Inter Faith Week Celebrates Diversity Across Barking and Dagenham 2026

Key Points

• Barking and Dagenham Council is marking Inter Faith Week 2026 from Sunday 8 November to Sunday 15 November under the theme ‘Lighting the Way for a Shared Future’.
• Local places of worship, including Al Madina Mosque, Powerhouse International Ministries, and Barking Gurdwara (Singh Sabha London East), are hosting dedicated open days for residents.
• Deputy Leader Councillor Saima Ashraf will host the ‘Don’t Let It Slide: Community Panel Event’ on Thursday 19 November at Barking Town Hall to address Islamophobia and promote inclusion.
• The national initiative aims to foster trust, counter prejudice, and highlight the contribution of religious and non-religious groups across the borough.
• Additional open days and community activities are expected to be announced as the week progresses.

Barking and Dagenham (East London Times) November 5, 2026 – Barking and Dagenham Council has formally launched its local schedule for Inter Faith Week 2026, encouraging residents of all faiths and backgrounds to visit local places of worship and participate in community events between Sunday 8 November and Sunday 15 November.

What Is the Theme and Purpose of Inter Faith Week 2026 in Barking and Dagenham?

Inter Faith Week is a national initiative designed to strengthen relationships between diverse faith communities, raise public awareness regarding different beliefs, and acknowledge the contributions made by religious and non-religious groups to local areas.

This year’s official theme, ‘Lighting the Way for a Shared Future’, draws upon the symbolism of light across various global traditions. It aims to highlight the importance of standing united against prejudice, discrimination, and hatred, while actively building trust, mutual understanding, and lasting friendships across the borough.

Which Places of Worship Are Opening Their Doors to the Public?

To mark the week, several local faith venues across Barking and Dagenham are opening their doors to members of the public. These open days provide an opportunity for residents to explore local places of worship, ask questions, and learn more about the distinct faith communities operating within the borough.

The confirmed venues and opening schedules include:

• Al Madina Mosque: Open from Monday 9 November to Thursday 12 November, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
• Barking Gurdwara (Singh Sabha London East): Open on Tuesday 10 November, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• Powerhouse International Ministries: Open on Thursday 12 November, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Organisers emphasize that these events offer a welcoming environment for anyone interested in discovering more about different beliefs, meeting neighbours, or touring local architectural and religious landmarks. Entry is open to all residents, regardless of their personal faith or non-religious background. Council officials noted that further faith venue open days and activities may be confirmed and announced in due course.

How Is the Council Addressing Islamophobia and Community Cohesion?

Extending the focus on inclusion, Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Business & Engagement, will host a specialized panel discussion following the main week of activities.

The ‘Don’t Let It Slide: Community Panel Event’ is scheduled for Thursday 19 November, running from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Council Chamber on the first floor of Barking Town Hall. The session will gather community leaders, elected councillors, and local residents to address the importance of actively challenging Islamophobia and driving inclusive practices across public spaces. Attendees will also have access to networking opportunities and refreshments. Members of the public can reserve their places via Eventbrite.

Highlighting the borough’s multicultural framework, Councillor Saima Ashraf stated:

“Barking and Dagenham is home to people from many different faiths, cultures and backgrounds, and our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Inter Faith Week is an important opportunity to bring communities together, celebrate our differences and build greater understanding and respect for one another.”

Councillor Ashraf added: “I would encourage residents to take advantage of the open days, visit a place of worship they may not have been to before and learn more about the different faiths in our borough. Our Don’t Let It Slide community panel event is another opportunity to come together, have open conversations and stand united against Islamophobia and all forms of hatred and discrimination. By continuing to listen, learn and work together, we can help make Barking and Dagenham a place where everyone feels safe, welcome and valued.”

Background of the Particular Development

Inter Faith Week takes place annually across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, starting on Remembrance Sunday to highlight the shared sacrifices made by people of all faiths and beliefs. Over the past decade, local authorities across Greater London have increasingly integrated the initiative into civic cohesion strategies to bridge cultural divides and build resilience against religious intolerance.

Barking and Dagenham has undergone significant demographic shifts over the last two decades, evolving into one of East London’s most culturally dynamic and diverse boroughs. In response, the local council has consistently partnered with the Barking and Dagenham Faith Forum and local faith institutions to run collaborative initiatives, establish safety protocols around places of worship, and facilitate dialogue on socio-economic and civic matters affecting local residents.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect the Local Community

The scheduled open days and panel events are anticipated to foster stronger social cohesion across Barking and Dagenham by lowering barriers to cross-cultural interaction. For local residents, direct access to places of worship like Al Madina Mosque, Barking Gurdwara, and Powerhouse International Ministries provides a structured environment to dispel common misconceptions and reduce religious prejudices.

For faith organizations, participation in Inter Faith Week enhances civic visibility and opens up opportunities for future inter-faith charitable collaborations, such as joint food banks and youth outreach programs. Furthermore, the targeted panel event on Islamophobia offers community leaders and policy makers actionable insights to shape local anti-discrimination policies, ultimately contributing to a safer and more inclusive environment for minority populations across the borough.