Southport Interfaith Group has gained press coverage, including on ITV and in The Daily Mirror, for its vital work promoting cooperation between faith groups across the region.
Dr Selwyn Goldthorpe of Southport and District Reform Synagogue, who serves as Secretary of the Southport Interfaith Group, helped establish the organisation to promote friendship, understanding and cooperation between communities following the unrest and violence that affected the town in 2024. It has since developed into a structured forum for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
Recent initiatives have included its second annual Walk of Unity, where around 200 people from across the region took part in a public demonstration of solidarity, healing and interfaith cooperation. Participants included representatives from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bahá’í and Quaker communities, alongside local volunteers, civic leaders, politicians and Merseyside Police.
Southport Interfaith Group Chair Debbie Fullwood said: “Our group’s aim is to offer hope and our mission is to promote friendship, understanding and cooperation among our faith communities, working together for the peace, social cohesion and the well-being of the Southport area and all who live here.”
Faith, civic and political leaders – including Dr Selwyn Goldthorpe of Southport and District Reform Synagogue – take part in the Walk of Unity in Southport. Photo courtesy of MAF Photography for Stand Up For Southport