As Inter Faith Week draws to a close for 2017, it was a pleasure to host St Philip’s Centre’s ‘Concave Convenant’ at the Zest Caffé, Freemen’s Park Campus for lunch on Wednesday 15 November.

St Philip’s Centre a charity set-up in 2006 with support of the Diocese of Leicester is deep rooted in the multi-faith environment of Leicester. In 2014 the Centre embarked upon a journey to establish a new working relationship with HM Armed Forces. The Armed Forces reported difficulties in engaging faith communities by collaborating with St Philip’s Centre it enabled a positive dialogue between communities and the Armed Forces.

The lunch hosted 25 students and 25 members of the Armed Forces in order to promote positive dialogue, and help bridge the gap between faith and belief communities.

Students from uniformed public services, beauty and various other curriculum areas had the opportunity to dine with guests from various Armed Forces took part including, 7th Infantry Brigade (The Desert Rat), 158 Regiment RLC and representatives from The Ministy of Defence. While hospitality learners had the opportunity to showcase their talents by serving a fantastic lunch to the esteemed guests.

‘Conclave Covenant’ is a private, informal conversation over a meal which would enable the Armed Forces to meet ordinary Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and other minority faith families to learn about how they live, career choices of their children/ grandchildren, views of the world and life in the UK.

Well done to everyone that took part, it was a fantastic event and a pleasure to host.

Pictures courtesy of @158RegimentRLC and @revTomWilson