold. The ceremony was filled with deep reverence, celebration, and tenderness. It was a moving reminder of what it means to come together in service and to honour the commitment these individuals have made to journey alongside others in their most tender moments.
We are delighted to welcome the following as newly ordained OneSpirit Ministers:
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Reverend Abigail Miranda
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Reverend Caren Lisbeth Wynn Owen
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Reverend Darlesca Lucas
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Rev. Donna J Ward
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Eileen Riley
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Reverend Marie Vetli Hjorth
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Reverend Nancy Houghton Brajtbord
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Interfaith Minister Oliver Mitchell
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Reverend Phi Midnight Dufresne
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Reverend Tonyia Dowling
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Reverend Veronica Ferguson
We’ve attached the ceremony programme for you to look through, revisit, or reflect on. If you attended the ordination or would like to send a blessing, please do consider completing the form below. You can share photos, messages, or reflections. These offerings are a gift not only to our team, but to the ministers themselves as they begin this next chapter.
Kindly share your reflections, images, or blessings here: https://reflections-from-ordination-2025.paperform.co/
A Joyful Welcome to Our New Ministers: Honouring the Ordination and Graduation of Aspen Class of 2025
We are delighted to announce that the Aspen Class of 2025 has now completed their Ordination and Graduation!
On Saturday 26 July, we gathered online to hold a space that transcended distance. Though we were separated by geography, the depth of connection, care, and celebration was felt by all. The Aspen Class reminded us that sacredness is not bound by place, and that together, we can build powerful and loving community across time and screen.
We are so proud to welcome the following as newly ordained OneSpirit Ministers:
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Rev. Ailsa Monk
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Reverend Amanda Duncan
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Reverend Andrew Jones
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Reverend Anna Lempriere
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Reverend Audrey B. Dalton
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Reverend Ben Robin Lucent
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Reverend Caroline Sinfield
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Rev. Claire Sunderland
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Reverend Denise Jarvis
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Reverend Elaine Cruickshank MacNicol
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Interfaith Minister Emma Brigid O’Brien
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Reverend Gina Lisette Gibbons
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Reverend Hara Willow
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Reverend Ivan Rust
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Reverend Laura Lucchesi
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Reverend Lavinia Esmeé Jones
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Mark Hattrick, Rev
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Rev. Dr. Mark Sacco
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Interfaith Minister Michelle Fleming Byrne
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Reverend Paul Antony Dodd
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Minister Susan Reddy
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Mr. Tony McCabe
We’ve attached the Aspen programme for you to read and remember. If you’d like to offer blessings or reflections, we warmly invite you to do so below. Your words, images, and love help nourish this moment of transition for our ministers.
Kindly share your reflections, images, or blessings here: https://reflections-from-ordination-2025.paperform.co/.
Monthly OneSpirit Prayer Circle
“Come, come, whoever you are: wanderer, worshipper, lover of leaving, ours is not a caravan of despair.” – Rumi
In this time of tenderness across our community, we are reminded of the importance of gathering, to pause, to breathe, to pray, and to be held. As we hold each of you in our hearts, we’re grateful to share this ongoing offering from Rev Eva Mary Spevack.
These monthly gatherings are free, online, and open to all – students, ministers, alumni, and friends.
Each circle weaves together interfaith and interspiritual prayers, readings, and gentle writing prompts. Rooted in nature, community, and wisdom traditions from around the world, this space offers a quiet invitation to come home to yourself. Whether you arrive feeling weary or inspired, all of you is welcome here.
Upcoming gatherings: All sessions are held online from 7.30 to 8.30pm (UK time):
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Tuesday, 19 August
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Tuesday, 16 September
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Tuesday, 21 October
You’ll receive everything you need to attend once you’ve registered! Let this be a gentle place of presence and prayer, shared in community.
To join, simply complete the short form here: onespiritprayercircle.paperform.co.
Save the Date: Coming Home to Love, A Free Online OneSpirit Summit
We are gathering on Sunday 21st September 2025!
