Features

The three leaders of the walk

It is part of a year long series of environment-focused events known as the Sound of Many Waters, that has been taking place at Clifton Cathedral. 

Sound of Many Waters has covered many areas relating to faith and the natural world in previous events, and the walk does this in a joint effort with other faiths.

Leading the walk was the Bishop of Clifton, Right Reverend Declan Lang, Farooq Siddique of the Bristol Muslim Cultural Society and Bristol Orthodox Rabbi Natan Levy.

Mary Colwell is the Clifton Cathedral parishioner who is the driving-force behind Sound of Many Waters. She said: "Gardens are common to all three faiths; each has a paradise garden at the birth of humanity, so it is a very symbolic place to meet for discussions on our place in the world."

"It came about because I had a long discussion with Rabbi Natan Levy and Father Robert King, the Clifton Diocese Interfaith Officer, about the original translation of Genesis and the words that cause so much trouble - like dominion over the earth.  It was such an enlightening discussion that we wanted to repeat it in public somehow - and this event came out of many ideas that were suggested."

The walk was from outside St Ambrose, Bishop Declan’s house, on North Road in Leigh Woods to Emmaus House on Clifton Hill in Clifton. 

Bishop Declan, Rabbi Natan and Farooq Siddique  spoke of their faith’s understanding of our relationship to the natural world. 

Clifton Diocese Interfaith Officer Father Robert King said: "The walk provided a wonderful opportunity to cross a metaphorical bridge by enabling an honest discussion on the view point of Catholicism, Judaism and Islam on the environment."

"Care for creation provides a wonderful catalyst for interreligious dialogue. When we dare to talk in a way that is honest, addressing pertinent questions with respect, we dispel myths and open ourselves to a deeper appreciation of each other."

Thanks to Father Robert King for the photograph.