In April 2019 our minister, Philo Kinera, wrote the following Letter to the Editor of “The Press”. Philo brings her personal experience of coming from a consciously multi-faith society – Singapore – and has strong pastoral connections with local refugee and migrant communities. Keep an eye out for more opportunities for increased inter-faith understanding and action. 

Methodists have long been known as enthusiasts for ecumenical cooperation. Durham St Methodists also have a long-standing commitment to inter-faith understanding in general, and the Canterbury Interfaith Society in particular.

So we warmly welcome any move towards an interfaith hub or other means of promoting greater interfaith awareness and collaboration.

As we rebuild our own new Aldersgate Centre, following the earthquakes, we are seriously looking to make the new building more inclusive and welcoming for all who are committed to deepening our spiritual journey and work for social justice.

Since the tragic events of March 15, we have become even more focussed and committed to making the new Aldersgate Centre a safe space for interfaith awareness and action, and have been working with the Interfaith Society and its members to explore what might be possible.

We invite any others interested in working on this kappa to join us on this journey for greater inclusion and understanding. We have no illusion this is a simple task, but anything is possible if we can help each other to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.

Rev Philomeno Kinera
Durham St Methodist Church