Join us for Coming Home to Love, a free, inclusive online summit in honour of our beloved teacher and guide, Nicola Coombe. Held on Sunday 21st September, this special one-day event is open to all in the OneSpirit community: ministers, students, alumni, friends, and seekers alike.
Together, we’ll share a soul-nourishing day of learning, reflection, guided practices, music, storytelling, and sacred connection, all rooted in the love and wisdom Nicola so generously shared with us. Accessible online, live and recorded. Optional donation-based recordings and a follow-up spiritual practice journey will be available!
This is a co-creation from the heart. A remembrance. A homecoming. We hope you’ll join us!
Funeral Services 101: A New Offering by One of Our Own
We are so thrilled to introduce Funeral Services 101: The Complete Practical Guide for Ministers, a brand new course created and led by OneSpirit minister Reverend Lizzie Ward. This is one of the very first offerings developed by a graduate of our own training, and we could not be more honored to support and hold it with her.
Lizzie brings a deep well of experience, compassion, and clarity to this work. Rooted in both professional celebrancy training and OneSpirit ministry, she offers this course as a practical, grounded, and sacred guide for anyone who feels called to support others through death and bereavement.
This course is perfect for ministers and students alike, especially those who are looking to deepen their knowledge and confidence in holding funeral ceremonies, working with families, and building relationships with funeral professionals. Whether you are newly ordained or preparing for future ministry, Lizzie’s thoughtful guidance will help you navigate one of the most meaningful roles a minister can hold.
We are so proud to offer this space and look forward to seeing our community grow through this new step forward. If this calls to you, we invite you to join us.
Details: Saturday 8 and 15 November (10:00–1:30pm UK time) held lovingly on Zoom
Course Fee: £97 (£77.60 for OneSpirit students & ROSIM members)
You can find all the information you need, along with a link to register, here.
Join Our Board of Trustees
Support the future of inclusive, soul-centred education…
OneSpirit is currently seeking new trustees to help guide and support our next chapter as a UK-registered educational charity. We are looking for individuals who bring a range of life experiences, grounded leadership, and a commitment to interfaith values, spiritual development, and inclusive education. As a trustee, you will help shape OneSpirit’s strategy, governance, and direction, ensuring we remain responsive to the needs of our students, ministers, and wider community.
We welcome interest from people of all backgrounds, faiths or none, and are especially keen to hear from those with experience in the following areas:
- Financial oversight and charity governance
- Fundraising and donor engagement
- Education and training (including DEI, adult learning, or interfaith work)
- Communications, strategy, or legal knowledge
Whether this would be your first time in a trustee role or you are bringing prior experience, we would love to hear from you! And most importantly: If you feel drawn to this opportunity but are unsure if you have the right experience or skillset, please still reach out. If you care about our work and our mission, there is a place for you here. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please do share this opportunity with others who may be interested!
You can find out more and apply via CharityJobs here.
Letter of Love to Aleine 
Back in April, we shared the news of the passing of Rev. Aleine Ridge, a beloved member of the OneSpirit community whose presence, wisdom, and quiet strength touched so many lives. At the time, we invited the community to send in memories, reflections, and words of gratitude in her honor. We continue to hold space for those offerings, knowing that remembrance doesn’t follow a schedule, it unfolds in its own time.
Today, we’re honored to share this deeply moving tribute from Jennifer McFarlane, a reflection of the lasting impact Aleine had through her ministry and her way of being. If you ever feel called to share your own memory or message, you’re always welcome to reach out. There will always be space.
Dear Aleine,
In your presence, I felt seen, safe and valued. You held my complexity with love. You walked beside me during confusion, doubt and pain, and then through an unexpected spiritual and transformative experience. You met me right where I was in both with full understanding. In the end, therapist/client dynamics softened a little. You told me that we were just two beings on the path. It still makes me cry, the truth and respect of those words. I think of you often and carry a little of your essence with me. l am wishing you light and love on the path, Aleine.
