Founded in 1974, its first chairman the late Dr Edward Carpenter, former Dean of Westminster, established the guiding principle of the week in the words: "The peace of the world must be prayed for by the faiths of the world".

Every year, Watford Interfaith Association has held gatherings with representatives of the various faith communities in Watford, bringing understanding and unity between the faiths centred on our common concern for a safe and peaceful world. This year the gathering for the Week of Prayer for World Peace took place on Wednesday the 14th of October at the Friends Meeting House.

Representatives from 8 different Faiths offered a prayer and a reading about peace from their faith tradition. Starting with a representative of the Baha'is, the Christians, the Hindus, the Jews, the Sikhs, the Muslims, the Zoroastrians and the Unificationists who all lighted candles that were planted together on a wreath of flowers.

The glow of the united candles represented our hope and prayers for a better and more peaceful world. Mr Lateef Hussaini chairman of WIFA introduced the various speakers and Councillor Janet Baddeley was our guest of honour. We concluded the evening by reciting the International Prayer for Peace:

Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth.

Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust.

Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace.

Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe.

Refreshments were served afterwards and there was an opportunity to talk with each other.

Françoise Murphy