Bradford Faith Trail: A multicultural ramble
Have you ever wanted to meet others of different faiths and cultures, hear their story, and see how their faith guides their lives? If so, there is an opportunity, open to all, to learn more by joining the Bradford Faith Trail. This is a pilgrimage through different faiths, walking only one mile across Bradford, joining religions and cultures and communities in very close proximity. So, this is a ramble with a difference, and yet offers an experience which transports you across the cultures of different continents.
On August 3rd 2024, a group of 15 from Lower Wharfedale Ramblers, joined others from the local area, to embrace the welcome offered to us along the trail. Our journey took us through 5 places of worship: Christian: Roman Catholic and Church of England; Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh.
We started at St Peter’s Catholic Church, and then visited Masjid Abu Bakar, Muslim; Shree Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple; Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurdwara, Sikh; and finished at Bradford Cathedral. The Jewish faith was also discussed, although for pragmatic reasons is not part of the trail as it is too far to walk to on the other side of Bradford, but it is very much a part of the faiths together in Bradford.
The experience was enlightening and uplifting. We were welcomed warmly at all the places of worship, shown around each building, and met religious leaders who each explained the key pillars of their faith. We enjoyed refreshments at each place, of particular note was the delicious lunch at the Sikh Gurdwara, and tea and cakes at Bradford Cathedral. Sharing food is a great way of getting together and talking. We learned that the faiths have many similar ideals; each encouraging peace, kindness, and caring for each other. There are different foundations for the faiths, different religious practices, and different names for God and for the word of God or scriptures. However, all faiths believe in a higher power, and the sanctity of life and family. At the Sikh Gurdwara, we were told that at the end of every prayer, everyone is reminded not to be selfish, and the following words are said ‘With rising optimism we wish good things for all people everywhere.’
I am very grateful to have met such kind and welcoming people.
For those interested in walking the Bradford Faith Trail:
- It is free, although donations are welcome to cover the cost of refreshments.
- It takes place on the first Saturday of the month from March to October and must be booked in advance.
- For more information look up visitbradford.com/things-to-do/bradford-faith-trail
For our rambling community this was a different experience. As part of Lower Wharfedale Ramblers, we see beautiful countryside, enjoying the views across Yorkshire. Sometimes our walks are quite historical and take us past the remains of the mining industry and lime kilns. Sometimes we immerse ourselves in literature and follow the paths made famous by the Brontes at Haworth and walk to Withens Height. In this Faith Trail ramble, we were invited to share in the culture and faiths of the City of Bradford. My thoughts at the end of the day: Our multicultural and multifaith community is much stronger when we come together.
Bridget Pitcairn, Lower Wharfedale Ramblers