Jennifer McFarlane,
Gabriola Island, Canada
Understanding the Grieving Body: A New Training for Those Who Support the Bereaved
The Grieving Body: Understanding the Physiology of Loss A Revolutionary Blended Learning Course for Grief Support Professionals
Have you ever wondered why grief can be so physically overwhelming? Why those you support often experience deep exhaustion, disrupted sleep, or a sense of being run down in ways that go beyond emotion?
This unique course offers answers grounded in science, care, and compassion. Drawing on Dr Mary-Frances O’Connor’s groundbreaking research featured in The Grieving Body, this training explores how grief affects not just the heart, but the entire body. You’ll learn how grief impacts the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems, and what this means for those walking through loss.
What you’ll learn:
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Co-regulation: How our bodies are wired to regulate with others, and what happens when death severs those connections
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Body Budget: Why grief drains our energy, and ways to support recovery and rest
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Protest and Despair Responses: The biological roots of emotional waves and how they show up in the body
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The Learning Body: How we adapt physiologically over time and how to support that healing process
Who is this course for? This training is ideal for hospice bereavement coordinators, grief support facilitators, palliative care teams, chaplains, counsellors, supervisors, pastoral carers, funeral celebrants, and anyone who holds space for people moving through grief.
Format and Schedule: This is a blended learning course that includes…
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Five eLearning modules (9 hours total) that can be completed at your own pace
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Four live Zoom discussions on Saturdays: 11, 18, 25 October and 1 November, 9:30 to 11:00am (UK time)
Course begins: 29 September 2025
Led by: Dr Linda J Dunbar, a Spiritual Care educator within NHS Education for Scotland, with over 30 years of experience in pastoral and grief support. Linda brings a rich blend of research, heart, and practical tools to this training, creating a thoughtful and grounded learning experience.
Pricing:
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Standard (£200): Includes all modules, group sessions, resources, and certificate
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Premium (£275): Includes everything above, plus personalised feedback on exercises and a 1:1 consultation
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Early Bird Offer: Save £25 to £35 if you register by 18 August
This is an empowering, timely training that honours the full experience of grief, both emotional and physical. A must for anyone supporting others through loss.
Ready to Transform Your Grief Support? Finally, understand the science behind grief’s physical impact and gain practical tools for truly holistic support. Click here to register for this course: The Grieving Body 2025 – Registration Form.
Walking Sacred Paths: Holy Island Lindisfarne
A Chaplain’s Pilgrimage by Rev Mike Walker, South Wales Police Chaplain and OneSpirit Interfaith Minister.
In the ancient tradition of pilgrims seeking solace and meaning, twelve of us set forth to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Our pilgrimage to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne was a sacred journey of remembrance, prayer, and deep connection. We were a group brought together by faith, friendship and compassion: Rev Mike Walker, South Wales Police Chaplain; Rev Carl Denton, NHS Chaplain; Rev Gary Dean, University Chaplain, accompanied by his wife Theresa; Rev Sharon Rossi and her partner Paul; Rev Kisser Paludan; and Rev Cheryl Harvey, joined by her husband Paul. Also with us were two people who became new friends, Katie and Jason.
Our journey began not merely with physical steps, but with a sacred blessing from Sister Tessa, who was a nun on Lindisfarne in her earlier years, whose prayers carried us gently forward.
At both the beginning and end of our pilgrimage, we were embraced by two beautifully crafted ceremonies—one led by Rev Gary Dean and the other by Rev Cheryl Harvey. These moments of shared worship gave shape to our journey, anchoring us in unity and purpose. The ceremonies culminated in a moving anointing for each of us.
Rev Mike Walker, Rev Kisser Paludan, Rev Carl Denton, Rev Cheryl Harvey and Paul, Rev Gary Dean and Theresa, Rev Sharon Rossi and Paul, and new friends Katie, Jason and Liz.
Before reaching the island, we were serenaded—not only by the ethereal calls of seals gathering nearby, but by the voices of Rev Cheryl Harvey and her husband, Paul, whose music deepened the sacred atmosphere of the crossing.
