Walk of Faith in Cardiff
On Sunday 7th May 2023, in keeping with many national interfaith walks sponsored by the Fayre Share Foundation across the UK, Cardiff hosted its own Coronation Walk of Faith supported by the Interfaith Council of Wales. Over a hundred people gathered on a bright and sunny afternoon at the lighthouse in Roath Park to walk around the picturesque lake and small woodland area in celebration of the Coronation weekend. Peoples of all the major faiths were represented and contributed to the event.
The walk began with a short speech acknowledging King Charles III and his remarkable interest in conservation and in giving respect to the earth.
All attending were invited to consider, ‘When was the last time you felt wonder?’ A speech given by Katie Gilmour from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reminded everyone of the curiosity and awe that children have for the world around them. All walkers were given whistles and invited to say ‘Whoa!’ as they observed the wonderful sights of nature around them, whilst they walked and talked to new people. Children engaged in a scavenger hunt, waved flags and hugged trees. Those attending were encouraged to talk to new people.
The walk concluded with refreshments and a few short addresses. Tony La Cha Lama representing the Buddhist faith shared, “In Buddhism we place a special emphasis on walking, together or alone, we move forwards. As we walked today, and as we walk from here we can all consider each step we take in the company of friends, together. A walk to the new future in peace and friendship… Bless every sock, foot, shoe or wheel, as each takes a step forwards together into the future and in friendship and peace.”
A child from the Bahai faith, hidden behind a table too shy to see the crowd, but bold enough to sing anyway, sang a beautiful song about the growing of a sapling into something beautiful. Everyone in attendance sang the British National Anthem and National Anthem of Wales. The Sikh Vice-Chair Surinder Channa for the Interfaith Council of Wales, thanked all for attending the event. Alaa Khundakji, Vice Chair of MCW, concluded the day with an articulate prayer asking Allah to help us to build Wales into a place in which justice and mercy is abundant and to unite our hearts and bring us closer together as a people.
King Charles III, at the conclusion of His coronation service in Westminster and before leaving the Abbey, met briefly with representatives of all the major religions. This was an unprecedented moment as part of the coronation but a significant one. It acknowledges the diversity of belief in contemporary Britain and a need for people of faith – and of no faith – to work together for harmony and unity in our communities and in society at large.
Cardiff enjoyed a wonderful day out, marking a day in history and planting a hope for joining together in understanding and respect towards all people.