Rabbi Warren Elf MBE represented Southend & District Reform Synagogue and Progressive Judaism at a special Faith Q&A held to mark World Religion Day, organised by Essex Police.
The event, coordinated by Hannah Kelly – Lead Chaplain and member of the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Team at Essex Police – brought together members of the emergency services and local faith communities. Speakers alongside Rabbi Warren included representatives from the Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints religions.
The session explored the role of faith and belief in personal life, community engagement and the work of the emergency services – highlighting the importance of interfaith dialogue in fostering understanding and support across communities.
Reflecting on the conversations, Rabbi Warren said: “Some challenging issues were raised about politics, the state of the world and the problems people see as ‘caused by religion’. All speakers agreed that faith and belief adds context and hope, and that working together we can achieve so much more for community cohesion, harmony and peace in our world.”