We walked to the island barefoot, like the pilgrims who came before us, carrying scallop shells—symbols of spiritual journey and transformation. The cold sand beneath our feet reminded us that sacred journeys require vulnerability as much as strength.
Within the quiet sanctuary of Lindisfarne’s chapel, I lit candles that flickered with meaning and memory. Each flame represented a prayer for the dedicated officers, PCSOs, chaplains, and support staff who serve the communities of South Wales with courage and compassion. We also lifted up prayers for the family and friends of the ministers present.
Particularly moving were the prayers offered for members of our police family who bear the heaviest burdens—those grieving, those who have experienced the heartache of miscarriage, and those mourning babies born asleep. These private sorrows, often hidden in the day-to-day demands of service, were brought into the light and honoured with reverence.
In this ancient place—where prayers have risen for centuries—I felt both the weight of responsibility and the blessing of being entrusted with it. The island, set apart by tides and time, became a sanctuary where heartfelt intentions could be offered without distraction.
For me personally, the lighting of candles and the prayers I offered on behalf of those who had asked me to do so was a humbling and sacred honour. To carry their griefs, hopes, and intentions into that holy space was a moment of profound connection—between us, between heaven and earth, and between all those we held in prayer.
We returned changed—not by a dramatic revelation, but by a quiet grace. A reminder that in our service to others, we walk together on paths that are both professional and deeply personal. And when burdens grow too heavy for one alone, we carry them together.
This pilgrimage was more than a walk. It was a sacred act of love, remembrance, and solidarity. It reminded us of the healing power of prayer, the strength of community, and the quiet dignity of walking in faith alongside one another.
My heartfelt thanks go to the OneSpirit Interfaith Ministers, their partners, and our cherished friends. Thank you for helping me carry the sacred responsibility of lighting candles and offering prayers for the many within the police community who reached out. Your presence and support made the occasion deeply poignant. To walk this journey with those I trained and was ordained alongside—and their loved ones—was a profound blessing. I am proud to call you friends.
Greetings from Martin Nathanael
Allow me to introduce you to my newly published novel: The Ring of Truth: A Philosophical Journey
Over the years, I’ve written a lot on matters of spirituality, philosophy, healing, meditation, and the like. At no time did I ever contemplate writing fiction!
But out of the blue, whilst sitting quietly at home, something out of the ordinary found its way into my thought processes.
What began as a raw idea just over a year ago soon took on a life of its own, as a narrative gradually began dropping into place. I often found myself having to keep up with the flow of ideas that were drawing me into unknown territory! A few months ago, I knew I had the finished article.
I believe this novel is unique in embodying the following elements:
- Characters in the story are from Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Baha’i and Sufi backgrounds
- Meditation and healing practices are woven into the story
- Universal Teachings are drawn from a variety of Wisdom traditions
- It highlights the work of an Interfaith Minister
- A full Interfaith Marriage Ceremony is featured
The story centres around a young man, Zac, who is unexpectedly joined by a stranger in a café. Very quickly, the stranger, turned friend, becomes his spiritual mentor. Invited into the man’s wider circle, Zac begins to awaken to his innermost being, unlocking his potential step by step, and realising his destiny.
Themes such as love, forgiveness, death and immortality, happiness, the sacred present, non-attachment, innate wisdom, and interfaith understanding emerge organically within the narrative, alongside other explorations of the human landscape. In addition, my intention throughout the novel was to highlight the finest qualities of the human spirit.
Here are the publication details: The Ring of Truth, paperback, 330 pages, £10.99. The book is one click away, at: The Ring of Truth: A Philosophical Journey.
I am happy to receive any questions about the book. Please send an email or call me at 01904 691201.
May all beings know their wholeness.
2025 Reflection Challenge
Welcome to our year-long journey of self-discovery and connection! This challenge invites you to set aside a few moments each month to reflect on prompts designed to deepen your personal and spiritual exploration. Whether you’re a minister, a student, or simply curious, these reflections are for everyone.
How It Works:
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Each month, we’ll share a unique prompt.
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Take 10–15 minutes (or longer if you wish) to journal, meditate, or simply ponder the question.
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If inspired, consider sharing insights with the community to foster connection.
August Prompt:
What are you grateful for right now?
List three things you’re grateful for and why. Notice how gratitude shifts your energy.
Want to share your reflections with us?
If you’d like to share your reflection for us to include in the newsletter, or you simply want to share it with someone who would be proud or interested, send it our way. We’d love to hear your thoughts and honour your journey!
Awareness, Spiritual, and Religious Days
Reflections from an Awareness Day
Honouring Sacred Belief: A Reflection for 22 August
On 22 August, the world marks the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. For us at OneSpirit, this day touches something deep. It reminds us of the cost that so many have borne simply for holding their faith, expressing their spirituality, or choosing to believe differently.
Across generations and across the globe, countless people have faced discrimination, persecution, and violence for the path they follow. Some have been silenced, others displaced. Many have lost their lives. The pain of these stories is real, and it is ongoing.
At OneSpirit, we are committed to creating a different kind of world. One where spiritual difference is met with respect. Where no belief is seen as more worthy than another. Where we remember that beneath every tradition, there is a shared human longing to connect with meaning, truth, and something greater than ourselves.
As an interfaith foundation, we do not just celebrate diversity. We stand in solidarity with all who have suffered because of their faith or belief. We recognise that spiritual leadership today means showing up for those whose voices have been pushed to the margins. It means calling out intolerance. And it means holding space for grief and healing.
If you feel moved to mark this day, you might light a candle, say a prayer, or spend a moment in silence for those who have been harmed. You might also reach out to someone whose faith is different from yours and offer a listening ear. Small gestures carry great meaning.
This is also a time to recommit to peace. To be mindful of the language we use. To speak up when we witness hatred. And to embody the compassion, inclusion, and courage that our collective ministry stands for.
Let us remember: belief, when held with love, can be a force for unity. Let us honour those who have suffered, by choosing to meet this world with care.
Further Reading & Resources
If you feel called to explore this theme more deeply, here are a few readings and resources that may inspire reflection, learning, and compassionate action:
Articles & Reflections
- Why Religious Freedom Matters – Human Rights Watch
- Faith Under Fire: Stories of Resilience – The Guardian global religion series
- Beyond Tolerance: Building Genuine Interfaith Solidarity – Interfaith Alliance
Listen & Reflect
- On Being with Krista Tippett – Especially episodes with Eboo Patel and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
- Interfaith Matters Podcast – A collection of conversations on living spiritual diversity
Books
- The Dignity of Difference by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
- Acts of Faith by Eboo Patel
- Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience by Sharon Salzberg
Organisations Doing Powerful Work
- The Inter Faith Network UK – www.interfaith.org.uk
- Minority Rights Group International – www.minorityrights.org
- Religions for Peace – www.rfp.org
Spiritual Practices
- Light a candle in remembrance of those harmed for their beliefs
- Offer a moment of silence during a service or gathering
- Create an altar or space of reflection that honours global spiritual traditions
- Engage in prayer or meditation focused on healing and justice
Connect With Us
If you have a question, a suggestion, or simply want to get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. We’re a small and dedicated team, each here to support different aspects of your journey. Alan, our Executive Director, holds the vision and direction of OneSpirit. Danielle looks after all things finance, and Kailee leads on communications and marketing (she also curates this newsletter!). Kim, our Operations Manager, helps keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, while Lavinia focuses on community development and connection. Maddy, our Learning Design Specialist, brings her care and creativity to shaping meaningful learning experiences. We’re here to help you feel at home in this community, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. If it takes us a little time to reply, thank you for your patience. We’ll always get back to you as soon as we can!
Our Mailing Address:
OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation
The Gateway, 85–101 Sankey Street
Warrington, Cheshire WA1 1SR
United Kingdom
Copyright © 2025 OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. All rights reserved.
